About the song
“Take Me Home, Country Roads”, also known simply as “Country Roads”, is a timeless anthem penned by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver. Released in 1971, this iconic song quickly captured the hearts of listeners, resonating deeply with its evocative lyrics and melodic charm. Peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, it became one of Denver’s signature tracks, showcasing his ability to weave poignant storytelling with folk-inspired melodies.
The genesis of “Country Roads” stemmed from a moment of inspiration while Danoff and Nivert were driving along Clopper Road in Maryland. Reflecting on their own upbringings and the scenic beauty of rural landscapes, they crafted lyrics that spoke to a sense of longing for a place of belonging and familiarity. For Danoff, memories of listening to radio broadcasts from West Virginia during his childhood influenced the song’s imagery, infusing it with a nostalgic charm that resonates with audiences to this day.
The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and its inclusion in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2023. These accolades underscore its cultural significance and its place in American music history. Beyond its critical acclaim, “Country Roads” holds a special place in the hearts of West Virginians, who adopted it as one of their official state anthems in 2014.
The song’s emotional appeal lies in its ability to evoke a deep connection to home and heritage, transcending geographical boundaries to become a global symbol of nostalgia and belonging. Its lyrics, celebrating the beauty of West Virginia’s landscapes and the warmth of its people, have resonated with listeners worldwide, making it a perennial favorite at concerts, sporting events, and cultural celebrations.
Denver’s rendition remains the definitive version, capturing the essence of the song with his heartfelt delivery and distinctive voice. Its enduring popularity continues to thrive in the digital era, with over 1.6 million digital copies sold in the United States alone by early 2020.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” not only immortalizes the spirit of West Virginia but also serves as a reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and create lasting connections. Its legacy as a cultural touchstone and a musical masterpiece continues to grow, ensuring its place in the annals of American folk and country music for generations to come.
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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