About the song
“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a beloved American classic, first captured hearts on April 12, 1971, with its release by John Denver. Written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver himself, the song swiftly became a cultural touchstone, embodying the essence of rural America and the yearning for home. Peaking at number two on Billboard’s Hot 100, it marked a significant milestone in Denver’s career and has remained one of his most popular songs.
The inspiration for “Country Roads” emerged during a simple drive through Montgomery County, Maryland, as Danoff and Nivert, who were married at the time, mused about the roads of their youth. The song’s nostalgic lyrics, particularly the line “the radio reminds me of my home far away,” evoke a profound sense of longing and connection. The incorporation of these personal memories alongside the picturesque imagery of West Virginia contributed to the song’s universal appeal.
John Denver, who was initially not part of the song’s creation, recognized its potential and insisted it be included in his upcoming album. His passion for the song was palpable, leading to an impromptu performance of the unfinished track that earned a five-minute standing ovation. The final recording, completed in January 1971, was a collaborative effort that saw Denver, Danoff, and Nivert working through the night to perfect the lyrics.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” not only achieved commercial success but also cemented its place in American culture. Certified Gold by the RIAA on August 18, 1971, and later Platinum in 2017, the song has sold over 1.8 million digital copies in the United States alone. Its impact is underscored by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and its preservation in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2023.
The song’s deep connection to West Virginia has made it a state anthem, reflecting the pride and identity of its residents. Since its adoption as an official state song in March 2014, “Country Roads” has been a staple at West Virginia University events and remains a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and welcoming spirit. Its legacy extends beyond music, influencing regional branding and even inspiring a craft beer named “Almost Heaven.”
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” continues to resonate with audiences across generations, serving as a timeless reminder of the simple, yet profound, feeling of home.
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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