About the song
John Denver, a beloved folk singer and songwriter, penned “I Want to Live” as a heartfelt plea for peace and understanding. This poignant ballad, released in 1971, became a popular addition to Denver’s live performances and a beloved song among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive voice and introspective lyrics, Denver explores the universal themes of love, hope, and the desire for a better world. Through emotive vocals and evocative imagery, listeners are invited to reflect on the human condition and the importance of peace and harmony.
The opening lines, “I want to live, to love, to laugh,” set the stage for a song that celebrates the simple joys of life. Denver acknowledges the challenges and injustices that exist in the world, but he remains hopeful and optimistic. The song’s refrain, “I want to live, to love, to laugh, to see the day,” conveys a longing for a peaceful and harmonious future.
Throughout the song, Denver uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his desire for peace. He references the “children of the world” who deserve a better future and the “hands of war” that threaten to destroy it. The lyrics evoke a sense of empathy and compassion, while also highlighting the importance of unity and understanding.
“I Want to Live” is more than just a peace anthem; it is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. Denver’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of love, compassion, and the pursuit of a better world. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a brighter future.
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Lyrics
There are children raised in sorrow
On a scorched and barren plain
There are children raised beneath a golden sun
There are children of the water
Children of the sand
And they cry out through the universe
Their voices raised as one
I want to live I want to grow
I want to see I want to know
I want to share what I can give
I want to be I want to live
Have you gazed out on the ocean
Seen the breaching of a whale?
Have you watched the dolphins frolic in the foam?
Have you heard the song the humpback hears five hundred miles away
Telling tales of ancient history of passages and home?
I want to live I want to grow
I want to see I want to know
I want to share what I can give
I want to be I want to live
For the worker and the warrior the lover and the liar
For the native and the wanderer in kind
For the maker and the user and the mother and her son
I am looking for my family and all of you are mine
We are standing all together
Face to face and arm in arm
We are standing on the threshold of s dream
No more hunger no more killing
No more wasting life away
It is simply an idea
And I know its time has come
I want to live I want to grow
I want to see I want to know
I want to share what I can give
I want to be I want to live