“He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming back to a place he’d never been before.” Wow. What incredible lyrics to open this incredible song about finding yourself.
"Talk to God and listen to the casual reply", "Know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly". Not a throwaway lyric in this song. Where does this come from. Miss you John. This music is timeless. Tim
The song comes from when he and some friends went to watch the Perseid meteor shower and he started to write the song after hearing the melody from a friend.
The Greeks called them Muses. Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Titan goddess of memory. Socrates, in his journey to seek what he knows, he asks the doctors, craftsmen, and poets. Of the craftsman, he recognizes them of men who have great skill in one area. Of the doctors, these men were skilled in medicine but took that knowledge to other areas, where they lacked but still assumed knowledge. Of the poets, they didn’t seem to have knowledge. Not of their craft, nor of its workings (how they were able to do it), but rather Muses seem to take possession of the individual and speaks through them. Now, being educated in contemporary society, I find myself thinking the Greeks have the best explanation so far. Despite our mastery in many fields, when it comes to art, we are at a total lack of any insight. So where does it come from? From the depths for the soul, hidden from our microscopes and scientific method, yet present and right in front of our faces.
John Denver had a very high IQ and obviously was a musical genius, His intellect in his songwriting was on a whole different level. Listen very closely to the words of his songs and take into the meaning of them. He's definitely in a world all his own.
John Denver wrote his songs especially this one giving the listener a picturesque in mind Rocky Mountains snow capped Mountains, Calypso= Jacque Coustou ship very beyond its time lyrically.
This song brought me peace during a very dark time in my life, it gave me hope. At the age of 70 I had to put down my pet and it killed me; I was so down I couldn't even listen to music. When I finally allowed myself to, this was the song that brought me back to life. I'm indebted to John Denver, thank you.
@@rcrowman Not to mention that there is a thing called "historic present tense". Just because somebody is dead it doesn't mean that you cannot discuss him in present tense within the context of a timeframe in which that person was alive.
Anneke Sieck ♥️🌹♥️Hello - just want to say that a lady from England named Amanda Ellis “Celestial Angelic Colours” recently channeled(like a Medium) John’s message to us (humanity) on about May 7, 2020- (my birthday😇)If you are interested - its wonderful. If u r not interested - maybe pass info on to others who liked John’s music and biography.💙🐳💙🐬💙🦈💙🐋HAPPY MOTHERS DAY♥️🎁♥️5-10-20
I was the same age as Denver, raised the same way. I spent every day outside, from dawn to dusk. I sat with my back against a tree most days writing books or singing songs. Now I'm a writer and just sing around the house. I learned that you don't appreciate the environment unless you've spent quality time in it. Go camping, if nothing else. Just sit, close your eyes for a moment, notice smells and sounds. You can feel movement through the wind. Maybe it was just my generation, but we spent a lot of time in the woods or playing instruments and singing. No computers or video games back then.
I grew up with no computers, black and white TV and transistor radios. We spent all our time back then outside playing, working and just hanging out talking about , stupid stuff, sports and girls. I feel for the kids now not knowing what freedom really is. Kids were kids back then could ride their bike without helmets, played with air rifles and filling them with dirt and firing it at the enemy. Many times a stray stone would catch you in the head, arm or wherever. So much freedom back then.
What I wished the places I spent my first two decade of my life(I only have chance when we bond as family and go to mountains). Even though I wasn’t spending my childhood years in woods or a mountain, life still has found small ways to me to see and value the nature. I hope that one day I could do this with my adult life and with my family.
John sang to my wife and daughters and toby my dog as we went camping and fishing in the Colorado mountains with friends, and yes, we we're high and high on life.
Dang if he didn’t hit the high note too! This song means a lot to me. It’s a lot like the story of my dad’s life who we lost a few months ago to ALS. My husband and I sang it at his burial in his beloved Colorado.
Between the Drop-D tuning, the hammer on-s and pull-offs, John is providing his own lead guitar licks/fills while playing rhythm guitar, at the same time.
