Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known … Read Full Bio ↴Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, actor, and humanitarian, whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singer, starting in the 1970s. He was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the decade and one of its best-selling artists. By 1974, he was firmly established as America's best selling performer, and AllMusic has described Denver as "among the most beloved entertainers of his era". After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed, with total record sales of over 33 million.

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.

The Eagle and the Hawk
John Denver Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I am the eagle, I live in high country
In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky
I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers

But time is still turning they soon will be dry
And all of those who see me, all who believe in me
Share in the freedom I feel when I fly

Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail over the canyons and up to the stars

And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Denver's "The Eagle and The Hawk" convey messages about freedom, hope, and aspirations of reaching greater heights. The song metaphorically describes the lives of the eagle and the hawk, living in the high country with rocky cathedrals that reach the sky. The eagle symbolizes independence, strength, and majesty, while the hawk represents fierceness and aggression. Denver refers to blood on the hawk's feathers as a reminder of the darker side of life, but he also acknowledges that time is still turning, and even the hawk's feathers will soon be dry.

Moreover, the lyrics suggest that those who believe in the eagle and the hawk share in the freedom they feel when they fly. The song encourages us to dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops, sail over the canyons and up to the stars, and reach for the heavens, hoping for the future and all that we can be, not what we are. In other words, the song's imagery calls for dreaming big and reaching for our aspirations, without losing sight of our values and the world around us.

Line by Line Meaning

I am the eagle, I live in high country
I am a majestic, powerful creature that resides in the mountains and peaks.

In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky
The towering cliffs and formations around me are like grand, natural structures that stretch to the heavens.

I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers
I am a fierce predator, known for the red stain of prey on my plumage.

But time is still turning they soon will be dry
However, time moves on and the blood will eventually dry up and fade away.

And all of those who see me, all who believe in me
All those who witness my majesty and have faith in my capabilities,

Share in the freedom I feel when I fly
Can experience the same sense of liberation that I experience as I soar through the skies.

Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Join me in embracing the powerful western winds and together we can explore the mountain peaks.

Sail over the canyons and up to the stars
We can also navigate over steep canyons and up into the starry night sky.

And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
Let us extend ourselves up to the heavens and have faith for what is yet to come.

And all that we can be and not what we are
Let us focus on our potential and not be limited by who we are today.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DENVER, MIKE TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Ben - Moderator

33w

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

33w

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!

Comments from YouTube:

@Chompchompyerded

3y↑301

Once many years ago, I saw John Denver sitting alone on the lanai of his room at a hotel in Hawaii. His room was next to ours. He was feeding sparrows, and I walked over and asked in a whisper If I could join him. He nodded and motioned for me to sit down. We fed little house sparrows which are an invasive species both in Hawaii and the mainland US. They are not highly regarded, but I have always loved them, as I love all birds. There were no words exchange between us. The birds came closer and closer until they were eating out of our hands. We continued to feed them until all we had for feeding them was gone. When the last bird left, we looked at each other. He had a big smile on his face, and I'm sure my smile was shining through as well. We nodded once to each other, then we both stood, and he went back into his room as I walked back over to the lanai in front of my room, and back in to the one in which I was staying. The only words I had spoken were the whispered words in which I asked if I could join in. beyond that, no words were exchanged. None were needed. We were enjoying a moment with precious little beings, and that was all either of us required. I didn't get an autograph. I didn't need one. I had a beautiful memory. I hope he had one too.

@lauramalek3128

3y↑20

Wuh-ow. That is a life long memory. Very very VERY lucky you!

@Chompchompyerded

3y↑12

@@lauramalek3128 It is, and I am.

@analogkid4957

2y↑9

Wow awesome what year was this? Was it before John had become a huge superstar?

@livin4thelamb499

2y↑10

Dang. What a beautiful memory. I felt as though I was there. Thank you for sharing it with us.

@Chompchompyerded

2y↑9

@@livin4thelamb499 You're welcome. He gave me quite a life long gift. A beautiful memory to keep.

