The song Rocky Mountain High, written and performed by John Denver, was released in 1972 as the title track of his album. The song celebrates the beauty and tranquility of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and it quickly became one of Denver’s most cherished and iconic songs.

Did You Know?

• Rocky Mountain High was released in 1972 as the title track of John Denver’s album of the same name.

• The song was inspired by Denver’s deep love for the Colorado Rockies and the sense of freedom and spirituality he experienced there.
• In 2007, the song was officially voted the state song of Colorado.

The song’s poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of the majestic landscapes and serene beauty of the Rockies. It became an anthem of appreciation for nature, reflecting Denver’s connection to the mountains.

Rocky Mountain High remains one of Denver’s most enduring and popular songs, capturing the essence of his passion for the environment and his beloved Colorado.

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🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

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 strings already broken and he doesn’t really care

It keeps changing fast, and it don’t last for long

And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky

The shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby

Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high

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 forest and the streams, seeking grace in every step he takes

His sight is 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, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high

Now his life is full of wonder, but his heart still knows some fear

Of a simple thing he can not 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 raining fire in the sky

I know he’d be a poor man if he never saw an eagle fly

Rocky Mountain high, the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky

Friends around the campfire and everybody’s high

Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high

Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high