Mountains
Johna Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was walking in the mountains in the middle of nowhere
My backpack and my compass, that's all I had with me

The peaceful silence took me much further than i thought
I never felt this balance between hills and waterfalls

I can't hide, forever in the wild
I can't hide, I need to come back to life

I made my way through darkness through long depressing nights
But everything's forgotten since i'm running in the wild

I'm in a land called fantasy unspoiled nature around
I finally can breathe again high on a mountain top

I can't hide, forever in the wild
I can't hide, I need to come back to life

Take me back to the mountains
Take me back to the sea
Take me back to the river
Where I can run free

I can't hide, forever in the wild
I can't hide, I need to come back to life

I need to come back to life
I need to come back to life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johna's song "Mountains" describe the experience of a person who goes hiking in the mountains, carrying only a backpack and a compass. The song explores themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature. The opening lines depict the person walking in the mountains, and the peaceful silence makes them feel balanced and in tune with their surroundings. The lyrics highlight how the person feels free and at peace in this unspoiled natural environment, and how they are able to breathe freely atop a mountain.

The chorus talks about the person's need to come back to life, to not hide forever in the wild. The lyrics suggest that the person is undergoing a journey of self-discovery that requires them to leave behind the stresses of everyday life and escape to a simpler way of living. The lines "Take me back to the mountains, take me back to the sea, take me back to the river, where I can run free" suggest that the person longs to return to this natural environment, where they can find inner solace and inspiration.

Overall, Johna's "Mountains" explores the restorative power of nature and the joys of solo travel through the mountains and reminds us how disconnected we are from nature in our daily lives.

Line by Line Meaning

I was walking in the mountains in the middle of nowhere
I went hiking in remote mountains far from civilization

My backpack and my compass, that's all I had with me
I only carried essential gear for survival and navigation

The peaceful silence took me much further than i thought
The tranquil surroundings had a profound impact on me

I never felt this balance between hills and waterfalls
I experienced a sense of equilibrium that I never had before in nature's beauty

I can't hide, forever in the wild
I cannot escape from the wild forever

I can't hide, I need to come back to life
I must return to my ordinary life

I made my way through darkness through long depressing nights
I overcame my struggles amid dimly lit nights

But everything's forgotten since i'm running in the wild
I forget all the negative thoughts when I'm out in nature

I'm in a land called fantasy unspoiled nature around
I feel like I'm in a surreal, unblemished environment

I finally can breathe again high on a mountain top
The cool mountain air brings me a sense of revitalization

Take me back to the mountains
I want to go back to the mountains

Take me back to the sea
I want to go back to the sea

Take me back to the river
I want to go back to the river

Where I can run free
Where I can roam without any constraints

I need to come back to life
I need to return to the normalcy of everyday life

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Nadine Krämer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

No Tracks Found

PT3M19S

04Letters from Dora3:52

05Sommertag3:39

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

J Dezenzio

3y↑1.7K

Who's here in 2021 watching this amazing man sing from his heart and soul?

Many Lives

Got me misty eyed . Such a beautiful song and his voice is like Angel

Natalie Graves

John was a blessing in his music.. damn I wish I could play that guitar like him..😉🥰🙏

Natalie Graves

I do..🥰👍

Michele Hardiman

2y↑1

I'm here in 2022. And loving this! ❤️

Clara Heinan

2022

203 More Replies...

David Spangler

4y↑979

I knew John back in the Seventies as I was a consultant brought in to help with a project he was doing. One night a small group of us sat around a campfire in the Rockies as he sang this song. Beyond magical! I will never forget that evening or John. He was a national treasure.

Karita Hännikäinen

Hi, David Spangler! Just smthing Id like to experience. Know many celebs, him never. Wish you all good, be well, Love, Karita.

Lisa King

Cant even imagine!! Heavenly❤️

Vicki Vonck

Nice!!

Grumpy Old Lady

@Chris Terry - I hope to visit New Brunswick and Nova Scotia some day.

Karita Hännikäinen

@Susan Chadwick right! Annies song!? Hugs. Karita.

57 More Replies...

M Johnson

5y↑514

The World could use a John Denver now. His songs inspire peace, love, happiness, tranquility... not enough adjectives to describe the emotions he inspires.

Louise Mcilwaine

2y↑1

@Darrel D'britto They Don't Even Compare To JD

Mauricio Beltre

2y↑1

OUR world needs many John Denvers.

