About the song
“Rocky Mountain High” is a beloved folk rock song written by John Denver and Mike Taylor, and it holds a special place in American music history as one of the two official state songs of Colorado. First recorded by Denver in 1972, the song is the title track of his album “Rocky Mountain High,” which also enjoyed significant success, reaching No. 9 on the US Hot 100 in 1973. The song was a labor of love for Denver, who took an impressive nine months to write it. Its impact was recognized in 2017 when it was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for surpassing 500,000 digital downloads.
“Rocky Mountain High” draws inspiration from Denver’s move to Aspen, Colorado, and his deep affection for the state. The song’s lyrics reflect the stunning natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sense of peace and joy they brought to Denver. However, it also touches on concerns about the impact of commercial tourism on the environment.
During the 1970s, the song faced brief controversy when the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, under new regulations, considered censoring music that might promote drug use. Some radio stations removed the song from their playlists until Denver clarified that the term “high” was meant to describe the euphoric feeling of being in nature rather than any drug-related experience.
Despite this, “Rocky Mountain High” became a cultural icon, recognized as one of the Top 100 Western songs by the Western Writers of America. It was officially named one of Colorado’s state songs in 2007, alongside “Where the Columbines Grow.” The song’s influence extends into popular culture, being featured in films like “Final Destination” and referenced by artists such as Lana Del Rey in her 2023 single “The Grants.” This song continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the spirit and beauty 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)