About the song
“Annie’s Song,” also known as “Annie’s Song (You Fill Up My Senses),” is more than just a catchy melody. It’s a heartfelt love song penned by American folk icon John Denver, a testament to his deep affection for his wife, Annie Martell Denver. Released in 1974 as the lead single from his album “Back Home Again,” the song became an instant classic, topping the US charts for two weeks and solidifying Denver’s place as a musical powerhouse. But the story behind “Annie’s Song” is as captivating as the song itself.
The song’s genesis is nothing short of magical. In July 1973, while riding a ski lift up Aspen Mountain in Colorado, Denver found himself overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. The exhilaration of a challenging ski run combined with the breathtaking beauty of the mountain landscape sparked a creative fire within him. This confluence of physical and visual stimuli turned his thoughts towards his wife, Annie. In a remarkable feat of songwriting, Denver poured his heart out right there on the ski lift, crafting the lyrics and melody of “Annie’s Song” in a mere ten and a half minutes.
Annie herself recalls the song’s origins as a symbol of a renewed connection. After a period of turbulence in their relationship, things had settled down, and Denver’s spontaneous creation captured the depth of his love and appreciation for her. The song transcended a simple love ballad; for Annie, it became a “prayer,” a sincere expression of devotion.
However, the song’s path to perfection wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Milt Okun, a music industry figure, initially noted a resemblance between the song’s opening and a section of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Denver, ever the dedicated artist, took this feedback to heart. He reworked the melody, retaining only the first five notes, resulting in the iconic version we know today.
Critics embraced “Annie’s Song,” praising its raw emotionality and sweetness. It became a defining moment in Denver’s career, securing his place as a master of heartfelt songwriting. “Annie’s Song” continues to resonate with listeners across generations, a timeless testament to the power of love and the magic that can strike in the most unexpected moments.
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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