About the song
“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” popularly known as “Country Roads,” is a timeless song that has touched the hearts of many since its release. Written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver, the song first appeared as a single performed by Denver on April 12, 1971. It quickly captured the public’s imagination, reaching number two on Billboard’s US Hot 100 and achieving Gold certification just months after its release. By 2017, it was even certified Platinum, reflecting its enduring appeal.
The song’s charm lies in its evocative imagery and heartfelt lyrics. Though often associated with West Virginia, “Country Roads” reflects more on the experiences of the songwriters, particularly Danoff’s memories of western Virginia. This is evident in references to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River, which play a significant role in the song’s narrative. Despite its broader connection to Virginia, it has become a beloved anthem for West Virginia, even being designated one of the state’s official anthems in 2014.
The creation of “Country Roads” has its own fascinating story. While driving along Clopper Road in Maryland, Danoff and Nivert began crafting the song, inspired by their own experiences and Danoff’s reflections on his upbringing. The final version of the song was completed in a flurry of creativity, with Denver, who was initially set to open for another act at a local club, joining Danoff and Nivert to put the finishing touches on it. The impromptu recording session and Denver’s subsequent performance of the song at the club led to immediate acclaim.
Today, “Country Roads” continues to be celebrated, having been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2023. With over 1.8 million digital copies sold in the United States, its popularity shows no sign of waning, making it a classic piece of American musical history.
Video
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