John Denver was incredibly talented at singing, playing guitar, and songwriting. Rocky Mountain High is one of my favorites. Many people think the song is about getting high like on drugs not even understanding this is describing a feeling of coming to Jesus and being “born again” having faith in Him.
@@martinbrodie8507Neither have I. I wasn't into the hard rock of the time. I actually thought "QUEEN" was "hard". I love them NOW. I love Elvis Now. I can appreciate Eagles and others. As a teenager in the mid 70's...I was so infatuated with Donny Osmond and the Osmonds...that I missed everyone else... Except John Denver. I always made time for his music. To me...he was an "Old Soul"...and I was very sad when he died. Once I hit high school...I was OVER Osmonds and finally could appreciate Queen and even some hard rock. However...mushy love songs and DISCO were my favorites. I was 16🤷♀🤷♀
A true American legend......a good and decent man......the things he stood for...the things he represented were YEARS ahead of his time......his music and his message WILL endure...
John was the greatest singer songwriter of my generation...he was the single most important artist that influenced me...I cried the day he died...I got to see John in concert four times...and every show was like a religious experience...we all sure miss your genius John....
I had the pleasure of seeing John in concert twice when he visited England, the man was an absolute genius and had the audience in the palm of his hand. An Incredibly modest and humble man, sadly missed.
I revisit this video about once a month. I only wish I could relike it because it so deserves it. A Man before his time creating a new reality. His music is what got me into music. His contributions to my life are my most treasured memories.
Watch his physical interaction with his guitar --- so tactile, so intimate, almost like two lovers. Truly, John Denver was a monumental artist the likes of which we'll never again see, and we're fortunate to have this video image of him at the peak of his talent.
I saw him "live" twice in the eighties in a small room in Reno and several times in Christmas concerts he used to do in the mid-eighties. His talent was never in doubt, but it was startling to see how good he was live. In the late eighties, I interviewed him for a newspaper article when he was coming to town. He was baffled at the way his music had seemingly become irrelevant. He lamented that he had not pursued more acting opportunities. In the nineties, I was at a bar where a guitarist was taking requests. I requested John Denver, and the guitarist made fun of me. I doubt I'd get that reaction today. I hate that Denver didn't live to see that his music was not irrelevant. It has held up well, as this video shows. While it is true that his music doesn't challenge us the way Dylan's music does, Denver's music comforts in a way that is more relevant now than ever.
His music is completely relevant in my book. His songs are the best! I use them for comfort, entertainment, and simply feeling good. Thank goodness for this man, John Denver.
He is the reason why Denver Colorados population exploded during those years. I moved there and have never regretted it. It is as beautiful as he sang about and more.
I don't know if it's the 3 beers I've had but I'm literally getting chills listening to this. Perfection. I hear songs from this era and compare it to music of today and all 8 can't think is, what the hell happened? Aren't musicians supposed to build on past music and not obliterate it?
Bawling like always when I hear his music,its just so beautiful...going on a family vacation to Colorado in 2 weeks, so it hits a little more special leading up too the trip❤
His music reached into your soul. Magical the first time I heard this on the radio. Maybe a month later, he performed in an auditorium that was a movie theater just a year before. I missed him there. Saw him 10 years later in an arena where the seating was set up in the round and I had 2nd row seats. Bought a T-Shirt and my friends at work made fun of me for even liking him.
My absolute favorite singer of all time. His beautiful songs of nature, love, and family influenced me greatly as a young man. It nearly broke my heart when he died.
Such a full, majestic sound from his Guild guitar - it is like there is a full orchestra accompanying his wonderful, soaring, pure voice. I don't see how you could match this.
Saw him in concert many times.He was incredible live. It was like he was singing tto you alone. The experience was intimate and almost kind of spiritual . Never seen an audience of people come together to enjoy something so thoroughly. Also only concert where sound levels were perfect and not too loud. His sound engineer must have been the best.
Never one like him, before or since.....and not just his voice, which was beyond reproach, but his entire aura. A large part of what we call "music" died with him.
I've listened to this song a thousand times, and it still brings a tear to my eye from time to time. He was gone too soon. The first "celebrity" death I truly remember (I was 8). I remember my mom crying when she told me .