31 More Replies...

@paulmurphy7063

8y↑604

it boggles my mind how some people can actually give this masterpiece a thumbs down.I'm so grateful I don't live in their world.

@scottpeacock5492

7y↑28

Maybe it because some idiots dont know good music when they hear it. John Denver was a Legend.

@lzontek

6y↑30

Loved this the first time I heard it, still love it. John Denver captured the spirit of the eagle and the hawk in this song, I miss him.

@katherinegipple5393

6y↑24

You are so right. This song moves every cell in my body and makes it tingle! I can't believe anyone wouldn't like it.

@jim1066

6y↑8

Makes it more special to me.

@emncaity

6y↑17

You said it.

I first heard this on the 8-track -- that's right -- of his Aerie album, as a kid. I'll never forget how in awe of it and him I was. And still am.

The greatest concert experience of my life was John Denver in 1978. Every single thing he did was even better than the recorded versions. You talk about a guy who could bring it. It was unbelievable. He finished with "Calypso," and I still get goosebumps and tears when the sound of it runs through my mind again. Impossible to describe. It was transcendent. This guy was touched by God.

35 More Replies...

@bigwhig3126

41w↑11

This song still gives me chills! My dad used to play it in the car on long trips back in the late 70's and 80's. Many years later, I will never forget listening to this in the car late one afternoon with a mountain to my left and the sun low in the sky. As he hit that last high note the sun disappeared behind the top of the mountain with the last rays flickering out as the song ended on that incredibly lofty crescendo'd note. It was PERFECT; one of those synchronous alignments of music and the world around you but then something even more amazing happened. As I passed the mountain, the sun began to re-emerge and the very next song on the CD was "Sunshine On My Shoulders". I looked down and sunlight was indeed resting on my shoulders just like an old friend. I will always cherish that moment as one in which I felt God was winking at me while traveling alone on a long journey! The message...or the way I interpreted that moment was that he's always there and that while this world is a phase we travel through on a much longer journey, we don't have to do it in solitude. So Thank You God and Thank You For John Denver!

@markromero5331

16w

It's truly magical moments like that when you know God is with you for a reason ❤

@mousegod100

6y↑147

after 40+ years this song still gives me goosebumps

@lauradiecoole8835

4y↑2

Yeah

@rezzums

Me too

@flutelessonscarlile516

1y↑1

@@rezzums

Eaglesandhorses

@troymihoyminoy3889

5y↑176

Had a phase as a kid where I was obsessed with John Denver, and this is my absolute favorite song by him. So strong and it hits hard

@OldLadyRocker

3y↑12

Hope you never grew out of that phase 🥺

@cooltj5881

3y↑4

Same I can't get over that he died😞

@ClintonCota

3y↑7

This is perhaps my favorite of his hits that isn't well-known by casual fans.

@katherinebrazonis7802

3y↑1

He was the Sole Singer.

@brianmclaughlin5209

3y↑3

I here ya as a a child of the 70's We had the best music ever.

6 More Replies...

@STSGuitar16

2y↑13

“In Rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky”
Man, such a beautiful line. Just paints a picture in your mind. I love how those words feel. One of the best descriptions of the majesty of mountains that I’ve ever heard on so many levels.

@fredharvey2720

20w

Describes very well the view from the top of Aspen Mountain

@JayJohnBryce

7y↑221

This song should be the anthem of wilderness and freedom.

@emncaity

6y↑5

It is.

@andrewswenson4464

6y↑10

This song and Calypso...

@PigglePigSwillbucket

5y↑8

One for the land and one for the seas

@BubbaZen10

5y↑4

John was good at those.

@lmdnh

5y↑3

Makes me want to cry every time I hear it. So beautiful.

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@cjjt66

5y↑53

"And reach for the heavens and hope for the future and all that we can be, not what we are." One of my favorite lyric of all time, of any song.

