About the song
John Denver, a beloved singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt ballads and environmental activism, penned “Starwood in Aspen” as a tribute to the scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance of the Colorado resort town. This evocative song, released in 1975, became a popular addition to Denver’s live performances and a beloved track among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive voice and acoustic guitar, Denver paints a vivid picture of Aspen, capturing its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and serene atmosphere. The song explores themes of nature, love, and the search for meaning in life. Through introspective lyrics and Denver’s emotive delivery, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and find solace in the beauty of the natural world.
The opening lines, “Starwood in Aspen, a place I know so well,” set the stage for a song that celebrates the singer’s deep connection to the Colorado resort town. Denver describes the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the serenity of the forest, and the warmth of the people. The song’s refrain, “Starwood in Aspen, I’ll always come back,” conveys a sense of longing and a desire to return to this special place.
Throughout the song, Denver uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his love for Aspen. He references the “summer nights” spent under the stars and the “winter days” spent skiing in the mountains. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times, while also expressing a hope for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
“Starwood in Aspen” is more than just a love song to a specific place; it is a celebration of nature and the human spirit. Denver’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals create a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere, reminding listeners of the importance of connecting with the natural world and finding solace in its beauty. This timeless classic continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of music to transport us to new and meaningful places.
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Lyrics
It’s a long way from L.A. to Denver
It’s a long time to hang in the sky
It’s a long way home to Starwood in Aspen
A sweet Rocky Mountain paradise
Oh, my sweet Rocky Mountain paradise
Springtime is rolling ’round slowly
Gray skies are bringing me down
Can’t remember when I’ve ever been so lonely
I forgot what it’s like to be home
Can’t remember what it’s like to be home
I think on my lady’s sweet memories
I think on my children’s sweet smiles
I think on my home at Starwood in Aspen
All my friends and the snow covered hills
Oh, my friends are the snow covered hills
And I tell you I’m happy to be here
To share and consider this time
For I see here the shadows of changes
And a feeling of new friends to find
And I see here some new friends to find
It’s a long way from this place to Denver
It’s a long time to hang in the sky
It’s a long way home to Starwood in Aspen
A sweet Rocky Mountain paradise
Oh, my sweet Rocky Mountain paradise