Man alone with guitar....astounding. John Denver's package unfortunately comes with so much wrapping paper that we have forgotten the beautiful and gloriously imperfect present that lied beneath his songs.... 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 lullabye Rocky mountain high (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 his memory Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest 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 raining fire in the sky You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply Rocky mountain high Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend Why 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 It's Colorado rocky mountain high I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky Friends around the campfire and everybody's high Rocky mountain high
Hello 👋 Shelia. How are you doing ? Hope are you fine. I'm Scott Clifford and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from? You seem like a real country girl
Just an unbelievable talent. To sing live like that hitting every note and play guitar like a maestro at the same time. You don’t find that level of ability today.
Hello 👋 Tiffany. How are you doing ? Hope are you fine. Im Scott Clifford and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from . You seem like a real country girl
When I was like 11 or 12, and thought I was cool and knew everything about music because I listened to Metallica, I remember having a debate with my uncle about who were great or the best guitarists we’ve seen or heard. Well of course I was certain that it was Kirk Hammett because he played fast (at least back then) and that’s all I knew. My uncle said the best guitar player he had seen (including in concert) was John Denver, and I remember laughing out loud. All I knew of John Denver was he was the bespectacled fellow in that cheesy movie with George Burns. Now that I’m older and hopefully much wiser, I see how silly I was and how right my uncle was. As another commenter mentioned, this live guitar playing is actually quite difficult and technical, although it looks deceptively simple to many casual observers (who may think he’s just strumming chords). Now add the singing in time while playing all those notes and moving those hands and fingers so quickly and wide all up and down the fret? Very impressive. Uncle 1, Nephew 0.
We all cant do what were watching, why? Its a talent that is given not learnt. He was amongst us for such a short while and we never really knew at the time what his mission was. Now that he has gone its more than clear what he was sent down to do and that was for us to revel in his talent, spirit and verse. His music will always be.
Has anybody ever played and sung that song better than John Denver ??! No, they haven't ! That's all I need to say about how good John Denver's performances were back then ! Look them up. He was singing to audiences who still thought the world could get better. We truly celebrated in our hearts with each other. That was progress. We had society, love and feelings. We were not simply the targets for selling stuff. We were people, life mattered, and the rich could still be held to account. Unfortunately we still believed democracy worked, but it hasn't!!
“He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming back to a place he’d never been before.”
Wow. What incredible lyrics to open this incredible song about finding yourself.
People have no idea how insanely difficult it is to play LIKE THAT whilst also singing like that.
This man was gifted beyond all measure.
incredible u are right & what a kind soul he was all the good ones gone I miss him so much
My longstanding opinion is that the "bad motherfucker" wallet from Pulp Fiction actually belonged to JD.
I agree
It looks very difficult.
@Chris Kozak he doesn't even seem to think about it. his hand just moves. i can't even get my fingers to move at this speed and hit it right.
"Talk to God and listen to the casual reply", "Know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly". Not a throwaway lyric in this song. Where does this come from. Miss you John. This music is timeless. Tim
The song comes from when he and some friends went to watch the Perseid meteor shower and he started to write the song after hearing the melody from a friend.
The Greeks called them Muses. Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Titan goddess of memory. Socrates, in his journey to seek what he knows, he asks the doctors, craftsmen, and poets. Of the craftsman, he recognizes them of men who have great skill in one area. Of the doctors, these men were skilled in medicine but took that knowledge to other areas, where they lacked but still assumed knowledge. Of the poets, they didn’t seem to have knowledge. Not of their craft, nor of its workings (how they were able to do it), but rather Muses seem to take possession of the individual and speaks through them.
Now, being educated in contemporary society, I find myself thinking the Greeks have the best explanation so far. Despite our mastery in many fields, when it comes to art, we are at a total lack of any insight. So where does it come from? From the depths for the soul, hidden from our microscopes and scientific method, yet present and right in front of our faces.
You are so right, those lyrics are really something. Just him snd that guitar was enough ❤
This dude UNDERSTOOD the Rockies, and was gifted enough to articulate it
Could you imagine for just one minute what John Denver and Joan Baez would sound like collaborating? Absolutely breathtaking.
