Themes and Inspiration
- Nostalgia and Longing: The song is filled with a deep yearning for a simpler life and the comfort of familiar places and people. It embodies homesickness and wistful reflection.
- Appreciation of Nature: Denver paints vivid imagery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah River, and the natural beauty of West Virginia. This conveys a love of the countryside and the allure of its scenic landscapes.
- Sense of Belonging: At its core, the song expresses the powerful desire to return to a place where one feels connected– a place called home.
RELATED: Dean Martin: Baby It’s Cold Outside Lyrics
RELATED: Dolly Parton: Jolene Lyrics
Interesting Facts
- West Virginia Connection: While the song has become synonymous with West Virginia, the songwriters (Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert) had actually never been to the state before writing it. Their inspiration came in part from scenic drives through Maryland.
- State Anthem: The song’s popularity made it one of the four official state anthems of West Virginia in 2014.
- Enduring Legacy: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” transcends generations. It’s beloved for its timeless and universal themes that resonate with listeners around the world
RELATED: Eminem: The Real Slim Shady Lyrics
RELATED: Adele – Hello Lyrics
John Denver: Take Me Home, Country Roads Lyrics
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
All my memories gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
I hear her voice in the mornin’ hour, she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Drivin’ down the road, I get a feelin’
That I should’ve been home yesterday, yesterday
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads.
