John Denver – Back Home Again

About the song

John Denver’s eighth studio album, “Back Home Again”, is a testament to the singer-songwriter’s ability to craft music that resonates with audiences of all ages. Released in June 1974, the album was a commercial success, reaching the top position on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning several hit singles. The album’s title track, “Back Home Again”, peaked at number 5 on the pop charts, while “Annie’s Song” reached number 1 on both the pop and adult contemporary charts.

The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, showcasing Denver’s versatility as a musician. The song “Grandma’s Feather Bed” is a standout track, written by banjoist Jim Connor and inspired by a verse he wrote for his grandmother. Denver first heard Connor playing the song in 1968 and went on to record it with him on the album. The song’s nostalgic and humorous lyrics, combined with Connor’s banjo playing, make it a fan favorite.

The album also features a bonus track, “The Music Is You”, which was originally released on Denver’s 1975 album “Rocky Mountain Christmas”. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a beautiful addition to the album.

The album’s personnel list reads like a who’s who of talented musicians, including Buddy Collette on clarinet, Jim Gordon on drums, and Hal Blaine on percussion. The album’s orchestral arrangements were handled by Lee Holdridge, while John Sommers and Steve Weisberg contributed to the album’s acoustic guitar and backing vocals. The album’s production was overseen by Don Wardell, who brought together a talented group of musicians to create a timeless album that continues to delight listeners to this day.

Video

Lyrics

There’s a storm across the valley
Clouds are rolling in
The afternoon is heavy on your shoulders
There’s a truck out on the four lane
A mile or more away
The whining of his wheels just makes it colder

He’s an hour away from riding
On your prayers up in the sky
And ten days on the road are barely gone
There’s a fire softly burning
Supper’s on the stove
It’s the light in your eyes that makes him warm

Hey, it’s good to be back home again
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Yes, and hey, it’s good to be back home again

There’s all the news to tell him
How you’ve spent your time
What’s the latest thing the neighbors say?
And your mother called last Friday
Sunshine made her cry
You felt the baby move just yesterday

Hey, it’s good to be back home again, yes, it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Yes, and hey, it’s good to be back home again

And all the time that I can lay this tired old body down
To feel your fingers feather soft upon me
The kisses that I live for, the love that lights my way
The happiness that living with you brings me

It’s the sweetest thing I know of
Just spending time with you
It’s the little things that make a house a home
Like a fire softly burning
Supper on the stove
The light in your eyes, it makes me warm

Hey, it’s good to be back home again
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Yes, and hey, it’s good to be back home again

Hey, it’s good to be back home again, you know it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Hey, it’s good to be back home again
I said, hey, it’s good to be back home again