50 years later this song still gives me chills...
That voice, those lyrics .... PERFECT!
Also love Home Again
That last note does for sure, even after all this time...
No band. John's acoustic guitar, standup bass, and lone voice. No background vocalists. No dancers. Just a badass talent
John Denver had a very high IQ and obviously was a musical genius, His intellect in his songwriting was on a whole different level. Listen very closely to the words of his songs and take into the meaning of them. He's definitely in a world all his own.
Absolutely one of the best songwriters to ever grace us! Beautiful lyrics! Probably one of the best songs ever written!
This song is an absolute masterpiece!
John Denver wrote his songs especially this one giving the listener a picturesque in mind Rocky Mountains snow capped Mountains, Calypso= Jacque Coustou ship very beyond its time lyrically.
Talk to God and listen to the casual reply. Genius
❤
This song brought me peace during a very dark time in my life, it gave me hope. At the age of 70 I had to put down my pet and it killed me; I was so down I couldn't even listen to music. When I finally allowed myself to, this was the song that brought me back to life. I'm indebted to John Denver, thank you.
I know where you're coming from 😢
I can't believe how consistent he sounds live as he does on his albums!
No one and I mean NO ONE can play that song like John. A masterpiece for all time.
Who is listening to this absolute legend in 2022? 🔥
😂❤2023 and onward!
2024
2024 Listen to one of his songs every single week. Incredible musician and singer.
He sings pitch perfect every single time.
You're right. A lot of singers nowadays are hired for looks, not talent, and their voices are perfected by computers.
Sang...
@@TheGranti7a No sang is past tense, he said it correctly, as in "sings pitch-perfect" every single time. He just left out the hyphen.
@@rcrowman Not to mention that there is a thing called "historic present tense". Just because somebody is dead it doesn't mean that you cannot discuss him in present tense within the context of a timeframe in which that person was alive.
Anneke Sieck ♥️🌹♥️Hello - just want to say that a lady from England named Amanda Ellis “Celestial Angelic Colours” recently channeled(like a Medium) John’s message to us (humanity) on about May 7, 2020- (my birthday😇)If you are interested - its wonderful. If u r not interested - maybe pass info on to others who liked John’s music and biography.💙🐳💙🐬💙🦈💙🐋HAPPY MOTHERS DAY♥️🎁♥️5-10-20
I was the same age as Denver, raised the same way. I spent every day outside, from dawn to dusk. I sat with my back against a tree most days writing books or singing songs. Now I'm a writer and just sing around the house. I learned that you don't appreciate the environment unless you've spent quality time in it. Go camping, if nothing else. Just sit, close your eyes for a moment, notice smells and sounds. You can feel movement through the wind. Maybe it was just my generation, but we spent a lot of time in the woods or playing instruments and singing. No computers or video games back then.
Beautifully stated
I grew up with no computers, black and white TV and transistor radios. We spent all our time back then outside playing, working and just hanging out talking about , stupid stuff, sports and girls. I feel for the kids now not knowing what freedom really is. Kids were kids back then could ride their bike without helmets, played with air rifles and filling them with dirt and firing it at the enemy. Many times a stray stone would catch you in the head, arm or wherever. So much freedom back then.
What I wished the places I spent my first two decade of my life(I only have chance when we bond as family and go to mountains). Even though I wasn’t spending my childhood years in woods or a mountain, life still has found small ways to me to see and value the nature.
I hope that one day I could do this with my adult life and with my family.
John sang to my wife and daughters and toby my dog as we went camping and fishing in the Colorado mountains with friends, and yes, we we're high and high on life.
That’s a great story!
This is an immortal song. It will last forever.
This song literally warms my soul. It always makes me cry. His voice was a gift from God.
What did I just watch? I can't believe how perfect his pitch is, especially on the high notes! Just Wow!
Still gives me goose bumps after all these years.
A pure talent.
Yeah it really freaked the fuck out of us Brady Bunch enthusiasts out.
He kinda looked like that Oliver infiltrator kid, nome sayin'?