Darrel D'britto

Thankfully we have Coldplay now

Paul Langdon

@ M Johnson- So very true! As John sang, he could put across those feelings, vibe & spirit of a song to those listening; and to us listening at home! So genuine when he sung! Still now so unforgettable. By all of us when ya think about it.

Jennifer Orellana

2y↑1

We need John’s voice more than ever

5 More Replies...

carrotjuse

2y↑58

No smoke, no mirrors, no laser lights, just John, singing his heart out. Magic.

John Boutet

2y↑27

One of the greatest live songs ever sung. Just a perfect rendition.

Rhubarb 68

2y↑2

It certainly is, John.

Kasey Miller

3y↑25

John has a pitch-perfect voice. And his songs are poems worth singing.

Eloise Brynlee

It’s haunting, it’s beautiful. 🤎 I’ll accept that. I’ve never seen John sing this song live before. 🖤 🎶

Douglas Nakamura

4y↑495

I reckon there aren't many artists in this day and age that could stand in front of a crowd and sound that good.

Wade Wade

@Anthony White

Love uou

Wade Wade

3366

Louise Mcilwaine

Definitely Not John Was One Of a Kind God We Miss Him 💔😭

Negus Negast

That's unfair. There are plenty of them.

D William

Many just lip sync to a sound track nowadays. Sad.

14 More Replies...

Dustin Wilhelm

4y↑1.4K

Who’s here in 2020 watching John tear it up?

Louise Mcilwaine

2022 Still Miss John 💔

Tomo Flis

2y↑1

2022

sunnyislesgirl !!!!!

3y↑2

Can't get enough!

98 More Replies...

TheSoham911

2y↑6

Still here in 2022, music like this is timeless and cannot be replicated.
Bless you John 💙

lpetar p

4y↑632

Elvis could sing, Springsteen could write, and then there was John-blessed with the talent to do both so well

theessexlad22

@Hugh Jass Bernie only writes the lyrics , Elt does the music

john arcarese

3y↑3

@Ben Whitney Springsteen's voice is an "acquired taste" - like rat poison.

lpetar p

3y↑2

@3% flying I like his music, hate his politics

23 More Replies...

MachTwo57

2y↑25

I'm 64 years old, and when I was twenty years old me and a friend headed west and lived in the Rockies for a year, Aspen, in part, because of John Denver. Greatest thing I ever did. Thank you Mr. Denver for changing my life!

Deborah S

❤

Sheri Sellars

2y↑1

I love this. It is something that is all but dead, the ability to take that opportunity and learn from the earth. I am glad you did it too.

Deborah S

2y↑2

Colorado is just beautiful like John ❤

Catherine Scarvey

2y↑42

Listening in 2022 and miss him dearly. He was such a big part of my life growing up. R.I.P. JOHN!!!

Jimmy Walker

2y↑1

Loving John's music still in2022 also.So tragic how he died.

Ben

2y↑1

Catherine: 👍🌹

EUGENE WARD

2y↑7

Sounds just as good in 2022 as ever! Never gets old!

Krispy Kremes

3y↑31

Genuinely sounds better than the studio recording. He was one of the few singers who had the ability to do that.

Natalie Waling

4y↑167

Of course I grew up with John Denver, listening to his music as a teenager and still today at the age of 63. When my girls were young and we moved to my present home today, I was up on a ladder stenciling my living room walls. Quite industrious I was at the age of 40, straddling the very top of the ladder, walking the stencil across the top of the wall with John Denver blasting from my "boom box." A complaining daughter commented that I should listen to her music; she was tired of hearing John Denver. Momentarily, I stopped the music and explained to her that some day when she hears John Denver music she will think of me and all the important memories of her life growing up. She was 13 years old then. Soon when she'd turned 15, she reminded me of this comment; she'd listened and discovered how motivating and uplifting and paralyzingly captivating his message and music are. His connection with the goodness of life was and still is instantaneous.

Grumpy Old Lady

2y↑1

What a sweet memory. I played John Denver albums all the time when my two oldest sons were little. A precious memory is of my oldest, at not quite three years old, standing on a chair, mimicking playing a guitar and singing “John Bentner, John Bentner” - he couldn’t pronounce Denver.

Rudy Peutl

Thank you for your comment. Beautiful!

Liberty Lady

Great story.

Kathy Banes

@Bo St jules I

5 More Replies...

Bill Coffey

2y↑14

This was not just a "concert", this was an epic milestone and watershed event in art, music and magic. John Denver was an incredibly rare gift to Humankind.

