About the song
“Rocky Mountain High” is a folk rock masterpiece penned by the legendary John Denver in collaboration with Mike Taylor. This iconic song, recorded in 1972, serves as the title track of Denver’s highly acclaimed album “Rocky Mountain High.” It climbed to an impressive No. 9 on the US Hot 100 chart in 1973, solidifying its place in the annals of American music history. Notably, “Rocky Mountain High” is one of Colorado’s two official state songs, a testament to its profound connection to the region and its culture.
Denver’s inspiration for “Rocky Mountain High” stemmed from his move to Aspen, Colorado, three years prior to writing the song. His profound love for the state’s natural beauty is evident in every verse, particularly in the seventh stanza, which poignantly addresses the detrimental impact of commercial tourism on the pristine mountains. The song’s creation was a labor of love, taking Denver an unusually long nine months to complete, a fact he often shared with concert audiences in the mid-1970s.
On April 10, 2017, “Rocky Mountain High” achieved Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America, celebrating sales of over 500,000 digital downloads. This recognition underscores the song’s enduring popularity and its lasting impact on listeners.
The song’s significance extends beyond its commercial success. It was honored by the Western Writers of America as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. “Rocky Mountain High” captures the essence of the Colorado Rockies, offering listeners a glimpse into the awe-inspiring landscapes and the serene sense of peace Denver found in the mountains.
However, the song did not escape controversy. In the same year it was released, a legal ruling allowed the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to censor music that was perceived to promote drug abuse. Misinterpretations of the line “everybody’s high” led to cautious bans by several radio stations. Denver publicly clarified that the phrase innocently described the euphoria and tranquility he experienced in the Rockies, devoid of any drug-related connotations.
Denver’s passionate defense of “Rocky Mountain High” reached its zenith in 1985 when he testified before Congress during the Parents Music Resource Center hearings. He eloquently articulated that the song’s imagery of natural beauty and elation was inspired by real experiences, like witnessing the Perseid meteor shower on a clear night in the Rockies. His testimony highlighted the profound joy and celebration of life that the song encapsulates.
In late 2007, the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen faced controversy when the final lines of “Rocky Mountain High,” which included the contentious lyric, were removed from the song’s stone inscription. Despite this, the song remains a beloved anthem, celebrated for its vivid depiction of Colorado’s majestic landscapes and its heartfelt expression of Denver’s deep connection to nature.
“Rocky Mountain High” endures as a symbol of 1970s pop culture and a cherished piece of Colorado’s history, reflecting John Denver’s legacy as a musician who masterfully captured the beauty and spirit of the American West.
Video
Lyrics
He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Coming home to a place he’d never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
You might say he found a key for every door
When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
On the road and hanging by a song
But the string’s already broken and he doesn’t really care
It keeps changing fast and it don’t last for long
But the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby
Rocky Mountain high (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept the memory
Now he walks in quiet solitude the forests and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
Talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
While they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land
And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
I know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky Mountain high
Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody’s high
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)