Me to 🌱🌱
John denver has a special place in my heart
John denver has a special place in my heart
Dang if he didn’t hit the high note too!
This song means a lot to me. It’s a lot like the story of my dad’s life who we lost a few months ago to ALS. My husband and I sang it at his burial in his beloved Colorado.
He hit it. Nailed it. AND held it! Pitch Perfect! While shreddin that Guild...😎
A kind and gentle soul who cared about our fragile ecosystem, his towering talent and creativity will always be solid gold.
Not just a powerful, perfect vocal performance but how bout that guitar playing ?!?! Just phenomenal.
We sure do miss him
I was thinking the same thing. What a talent.
His VOICE is so pure. Miss him? I'd trade Trump and Mandela and Elvis to have JD back.
And all at the same time
Amazing
Between the Drop-D tuning, the hammer on-s and pull-offs, John is providing his own lead guitar licks/fills while playing rhythm guitar, at the same time.
And to Top it off immaculate singing
John Denver was incredibly talented at singing, playing guitar, and songwriting. Rocky Mountain High is one of my favorites. Many people think the song is about getting high like on drugs not even understanding this is describing a feeling of coming to Jesus and being “born again” having faith in Him.
I heard this song in a coffee shop in Kansas and wanted to move to Aspen Colorado immediately.What an incredible experience.
John Denver was a genius! I don't care what anyone says. This is the music of my early childhood.
and mind.
oops..mine.
@@maureenperez9999 , I never left the 70s.
@@martinbrodie8507Neither have I. I wasn't into the hard rock of the time. I actually thought "QUEEN" was "hard". I love them NOW. I love Elvis Now. I can appreciate Eagles and others. As a teenager in the mid 70's...I was so infatuated with Donny Osmond and the Osmonds...that I missed everyone else... Except John Denver. I always made time for his music. To me...he was an "Old Soul"...and I was very sad when he died.
Once I hit high school...I was OVER Osmonds and finally could appreciate Queen and even some hard rock. However...mushy love songs and DISCO were my favorites. I was 16🤷♀🤷♀
RIP John. Can't believe that performance was fifty years ago -- and I probably heard it live.
The subtlety of the song makes it impossible to get enough of
A true American legend......a good and decent man......the things he stood for...the things he represented were YEARS ahead of his time......his music and his message WILL endure...
The guitar part is so complex watch his hands, the fact that he can sing solo and not miss a beat on the guitar is cruelly amazing
This has to be one of the greatest songs ever. And that guitar playing - wow!
I’ll never forget the first time I heard this song back in ‘72. Couldn’t believe how good it was. Still feel the same way.
Yeah I was in the dorm room of my best friend who was also named John and his roommate made us listen to this song. I was blown away.
John was the greatest singer songwriter of my generation...he was the single most important artist that influenced me...I cried the day he died...I got to see John in concert four times...and every show was like a religious experience...we all sure miss your genius John....
I had the pleasure of seeing John in concert twice when he visited England, the man was an absolute genius and had the audience in the palm of his hand. An Incredibly modest and humble man, sadly missed.
He never gets old...he's one of a list of a few that I can listen to over and over
I revisit this video about once a month. I only wish I could relike it because it so deserves it. A Man before his time creating a new reality. His music is what got me into music. His contributions to my life are my most treasured memories.
He was so talented, so popular, and yet has become so underrated.
Forgotten by the youngers....
I loved this guy when I was in high school in the 70's and I loved Colorado. Later on I was blessed to live there for 15 years. Timeless music 🎵
Such an amazing talent. John Denver was the best.
In my opinion one of the very best songs that ever has been released. Brilliant musician, wonderful singer ...
Poems, Prayers and Promises and things that we believe in.............................................
The great ones never look like they're working at it.
Wow, this shows he doesn't need a bunch of studio tricks...a fabulous live performance.
Musical history. 50 years, like yesterday. If you ever can, see his little memorial in Aspen. It's special.
Read back in the days that it took Denver 9 months of working on this hit before he was satisfied with the finished product. A timeless classic.
