About the song
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a song that has captured the hearts of many, transcending generations and geographical boundaries. Written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver, this iconic tune has become an integral part of American music history. Released in 1971, the song peaked at number two on Billboard’s US Hot 100 singles chart and has since been certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.
The song’s inspiration is rooted in the writers’ experiences in West Virginia, with Danoff drawing from his childhood in western New England and Nivert’s family gatherings in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The lyrics, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, are infused with references to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River, and the state flower, rhododendron. The song’s title line, “Take me home, country roads,” has become synonymous with the state of West Virginia, which officially adopted the song as one of its four official state anthems in 2014.
John Denver’s rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is widely regarded as the definitive version, with his soothing vocals and acoustic guitar work perfectly capturing the song’s essence. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including MGK & Jelly Roll, who interpolated it in their 2024 single “Lonely Road.”
The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success, with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” becoming an anthem for the Brisbane Lions, a professional Australian Rules football team. The song has also been performed at various West Virginia University events, including football games and university functions.
In recognition of its cultural significance, the Library of Congress selected John Denver’s recording of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2023. The song’s enduring popularity has inspired a range of tributes, including a beer named “Almost Heaven” by the Mountain State Brewing Company, which is based in Thomas, West Virginia.
In conclusion, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of many. Its nostalgic lyrics, soaring melody, and cultural significance have cemented its place in American music history, making it a beloved anthem for generations to come.
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