@OldLadyRocker

3y↑25

Listening to him was one of the reasons I went to college for forestry. To think of how beautiful the natural world is is mind blowing. We must protect it.

@JO-kp6lk

3y↑35

We can mourn his death but on
hearing this one beautiful song
we are compelled to celebrate
his ascendance. May we all soar
one day on such wings.

@GoddyLee

10y↑191

I think this song resembles very closely Johnny Denver's life: intense, clear, direct, joyful, profound, concrete and short.

I thank his music, his writings, his songs.

@BubbaZen10

5y↑12

To me, it speaks to his love of flying too.

@DellaStreet123

4y↑4

@@BubbaZen10 There used to be a TV documentary (and I think there still must be a copy locked-up somewhere) with the same name ("The Eagle and the Hawk") which featured this song, several raptors, and John Denver flying gliders. After Denver's accident, the footage was never aired again and you cannot get it anywhere.

@BubbaZen10

4y↑1

@@DellaStreet123 That is ringing a bell in my mind. I feel like i saw that a long time ago.

@douglassauvageau7262

3y↑1

@@DellaStreet123 Let me know if you obtain a copy.

@janbasil6522

10y↑76

I remember the first time I heard it. I got chills. I'm getting chills again; it is...beauty, power, freedom. And his voice and the feeling in it....magnificent.

@dwhitman3092

Yes Jan and if you're still out there I feel the same to this very day.

@lindapadley5806

3y↑36

It's a short song, but the emotions this song evoke make your chest hurt. Definitely a brilliant song.

@jamiepage328

9y↑91

"All that we can be and not what we are."

@BubbaZen10

5y↑7

All the lines in this are just so great. That one might be the best.

@BubbaZen10

5y↑1

@@jayhedo This guy was the first person to make me go out and get his music, and it was this album i got, when i was 10. :)

@douglassauvageau7262

3y↑4

John Denver was the Poet Laureate of Colorado, and perhaps the greatest troubadour of my generation.

@stevehildner5630

2y↑8

The fact that it's so short makes you ache even more. I think the 6/8 meter he used was smart, it gives it so much energy. Combined with his effortless vibrato and startling octave range, this is a brilliant and fleeting masterpiece.

@pastrybaker72

8y↑92

As a child, my dad would listen to J.D. in his El Camino via 8 track. I grew up listening to John and I still enjoy his music to this day. In my humble opinion, he's one of the greatest American folk singers of all time.

@BubbaZen10

5y↑2

I still have my 8-track of this. :)

@NBx12

3y↑2

El Camino! I had a 1968 in the eighties with the 327 small-block. Why the HELL did I sell that car. Hindsight is 20/20!!

@lauramalek3128

3y↑1

Right up there with Woody and Arlo Guthrie.

@shawn6669

12w↑1

We had an El Camino when I was 6/7 in 1974/5 and I remember over the course of two summers seeing a huge number of movies at the Drive In theater. We'd take the El Camino with a mattress in the back, snacks, pillows and blankets, back it in to whichever spot we could find and watch double features until late in the night. Magical for a little kid. I saw Snow White, The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes, The Apple Dumpling Gang, BedKnobs and Broomsticks, The Sword in the Stone, Escape to Witch Mountain, the Return of the Pink Panther..etc, etc....Just amazing. I think as a vehicle for going to the Drive In is/was the El Camino's first, best destiny. FWIW.

@jbman413

11w

There are alot of great artist from that time and before even. There are some good ones today as well, but alot of it makes me angry. Pretty sure it is by design.

@trinitygomez7824

1y↑1

WOW what a song. I wish it was longer ! What a a gifted beautiful soul.angel on earth. The most blessed Trinity,angels, saints bless you and keep you. Beloved Henry John. ❤️❤️❤️

@amyknarr2270

5y↑15

My brother and I played this song so much it skipped. I still "hear" the skips when I listen to it here :)

@lauramalek3128

3y↑2

OMG. I have albums and tracks I've listened to so many times I "learned" the skips too!