Watch his physical interaction with his guitar --- so tactile, so intimate, almost like two lovers. Truly, John Denver was a monumental artist the likes of which we'll never again see, and we're fortunate to have this video image of him at the peak of his talent.
He is absolutely taking that guitar into places no one can even imagine...
Strumming...
Finger picking...
Hammering on...
Goodness gracious!
I had no idea this song was so complex to play. What a talent!
I saw him "live" twice in the eighties in a small room in Reno and several times in Christmas concerts he used to do in the mid-eighties. His talent was never in doubt, but it was startling to see how good he was live. In the late eighties, I interviewed him for a newspaper article when he was coming to town. He was baffled at the way his music had seemingly become irrelevant. He lamented that he had not pursued more acting opportunities. In the nineties, I was at a bar where a guitarist was taking requests. I requested John Denver, and the guitarist made fun of me. I doubt I'd get that reaction today. I hate that Denver didn't live to see that his music was not irrelevant. It has held up well, as this video shows. While it is true that his music doesn't challenge us the way Dylan's music does, Denver's music comforts in a way that is more relevant now than ever.
His music is completely relevant in my book. His songs are the best! I use them for comfort, entertainment, and simply feeling good. Thank goodness for this man, John Denver.
He is the reason why Denver Colorados population exploded during those years. I moved there and have never regretted it. It is as beautiful as he sang about and more.
Simply a classic. JOHN DENVER at his best. His live performance is as good as his studio recording.
Where do you start??? The voice? The playing? The song??? The fact that it’s effortless??? There are no words!!!!!!
I'll reverberate....A man, his voice and a 12 string string guitar, he did not need a bass behind him......He was as a whole orchestra !
I don't know if it's the 3 beers I've had but I'm literally getting chills listening to this. Perfection. I hear songs from this era and compare it to music of today and all 8 can't think is, what the hell happened? Aren't musicians supposed to build on past music and not obliterate it?
you are missed sir
THE BEST SINGER-COMPOSITOR BORN IN USA
He gave me and mine many hours of musical joy... thank you John. Thank you...
Sensational. Makes me cry. Sounds better live than on recording.
My favorite song writer. I’m 62 and still to this day I love this song. It’s so crisp. RIP John . I love you and miss you so much
Bawling like always when I hear his music,its just so beautiful...going on a family vacation to Colorado in 2 weeks, so it hits a little more special leading up too the trip❤
His music reached into your soul. Magical the first time I heard this on the radio. Maybe a month later, he performed in an auditorium that was a movie theater just a year before. I missed him there. Saw him 10 years later in an arena where the seating was set up in the round and I had 2nd row seats. Bought a T-Shirt and my friends at work made fun of me for even liking him.
Very profound and beautiful song. I was blessed to see him in concert 2 years before he passed. Love and miss you John. ❤️🙏
One of the greatest songs ever..
True Art...i miss you John
My absolute favorite singer of all time. His beautiful songs of nature, love, and family influenced me greatly as a young man. It nearly broke my heart when he died.
Ken B
John Denver sang about what matters in life.
Me too.
The first time I heard this song I cried and I was only 10. I listen to this song now and I still shed a tear. It moved me then it moves me still.
Me too, me too!
I was only 8 but I remember hearing it on AM radio because FM wasn’t even accessible in our neck of the woods. Still love Denver!
Doesn't get much better than that.
Voice of an Angel.. Wow. He was a unique talent and left us too early.
This was a great performance RIP😟
he loves rocky mountain very very much...respect him. thank you for your music..
Actually unbelievable John Denver was probably the kindest a person I ever met
Such a full, majestic sound from his Guild guitar - it is like there is a full orchestra accompanying his wonderful, soaring, pure voice. I don't see how you could match this.
Right? Just him and the bass player? Incredible
You can tell he loved performing. I wish I got the chance to see him in concert.
Saw him in concert many times.He was incredible live. It was like he was singing tto you alone. The experience was intimate and almost kind of spiritual . Never seen an audience of people come together to enjoy something so thoroughly. Also only concert where sound levels were perfect and not too loud. His sound engineer must have been the best.
