He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him twelve gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders".
Denver starred in films and several notable television specials in the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot and died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash of his personal experimental aircraft.
Poems Prayers and Promises
John Denver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the things I've done and how it's been
And I can't help believing in my own mind
I know I'm gonna hate to see it end
I've seen a lot of sunshine
Slept out in the rain
Spent a night or two all on my own
Had myself some friends
And spent a time or two in my own home
And I have to say it now
It's been a good life all in all
It's really fine to have a chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire
And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and pass the pipe around
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
And what about tomorrow
And what about our dreams
And all the memories we share
The days they pass so quickly now
Nights are seldom long
And time around me whispers when it's cold
The changes somehow frighten me
Still I have to smile
It turns me on to think
Of growing old
For though my life's been good to me
There's still so much to do
So many things my mind has never known
I'd like to raise a family
I'd like to sail away
And dance across the mountains on the moon
I have to say it now
It's been a good life all in all
It's really fine to have the chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire
And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and pass the pipe around
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
What about our dreams and all the memories we share
The lyrics of John Denver's Poems Prayers and Promises, express the artist's reflection on his life's journey. The song is all about the things that make life fulfilling, and the memories that create a legendary legacy. Denver portrays that he has experienced all different kinds of things in his life, including sleeping out in the rain, feeling the sun on his face, and having his share of loves and friends. He looks back on his life with a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing that, overall, it's been a good life. For the artist, the beauty of life is in sharing it with friends, family, and love.
The chorus of the song talks about the importance of believing in something, the value of love and care, and the beauty of sharing memories with friends and family. Life is precious, and we should cherish it, focus on enjoying every moment, and reliving the memories of those moments later in life. The lyrics express the message that though change can be scary, growth and learning new things always bring joy.
Overall, Denver's lyrics are a celebration of life and the beauty of human connection. The song emphasizes the importance of cherishing the time we have, being grateful for the joys that life brings, and recognizing the significance of the relationships that we develop along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been lately thinking about my life's time
I've been recently contemplating my journey through life
All the things I've done and how it's been
Reflecting on all of my experiences and how they've shaped me
And I can't help believing in my own mind
I truly believe in myself and my experiences
I know I'm gonna hate to see it end
I have an appreciation for life and don't want it to end
I've seen a lot of sunshine
I've experienced a lot of joy and happiness
Slept out in the rain
I've endured hardships and struggles
Spent a night or two all on my own
I've had alone time to reflect and grow
I've known my lady's pleasures
I've enjoyed the intimacy and companionship of my significant other
Had myself some friends
I've had positive relationships with others
And spent a time or two in my own home
I've had the privilege of having a comfortable place to call home
And I have to say it now
I feel compelled to share this sentiment
It's been a good life all in all
Overall, I'm grateful for my life
It's really fine to have a chance to hang around
Having time to relax and enjoy life is a wonderful thing
And lie there by the fire
Being cozy and comfortable is a simple pleasure
And watch the evening tire
It's nice to observe the passage of time and appreciate the present moment
While all my friends and my old lady
In the company of loved ones
Sit and pass the pipe around
Sharing stories and enjoying each other's company
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
Discussing the things that we find meaningful and important
And things that we believe in
Such as our personal beliefs and values
How sweet it is to love someone
The beauty and depth of love
How right it is to care
The importance of caring for others
How long it's been since yesterday
The fleeting nature of time
And what about tomorrow
The uncertainty of the future
And what about our dreams
Our personal goals and aspirations
And all the memories we share
The cherished moments we have with loved ones
The days they pass so quickly now
Time seems to move faster as we get older
Nights are seldom long
The nights seem shorter now
And time around me whispers when it's cold
The effects of aging and the awareness of mortality
The changes somehow frighten me
The fear of the unknown and change
Still I have to smile
Despite these fears, I'm still able to find joy in life
It turns me on to think
The thought excites me
Of growing old
Embracing the natural progression of life
For though my life's been good to me
Despite life's ups and downs, I'm content with my experiences
There's still so much to do
There are still many things I want to accomplish
So many things my mind has never known
There are still things I have yet to learn and discover
I'd like to raise a family
A desire for children and the joys of parenthood
I'd like to sail away
A sense of adventure and desire to travel
And dance across the mountains on the moon
An imaginative and fanciful dream
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DENVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
Hey J Parker, Sorry to hear you're having these issues. Would you mind please emailing our support team an example album or track to support [at] sonichits.com?
J Parker
SonicHits just gets worse and worse. Albums that don't play,songs that don't play, tracks that are NOT the named song or even the right artist, adverts that cover content and cause the site to interrupt and buffer inthe middle of songs. I've got to find a better music site!
@alfredmaddison3046
I am 70 yrs now,but i have listened to and loved his music and songs since i was 15 yrs old,the way he makes his guitar sing along with him is an absolute delight,i am fighting depression and was diagnosed recently with leukaemia,so when i feel down and alone i just listen to John's music,it takes me to better place.the whole world needs to listen to it.take care everyone.💔
@robinayliffe978
I hope you have all the help you need as you deal with leukemia ❤️
@naidoodan9217
That makes two of us.
@dimanchelaurent1945
keep it up brother, GOD is in command! wish better days in your life, with john' songs as company! GOD bless you!
@daleylaff
There is no age appropriate. His voice is ageless. ❤All best wishes in your recovery from leukemia.❤
@catherinebiggstaff3747
Glad you have John to keep you company funny isnt it how evrryone deserts you in the fsce of illnrss same thing happened to me but one thing is certain JD is still here ready to help us my prayers are always answered
@paulatkinson4439
This man was so much ahead of time, it's unbelievable. I recall that he was looked down on, but people just didn't realize how much he cared about the environment and nature. He was a gift for all to enjoy. A humble man, that was grateful for the gift of talent given to him and loved to share it. RIP Mr. Denver.
@gloriaertel2463
Well said......Amen...