About the song
“Annie’s Song,” also known as “Annie’s Song (You Fill Up My Senses),” is a classic piece of music written and performed by the renowned American singer-songwriter John Denver. Released as the lead single from his eighth studio album, *Back Home Again*, the song quickly became a favorite among listeners and critics alike. In July 1974, it reached the pinnacle of success by securing the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for two weeks. It also topped the Easy Listening chart, underscoring its widespread appeal.
The song’s charm extended beyond American shores. It became Denver’s only major hit in the United Kingdom, where it also captured the number-one position. Interestingly, four years later, an instrumental version of the song achieved notable success in Britain as well, performed by flautist James Galway.
The inspiration behind “Annie’s Song” is deeply personal. John Denver wrote it in July 1973 during a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado. As he rode the ski lift to the top of Aspen Mountain, he was filled with the exhilarating sensations of skiing and the surrounding beauty. These emotions stirred his thoughts of his wife at the time, Annie Martell Denver. The song, written in just about ten minutes, was a heartfelt tribute to her. Annie Denver recalled that the song emerged after a challenging period in their lives and that it felt like a gift and a prayer from John.
The melody of “Annie’s Song” has been noted for its emotional depth. Milt Okun, a close collaborator of Denver’s, remarked that the song’s melody initially reminded him of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, though Denver later refined it significantly. Critics have praised the song’s romantic and moving qualities, with Allmusic’s Shawn M. Haney describing it as an “ever so romantic tearjerker” and a highlight of Denver’s career. Record World also admired the song, calling it a “folk ballad, subtle and sweet,” with an international appeal.
Overall, “Annie’s Song” stands as a testament to John Denver’s talent for capturing deep, personal emotions through his music, leaving a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
Come, let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
Let me give my life to you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again