D B

2y↑3

This very song influenced my entire life,when I heard it when I was just 12 years old.!long live John Denver!

Kyle T Preston

4y↑56

John Denver’s music is unforgettable and so honest, heartfelt that it’s still hard to believe he is not with us today. His voice is instantly recognizable. Thanks for sharing the video !

John Long

5y↑180

One of the best singer songwriter this world has ever known. Like all of the greatest, like a shooting star gone in a flicker but leaving a legacy that will last as long as people sing

rOcKdAwG

Don't forget guitar players...

Andrian Curshen

4y↑3

You said it my brother. He had it all, beautiful voice, great musicianship, brilliant song writer and a most beautiful human being. I miss him still, 23 years after his untimely death.

T

5y↑2

Amen to you, John Long.

invalid_usernameಠ_ಠ

2y↑10

I'm not even in my 20's and I love his songs. Wish I could've lived in the 70's or 80's to go to any of his concert

kevin johnson

2y↑2

Here in 2022!! I would sit with my Father in our living room back in the mid 70s listening to this man andwe saw him perform live what a true artist!!

Ben Mayers

2y↑1

How does this man sound like he hasn't aged a day? instant chills hearing him sing

KELTUS_ WARRIOR

5y↑21

I so admired John Denver. Losing his voice was a tragedy. At least we continue to have his awesome music!

Raging Surf

4y↑15

There is such joy and exhilaration in this song.
It's John Denver at his finest, and this live version is wonderful.

Just look at everyone rising in applause at the end.
What a special moment that must have been for all.

Leonard Jeffreys

2y↑2

Truly, an amazing voice and talent. I match his loss with that of Karen Carpenter. What a shame to have lost them both so soon.

rcajun91405

2y↑11

Man had no political objectives, that I know of, loved him in "Oh God", and he always found the positive in everything. Such a talent that will be truly missed by those who knew him and his music.

Darrin

4y↑34

What talented singers there was back then, when songs spoke to you, had meaning, told a story, songs that brought out the emotions and feelings , John Denver, Carole King, Carpenters ,Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter Frampton and so many more. If only we could go back to when life was simple ,enjoyable.

Life of Abronovich

@shiningdawn yeah, good music exists today too, you just gotta look for it. Though John is still the greatest person to walk the earth

shiningdawn

Though the music of the seventies is incomparable, you over romanticize the past. There is so much amazingly beautiful modern music. It's just not thrust to the forefront, thanks to pop.

NoPCsHere

3y↑25

When I hear this one, I think of the Rocky Mountains in my home province of Alberta - the scenic glaciers & lakes, the canyons, the many animals such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, bears and others. Thanks John Denver, for the music and memories. You left us too soon.

Robert Parham

And his song from the following year, Rocky Mountain Suite, is about the time he spent in the Rockies of Alberta. A wonderful song as well.

Ray Loos

Thank you john

Aniket Banik

2y↑1

What a performance! What an artist! Miss you John!! Love from India 🇮🇳

TCB Garage

5y↑133

His voice comes with so little effort it’s astonishing.

leighgate2

2y↑4

Wow! His voice live is as good as the recording. From start to finish he is in incredible voice. Impressive.

David E

2y↑1

Rocky Mountain High is such an upbeat feel good song. An anthem of the beauty of nature.

Bill Krause

3y↑7

The guy had a voice for singing, didn't he? His ashes were scattered over a specified area of the Rocky Mountains, how legendary. He's missed by many..

Michael Word

3y↑11

I loved John and his music as a young child, 50 yrs later I still love it.

Neal C

4y↑12

What a beautiful song from a beautiful soul! Rip John Denver

Rosa Araujo

3y↑1

Saudades 🎼🎧💞🎆💟✨💫

Marco Perez

2y↑3

He is the reason I moved to Colorado. Thanks John...you made my life incredible.

Marilyn Cline

4y↑11

I went to three different concerts given by John Denver, and I can still remember the feelings every time I hear one of his songs. Those concerts were in the ‘80’s.

David Vitullo

2y↑1

A great powerful song that touches my heart n the greatest mountains of Colorado a well written song means a lot I love you John Denver RIP 😎🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸❤️🌹🌹🏋️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🌹🌹

Lydia

4y↑22

John Denver is one of my dad's favorite singers, he would play his music a lot when I was a kid (especially on road trips) and I didn't really get it then. I'm almost twenty now and I'm really starting to appreciate his music now, this is probably my favorite John Denver song, although it is very hard to choose.