@evili2483

7y↑51

One of the most beautiful songs EVER written. It inspired me to write and play and sing songs for my entire life.
Every time I play, I hope to get the feeling that this song gives me.
Thank you Mom for introducing me to music; it was the greatest gift you could have ever given me.

@BubbaZen10

5y↑1

Same here man!! This song literally made me go out and buy someone's music and want to try to play it!! God bless Evil 1 !!! hahaha

@BubbaZen10

5y↑1

Something tells me, if you like this song, you might not be all that evil. (i won't tell anyone ;))

@JW-yr1qs

5y↑8

I grew up listening and loving John Denver's music. The Eagle and The Hawk is one that makes me feel glad to be alive. I can't think of 2 of the world's most awesome birds, the eagle and hawk and John composing this tribute to honor them. His words, melody, 12-string acoustics, voice of total truth and belief in what he loved and saw in God's creation...this song w/the symphony and cadence embodies John to a T. I get emotional every time I hear it. It's too wonderdul. John's passion comes through loud and clear. I'm glad he followed his passion for music because he gave my life and the world many songs to make us feel happy and feel good inside. John loved nature and animals. His songs were poetry. He was a 💎 gem. God bless Henry John Deutchendorf, Jr.

@seekingwisdom8

2y↑6

There is so much emotional power in this song! I’ve loved it for many years. John captured what I imagine it might feel like to soar through the majestic evergreens and mountains in Colorado. My soul soars when I hear this song. I’m fortunate to have experienced his music when he was at his peak in popularity, and blessed to feel a connection with it. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, the majority of my peers clung to the myriad rock bands that became superstars during the early 70s, as did I, but only John Denver’s songs touched my soul

@Mr54nomore

10y↑138

My goodness this song soars. What a great voice John had to sing this on such a high note. Awesome!

@jordanbriskin238

9y↑6

***** Yes, he had vocal cords of gold.

@BubbaZen10

5y↑1

He did love to soar!~

@josephcote6120

5y↑1

One of many of his songs that I kill my self trying to sing along with.

@bdwilcox

3y↑5

Most people think of John Denver as a country singer who sang foot-stomping, down-home country tunes but few know about his soaring, almost operatic, progressive repertoire. These tunes are true hidden gems.

@jameshackett7890

3y↑4

As a falconer, that song gives me goosebumps, it's just rightous.We need more musicians like John.

@richardflitcraft8333

6y↑2

Throwback to the 1970's .... I was at the University of Arizona when John Denver came out with this song - it's been over 40 years since I've heard The Eagle and The Hawk ... now that I'm on the verge of retirement, the song gives me chills when I think of the freedom I'll enjoy ... just like the eagle when she's flying high in her domain over the American West !!!

@TheRealCitizenGhost

10y↑88

Like no other singer/song writer, John Denver could take you there, you know? Like you're there, seeing it. Been a fan for 45 years. Won't stop. Miss him terribly.

@Narrowgaugefilms

2y↑3

It's actually inspirational:

Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are

I've always felt that this song is about a lot more than birds and maybe it's about each of us aspiring for the best in ourselves and the best life we can achieve.

@markromero5331

16w

I believe so, too

@craftysue519

1y↑2

This song blared in the hall as my son became our Boy Scout Troops first Eagle Scout. Perfection!

@JoJo-iv1cm

3y↑2

I'm 13 and my grandfather gave me his 1972 record player. He gave me J.D. greatest hits album and I never liked his music. But the other day after mothers day I played his album and heard this. I love this song, it's so lively and joyful

@julies1ify

4y↑2

Im 56 & have been a JD fan since I was a kid. He was my first concert in 1975 @ Olympia in Detroit when I was 11, still have the tour guide from it. So now I live in SW Michigan (Holland) & was mowing my lawn yesterday when an Eagle flew about 100 yards overhead, I was ecstatic as Im still new to seeing Eagles. A minute later a hawk flew into sight & they circled on opposite sides of the circle for a couple minutes. I said in my best JD voice "Far out" lol. Guess what song I started singing....Yep !