I saw him twice when I lived in Montreal. It was amazing.
@@scattysafari7742 We saw him in 1971 when Country Roads was just hitting the charts... Still got goosebumps!
Me too!!
Never one like him, before or since.....and not just his voice, which was beyond reproach, but his entire aura. A large part of what we call "music" died with him.
I've listened to this song a thousand times, and it still brings a tear to my eye from time to time. He was gone too soon. The first "celebrity" death I truly remember (I was 8). I remember my mom crying when she told me .
I'm blown away at John's talent. If there's a Rock 'n Roll heaven I want front row seats.
Lord what are we going to do without this?
Don't think about that bro.. just listen and enjoy..
His voice is so effortless. What a natural
Friends around the campfire and everyone is High! Rocky Mountain High.
I never get tired watching his performance on The Tonight Show.
I believe this was the quintessential John Denver we see here at his peak.
Why can't I like this more than once?
he sounds like the album,that's how good he is,they don't need tricks to make him sound good,he's just that,GOOD!
I'll never tire of this song.
Man alone with guitar....astounding. John Denver's package unfortunately comes with so much wrapping paper that we have forgotten the beautiful and gloriously imperfect present that lied beneath his songs....
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 lullabye
Rocky mountain high (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 his memory
Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest 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 raining fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high
Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
Why 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
It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high
I love this man's talent, I've been a fan since childhood.
"You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply." 🙂Great song writing, performance, great everything here! RIP, John.
There are no words to describe his singing, except pure, and beautiful. RIP Mr. Denver! Thank you for some beautiful music!
Hello 👋 Shelia. How are you doing ? Hope are you fine. I'm Scott Clifford and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from? You seem like a real country girl
Died 21 years ago, today. Much missed.
Just an unbelievable talent. To sing live like that hitting every note and play guitar like a maestro at the same time. You don’t find that level of ability today.
Oh his voice......is so beautiful. The words to this song are so simple, yet eloquent.
Hello 👋 Tiffany. How are you doing ? Hope are you fine. Im Scott Clifford and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from . You seem like a real country girl
Truly a remarkable performance.. U was one of a kind John Denver
John was an outstanding singer,and had A big heart!!
My first concert ever was this man. He was awesome.
I saw him in concert and was blown away how good he was in person. Great, underr rated performer.
Wow---Lord thank You for this man!
Perfect as always
His best song and performance of it. thank u
When I was like 11 or 12, and thought I was cool and knew everything about music because I listened to Metallica, I remember having a debate with my uncle about who were great or the best guitarists we’ve seen or heard. Well of course I was certain that it was Kirk Hammett because he played fast (at least back then) and that’s all I knew. My uncle said the best guitar player he had seen (including in concert) was John Denver, and I remember laughing out loud. All I knew of John Denver was he was the bespectacled fellow in that cheesy movie with George Burns. Now that I’m older and hopefully much wiser, I see how silly I was and how right my uncle was. As another commenter mentioned, this live guitar playing is actually quite difficult and technical, although it looks deceptively simple to many casual observers (who may think he’s just strumming chords). Now add the singing in time while playing all those notes and moving those hands and fingers so quickly and wide all up and down the fret? Very impressive. Uncle 1, Nephew 0.
I still. Have their song and Home Again on all my playlists. So much better than today’s trash!
Best songwriter and sweetest voice EVER
We all cant do what were watching, why? Its a talent that is given not learnt. He was amongst us for such a short while and we never really knew at the time what his mission was. Now that he has gone its more than clear what he was sent down to do and that was for us to revel in his talent, spirit and verse. His music will always be.
Has anybody ever played and sung that song better than John Denver ??! No, they haven't ! That's all I need to say about how good John Denver's performances were back then ! Look them up. He was singing to audiences who still thought the world could get better. We truly celebrated in our hearts with each other. That was progress. We had society, love and feelings. We were not simply the targets for selling stuff. We were people, life mattered, and the rich could still be held to account. Unfortunately we still believed democracy worked, but it hasn't!!
It’s always been that way. I think if you live in a country that lets you “vote,” you should still do it.
Amazing ! What a voice .