FabiW

It's young adults music. I didn't get it either as kid. Now it speaks to me as a 28 year old.

Oldsuitman

4y↑1

you're wise at 20

Rob Ellis

5y↑254

I never appreciated John Denver until now at 41. As a musician myself, this guy was not only blessed with a beautiful voice, his guitar work is excellent.

Heart of Gold

2y↑1

Merry Christmas to you too Mr positive...

Rob Ellis

2y↑1

Nice grammar. Haha. No, he was before my time and I discovered him later in life, but Merry Christmas Mr. Negative.

1 More Replies...

Chris Cocks

I remember leaping out to buy this record - and playing it to death on the stereo at volume 10.

TB Player

2y↑2

October 12 2022 will mark 25 years since John’s passing… RIP John. Thanks for the beautiful music. You were a genius.

Louise Mcilwaine

Gone But Never Forgotten

Love Joy

Great percussion too besides the guitars. One of JD's best renditions of Rocky Mountain High. Thank you.

Jeffrey Scott

2y↑6

John was such a gift on so many levels. Amazing songwriter. Everything about this version is perfect and love the percussion as well- added an even more magical touch to a masterpiece of a song.

Lisa Herrera

2y↑3

I'm watching John Denver in 2022. What brought me here was the movie O GOD which was made in 1977. John Denver was a very great artist. Remembering the innocent of time from then and were we are now. 😢 😭. Miss those days 😢 😪. Rest in peace Mr. John Denver.

Kenny Evans

4y↑1

Such a beautiful voice, it can't be matched.

michael vichot

Incredible words, Incredible voice.
Thank you John!

Brian M

Still remember seeing him live in the 70's here in Philly , great talent

james mulvey

Still reaches into you and tears at your soul. I sing it in the car coming back from skiing when I am driving along.

Karina Olsen

2y↑3

My best friend and I saw him at The Cow Palace when we were 14. Great memories ♥️

Billy Ray Valentine

I love this song. It is so uplifting!

Joshua Patrick

3y↑6

There aren’t that many performers that match the recording in terms of ability and intensity and range. Thank you John Denver!

Young Raines

3y↑11

Only a person with a beautiful soul can pen such lyrics & sing them...just BEAUTIFUL.

Joseph Morrissey

5y↑3

The world isn’t a lesser place because we lost John, it is a greater place because of his amazing talent.

Petite Syrah

3y↑1

I've been to the rocky mountains. John captured it perfectly

Marie Tubosnick

3y↑1

Just got this cd...its wonderful!!! I truly forgot how wonderful JD was. What a loss😓

Gail Cangelosi

2y↑4

His compassion came thru his songs and left you feeling like you were there with him enjoying the life we all should be enjoying.

He inspired me to sing, and I am sure many been inspired. Love you JD.

Janet Davies

Absolutely wonderful!*!! 😃🎶🎸🎹🎤
Beautiful song, wonderful John Denver songs 🎶🎶😊🥰❤️💞💕

Fabio Micheletti

2y↑1

Amazing song as all John Denver's songs

HYPNIC JERK

3y↑1

Golden voice! We miss you John. RIP

roman14032

5y↑160

its hard to explain to people how few men born on earth are able to sing that high that well

wandaj19611

4y↑3

He's amazing still

Maria S.

4y↑16

Your music enriched our lives. Thank you, you're unforgotten in 2020.

Doug Lusk

great song! sad we lost him so many years ago, such a talent....

Andrew Smyth

4y↑1

A beautiful song that always has me in tears.

Inocencia Sumargo

The famous singer and a writer.Thanks for the beautiful world of music John. You’re always in our hearts. 🙏❤️❤️🙏

Cameron Michael

4y↑10

This is quite possibly the greatest live performance ive ever heard.

André Rieu Maastricht

A big thank you for your love all these years to my Dad's songs. I miss him every day.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Mary R Guy

5y↑5

This song makes your heart smile!

FedorMachida Last

2y↑1

Beautiful performance!

Liem Chau

4y↑6

I've been a fan of John Denver since 20 years ago and still love his voice.
Love from Vietnam!

John Lemons

What a voice, “Rocky Mountain High” isn’t just a song, it’s an anthem. Rest In Peace John.

Greg Jones

What I love the most about his music is the way the melodies just soar.