@patearly9492

3y↑3

Fantastic and far out! Thank you so much for sharing rest in peace John and God bless family and fans

@Frizandi

9y↑3

How could anybody NOT like this song??

@kimmit.o.2069

45w↑1

What a lovely comment. I'm sure he enjoyed your moments shared in this sweet gesture of feeding the sparrows.🐦 ❤❤❤

@calebkelley9119

3y↑8

It was John and a few others whom influenced me when I first started playing guitar. First time I heard this song on one of my moms albums, I fell in love with this piece of art.

So grateful to have been introduced to his music, I'm 23 and rightfully he still touches the heart of people my age

@jeanetteupchurch5617

9y↑83

My favorite John Denver song

@dawg1134

9y↑2

+Jeanette Upchurch Mine too.

@chrisg7891

8y↑3

+Jeanette Upchurch For me as well. Missing the Rockies.

@BubbaZen10

Same here. :)

@lmdnh

Same

@kellylawrence9072

Mine too!

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@joannereczka6826

2y↑2

One of my many favorites by the best songwriter/singer/entertainer/humanitarian. ❤️❤️
“Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are.”

@skipcornelius8789

5y↑4

This song is criminally short. My favorite patriotic song of all time...critical but aspirational and inspirational at the same time.

@viktoriahart6010

4y↑12

This song never fails to give me goose bumps. I remember hearing it on my daddy's LPs from the 1970s and 80s... amazing chord progression

@buzoman1

4y↑10

Me and my brothers used to play this song super loud and "fly" all around the room when we were little! Amazing song!!!

@deronplatt6466

4y↑2

Greatest John Denver song....hands down

@waynemacfarland1546

3y↑3

John Denver may be dead but his music as well as his legend lives on!

@CR-zh8xj

And as long as his music is alive, so is the musician. Long live Henry John Deutschendorf II, aka John Denver, wordsmith for the huddled masses and singer for the soul!

@waynemacfarland1546

@@CR-zh8xj Made me sad hearing that the man died too soon. May he RIP.

@monicatannehill9241

3y↑4

This song exemplifies the talent depth and range of this beautiful complex man and his beautiful complex music ❤️❤️❤️ the song takes my breath away

@markromero5331

16w

He would be 80 years old at the time of me writing this. What an incredible Songwriter and Guitarist that God has given me, to admire while I was growing up. What Greater Blessing can I ask for. ❤

@byroncosta8614

3y↑8

John Denver,
A very gifted, talented, musician,... Forever uplifting...

@smashgamez7672

3y↑3

I just this song while watching Mayans MC on Hulu. The guitars that start the song and that small part just blew me away!

I immediately found this on YouTube and was BLOWN AWAY! To say the song is amazing and touching still doesn’t say how good the song is!

I’m going to buy this song on iTunes right now!

@brendasorrelles3253

5y↑17

It still amazes me how after all these decades this single song effects me just as it did when first released. An anthem to freedom of spirit no matter what form it may have taken. John Denver hooked my heart back into its true-ness then and now. ❤️

@katherinegipple5393

6y↑10

My cousin and I went out to the woods with a boom box and played this song and sang to it at the top of our lungs! It was deer hunting season and we could hear the guns. We scared all the Deer away from the hunters.

@rebeccam4397

Somehow I think John would have approved of you scaring the deer away from the hunters. :-) Sounds like a magical experience.

@kateyd6498

15w

This song meant so much to my father. He was a renowned pilot and world's best dad. He had just started a podcast about flying before his sudden passing and this was the intro....when I hear it I feel closer to him. I can understand his love of flight. I miss you daddy.

