About the song
John Denver’s “American Child”: A Song of Patriotism and Hope
“American Child” is a song written and performed by John Denver, released in 1980 on his album Autograph. The song is a stirring ballad that celebrates the beauty and promise of America, and it has become a beloved anthem for many Americans.
Denver was born in Colorado in 1943, and he grew up in the Rocky Mountains. He developed a love of nature and the outdoors at a young age, and these themes would later figure prominently in his music. Denver began his musical career in the 1960s, and he quickly became one of the most popular folk singers in the country. His songs were known for their simple melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and optimistic message.
“American Child” is a perfect example of Denver’s signature style. The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar intro, and Denver’s warm, inviting vocals soon enter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the American landscape, from the snow-capped mountains of the West to the rolling hills of the Midwest. Denver sings of the beauty of the land, the strength of the people, and the promise of the future.
The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, as Denver sings:
American child, I come to you From the land of the midnight sun Where the whale and the polar bear Run over the icy blue sea
These lines evoke a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness and beauty of the American continent. Denver’s soaring vocals and the lush orchestral arrangement combine to create a truly moving moment.
“American Child” is more than just a patriotic song. It is also a song of hope and possibility. Denver sings of the importance of following one’s dreams and working to make the world a better place. He believes that America is a land of opportunity, where anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work hard.
The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. In a time of political division and social unrest, “American Child” offers a reminder of the things that unite us as Americans. It is a song of hope, patriotism, and the promise of a better future.
Some additional points to consider:
- The song was released during a time of great economic and political turmoil in the United States. The Vietnam War had recently ended, and the Watergate scandal had rocked the nation. In this context, “American Child” offered a much-needed message of hope and unity.
- The song has been used in a variety of contexts, including political campaigns, sporting events, and even funerals. It is a truly versatile song that can be used to express a wide range of emotions.
- “American Child” is a classic example of John Denver’s songwriting style. It is a simple, yet powerful song that celebrates the beauty, strength, and promise of America.
Video
Lyrics
“American Child”
Going up to Alaska, up to the land of the midnight sun,
where the whale and polar bear run over the icy blue sea.
Going up to Alaska, up to the north and the pioneer life,
where courage and strength still survive and a man can be free.American child, does the call of the wild ever sing through the mist of your dreams?
Does it fly with the wind when you waken again?
When it’s gone do you know what it means?Can you picture the time when a man
had to find his own way through an unbroken land?
Before the machine changed the blue and the green
to something you can’t understand?American child there’s a burning inside you that calls you away through the cold.
To come back again to all that you’ve been,
can’t you see that it’s time to come home?
To the flowers and the trees and the rivers and the seas
and the earth who’s the mother of all?
A promise once made will it shine, will it fade, will we rise with the vision or fall?Going up to Alaska, up to the land of the midnight sun,
where the whale and polar bear run over the icy blue sea.
Going up to Alaska, up to the north and the pioneer life
where courage and strength still survive and a man can be free, men can be free.Going up to Alaska, going up to Alaska, going up to Alaska.