Ellen Orenstein

Gosh, how I loved this tune when I was younger. Back then I could actually sing this song well.

Jon Wong

5y↑26

It's good to know that this high quality rendition of one of his signatures is still getting good comments today. His music lives on, and so does his spirit.

Gloria Ertel

5y↑1

sooo true....amen..

Mike Hunt

2y↑2

2022 and our 30 year old children never heard of John Denver? They’ll listen eventually, I believe!

C R

5y↑33

One of the greatest singer song writers of all time . man this song takes me back to a better time.

Peter Bishop

3y↑1

John Denver, probably the best male singer ever. Love and peace.

Natalie Graves

2y↑4

His music makes my heart just soar.. God Bless you John 😉👍🙏

Gregory Dorrell

4y↑1

Fantastic job John
Absolutely great

David Santa Carla

I’m glad to have lived to heard the songs of this man. He got it. RIP John. 😇

kuka

3y↑4

So blessed with such a melodic voice and we were blessed to hear it. We so miss John Denver. There is no voice like his.

Susan Makosky

I LOVE John Denver's beautiful nature music!

André Rieu Maastricht

A big thank you for your love all these years to my Dad's songs. I miss him every day.🙏🏼🙏🏼💞💞💞💞

Live2Shred

5y↑8

John Denver: One of those people who probably didn't have a single fault to his personality. Earth would be blessed to have more people like him.

Anneke Sieck

@peanutbuttereggdirt1 I think he was not allowed to fly at the time of his death because he failed to stay sober after his second DUI, not because he had been caught flying a plane under the influence. However, I'm afraid he drove drunk more often than those two times -- DUI offenders are repeaters, and you don't get caught each and every time. And it's definitely not okay, and nor is throttling your wife and destroying her furniture with a chainsaw. But it is perfectly okay to enjoy this music.

peanutbuttereggdirt1

5y↑1

John was a raging alcoholic with multiple DUIs and was even banned from flying because he flew his plane drunk. I love john but nobody has a faultless personality,

Judith Rothman

2y↑2

Watching in 2022. Saw him in Concert at Red Rock, Colorado. His voice was even better in person.

Maria Helena

4y↑2

É tão espontâneo. a música flue naturalmente.

gillan5

4y↑4

a great song is a great song is a great song..... impeccable guitar playing, songwriting, performing. A real artist in its finest sense.

Rhubarb 68

This is the song, the perfect version of RMH that will ALWAYS make me cry. Listening to and savoring John’s pure voice on a glorious Sunday morning in Colorado … my Beautiful Colorado ♥️

Anirban Roy

The Wild Life Concert is such a treasure. Finest performance of by one of the very best in country music.

patrick feehan

4y↑10

incredible voice, wish I could sing like that

Tim Church

Will forever be one of my very favourite songs.

sojournerGJO

6y↑313

I remember a young 18 year old freshman in college going one evening to a John Denver concert in 1974 and being blown away by the artist and his music. And the beautiful nature videos in the background. Oh how I loved that so long ago. Thank you John.

Nancy Benefiel

4y↑1

He played at my college for a voter registration concert.. it would have been 1969.

CRIPPLE N CRUNCH

169th like;)

[REDACTED]

5y↑2

69th like

pawee1

5y↑5

Great comment I live through these stories of the past

Shawkurt

5y↑6

Just cherish for your life my man, live long and prosper!

VANLIFE KIWI

2y↑6

Jaw dropping talent! Wish I had the privilege of seeing John sing in person!

anja gading

o my god i saw him in germany with 12 years

Wayne Taylor

Wonderful song,wonderful lyrics!!!

Pah Kwan

3y↑1

John made me listen country music !! Love his songs !!

André Rieu Maastricht

3y↑1

A big thank you for your love all these years to my Dad's songs. I miss him every day.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💞💞😭💔

Tim Griffin

4y↑5

I will always love this song!! ❤️❤️

country bound

5y↑63

RIP John you will never be forgotten through your music!

Jerry Smiley

I will always miss his concerts......glad we have these videos to remember a great talent that left us to soon.

Bettina Hansen

2y↑1

Just beautiful♥️

Chris Winslow

3y↑5

Since 1972-73’ this song has always given me the goosebumps. Every time

Supreme Auto Sport

2y↑4

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it. I still remember my dad strumming it on his guitar and singing it to me though my childhood. Never appreciated the lyrics much till this year.

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now