@badplay156

4y↑4

I remember the pleasure I had attending one of his concerts. It wasn't about laser shows. It was about music. His voice was as flawless as his recordings. When union rules said his band had to take a break he sang a capella. It was the best concert I gave ever been to. A master musician devoted to his craft

@susangrossman8431

3y↑4

My favorite John Denver song.

@MsRose1958

10y↑2

LOVED HIM! Met him at several banquets I bartended at here on the Monterey Peninsula. His plane crashed right down the street from my house. SO VERY SAD!

@TodaysTomSawy3r

4y↑4

This song is underappreciated judging by the total views over almost a decade. We gotta get these numbers up. This is truly one of John Denver's greatest songs!

@valuecalc

It presents John singing with tremendous inspiration!

@belydncr

10y↑46

My all time favorite John Denver song! I miss him - he was one of the good guys.

@thekalechipsvendetta

5y↑13

Probably my favorite of his entire discography. He’s a wizard at illustrating setting.

@ScottBallard

A wizard.

@annabrown7302

48w↑2

LOVE THIS SONG THE EAGLE SO BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING PROUD❤

@thedivineenergy

21w↑2

John's voice flies with the Eagle and the Hawk in this song.
It's as if you can see him flying and soaring with them in the sky. 💗

@katherinegipple5393

4y↑8

I love this song!!! Best played full blast in the woods and sing along!

@MysteriesofGodTwoMessengers

3y↑2

My favorite song...fly so high every time xx God Bless you Mr Denver 🌷🌷🌷

@Blackie7424

8y↑38

I am moved by this song. How beautiful it is!

@karenbrannon2752

6y↑10

The POWER and passion that he sings with in this song gets to me every time! I love this song!!

@sld1116

4y↑24

This song is one of my top 5 songs of all times. It’s so amazing to listen to it with headphones on. Still can bring me to tears.

@Wombat32

2y↑1

He would open a show with this song. Completely set the mood for how the night was going to go. I learned to play guitar in my 30s just to play this song.

@Dustyholes

4y↑4

Listen to that vocal power. There will only be one John Denver

@Cityofchamps94

3y↑1

John Denver had a voice of angels. Plural, as in more than one.

@choryllis6646

4y↑4

This is one of those few songs that you almost need to listen to at full volume.

@cjlowe1637

2y↑1

Still one of the best. Though he was hurting his spirit shines through. A very special song and man

@Augalv

4y↑5

One of my favorite John Denver's songs

@dombaxter7332

35w↑1

After a night of historic infamy in America this beautiful song restores hope.

@Ymirson999

17w

One of the world's most unappreciated artists.

@2529gageskylar

12y↑3

I listen to a lot of rock& metal and I think JOHN DENVER IS AWSOME.One of my favorite songs.

@ongbabyjesus9651

ok :p

@territimmerman140

2y↑1

This is by far the best song he ever performed! Such a complex company and lyrics. I wish it would go on and on.

@elizabethstolle1793

6y↑4

As a profound and dedicated protector of all birds of prey...this song is organically and simply stunning! John Denver was taken from us way too soon! Loved all of his music....

@PeregrinePilgrimage

50w↑1

50 years to a true masterpiece

@edbrunning3137

5y↑2

My only complaint is this was one of his short songs. Such powerful lyrics.

@sweetpea45769

2y↑1

San Francisco Cow Palace “78”... I was there...great concert!!.... love this song...

@grgeliz

7y↑18

Every time I play this it has to be 3 or 4 times. Just majestic, like the Eagle and the Hawk. Powerful song and singer.

@georgehays4900

3y↑1

John Denver’s music calmed me, comforted me, made me feel that it was going to be ok. Was extremely sad when he died.

@NorthernBell4612

2y↑1

I loved this song and played it at a talent show in high school. It was the opening act. I played not to show off any of my talent but to share this beautifully impactful song with many who may have never heard it otherwise. And yes I played it on a 12 string guitar. Rest in peace JD your songs still resonate with me to this day.

@rickschultz5400

4y↑2

This a short song, but it speaks volumes. I am just a country boy from southern Michigan, spent 5 years in the high Rockies of Colorado, 10,200', guess the town? It's just incredible, I love this song.

@kimberlidetrick404

Aspen

@markrude9489

2y↑1

My dad loved John Denver, and while I have a deep appreciation for his other songs, this has always been my personal favorite.

@chelseaschneiter8643

5y↑4

For a very short song, the power carries through. That's talent! Love this song! We miss you, John. <3

@BubbaZen10

7y↑17

This would be in my all time top ten favorites. THIS made be buy someone's music. For the first time ever, I wanted something someone had sang or played. And it was JOHN!. THIS SONG made me feel that way. There's just nothing like this anymore. Thank you John. You were one of the people who made music so special to me, and made me want to play it. (btw, this song was not long enough!!!! see ya soon bro)

@marcseverson5480

1y↑1

Some day I am going to put this on a loop and have it play over and over again!

@princessana8858

9y↑25

John Denver is so much better than the current pop artists!! I miss him so much!! R.I.P :'(

@sumo769

Princess Ana this music isn’t even in the pop genre, so comparing this to pop music doesn’t make sense.

@PhilipBarron

I SO agree with you. Music nowadays sucks.

@spacecowgirl810

My favorite John Denver song. Amazing!

@michaelfrost4584

1y↑2

My goodness, l was 15 yrs old when this came out in Australia. Still after all those years it still give me goosebumps ❤❤

@suzannenoa9736

2y↑1

This song is GLORIOUS❤️

@jkcestlavie

9y↑18

John takes all the stress away, I will ALWAYS love him!

@matchedimpedance

11y↑4

I listened to this album a lot years ago as I was growing up. I still remember the morning I learned he died. I was very affected and in my reaction I went down to our basement where we had a record player. I put on this song and turned the volume all the way up. It captured the moment perfectly.

@Sherriincali

4y↑1

You have to be driving through the Rocky Mountains listening to this...then it becomes surreal.

@kimberlidetrick404

Or have the memory of that drive. Or just the desire to be there.

@Sherriincali

@@kimberlidetrick404 Maybe. When my kids were young and we would take them skiing in the Rockies we had to listen to John Denver all the way home and they wanted to kill me, but this song was powerful. Great memories.

@amusedandbemused1187

6y↑3

Those who dislike clearly do not "reach for the heavens and hope for the future and all that we can be, not what we are."

@carmenortiz3450

4y↑1

John Denver was a poet

@BlueCollarBeerSnob

3y↑2

“Reach for the heavens and hope for the future in all that we can be and not what we are” …. This isn’t just a beautiful song, it’s a prayer

@DebbyLynne

6y↑2

This is my favorite John Denver song. I have seen both an eagle and hawk fly but even if I had not I could picture it with this song. Close your eyes and let this song bring the words to pictures.

@ParodyDr

12w

As a kid I used to sit in our living room (where the stereo was) and listen to this song over and over again. I thought it was magical. ❤

@Lindanator09

10y↑35

John Denver was incredible the range of his voice was awesome and his songs are timeless

@LoriCiani

10y↑32

When I first heard this song it was during one of the worst times of my life. This song is one of those treasures that you find when you need it the most. My best wishes to all I met in one of the worst of places for a teenager. I remember all of you.

@lollypoplaura73

7y↑3

I couldnt agree more with you, been going through a rocky patch recently and just a couple of weeks ago i found John Denvers music.

@maryannsmarr6806

3y↑2

Absolutely love his music. He is awesome. Wants to preserve our endangered animals and majestic mountains and landscapes. Such a special person. His music is so special. Touches our hearts and reminds us we need to preserve our precious birds, animals and all of God’s creation.

@stevenelson3515

2y↑2

Was fortunate enough to see John in concert five or six times and this song never failed to get a rousing ovation. For one of the best versions, with just John and his 12-string, check out his performance at Lake Biwa in Japan or the full concert at the Apollo. Both are absolutely incredible.