About the song
John Denver Takes You Down the “Downhill Stuff”
John Denver’s 1979 song “Downhill Stuff” is a playful ode to the joys of outdoor recreation and the thrill of an active life. This upbeat track, featured on his self-titled album, showcases Denver’s signature folksy sound and his love for nature’s simple pleasures.
A Celebration of Outdoor Activities:
The lyrics paint a picture of various outdoor activities enjoyed by the narrator. Lines like “Some people run on a mountain trail, some like it wild and rough / Some like to fly, some like to sail, some like the downhill stuff” celebrate the diversity of outdoor pursuits and the adrenaline rush associated with activities like skiing or snowboarding.
The Simple Joys of Movement:
“Downhill Stuff” isn’t just about specific activities; it’s about the inherent joy of movement and being outdoors. The repeated line “Let me slide down that downhill stuff” expresses a childlike exuberance for the simple pleasure of sliding down a hill.
An Upbeat and Catchy Tune:
The song features a bright and upbeat tempo driven by a steady rhythm section with acoustic guitar and drums. Denver’s distinctive vocals deliver the lyrics with enthusiasm, perfectly complementing the song’s energetic vibe.
A Connection to Nature:
While celebrating the thrill of downhill activities, the song also hints at a connection to nature. The mention of “sunshine on my shoulders” evokes a sense of peace and harmony with the outdoors, suggesting that the enjoyment goes beyond just the physical activity.
A Timeless Appeal:
“Downhill Stuff” continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. The song’s catchy tune, celebration of outdoor activities, and connection to nature create a timeless appeal that transcends generations.
Video
Lyrics
“Downhill Stuff”
Blue river, blue, I’d rather be outside. Here I am inside watching it rain.
Blue river, blue, I’d rather be somewhere. Here I am nowhere watching it rain.(1,2,3,4!) Some people like that downhill stuff, they like it fast and breezy.
Some people walk on the other side, they like it slow and easy.
Some people run on a mountain trail, some like it wild and rough.
Some like to fly, some like to sail, some like the downhill stuff.There’s work in what we practice, work in the things we save.
Sometimes we work just to try to make a living or we’re working just to make it pay.
Sometimes we’re trying to work our will, that won’t work anyway.
I only know that I’m working still just to get another chance to play.
Some people like that downhill stuff, they like it fast and breezy.
Some people walk on the other side, they like it slow and easy.
Some people run on a mountain trail, some like it wild and rough.
Some like to fly, some like to sail, some like the downhill stuff.Keep moving in a forward direction like a river rolling down to the sea.
If you wanna make a different selection, honey, let yourself go with gravity.Everybody’s looking for heaven, everybody’s looking for home.
Everybody’s looking for higher and higher but nobody wants to be looking alone.
Everybody’s trying to get down to it, everybody’s trying to sing.
Whatever it is, we’re all gonna do it but whatever we do, we gotta do our own thing.Some people like that downhill stuff, they like it fast and breezy.
Some people walk on the other side, they like it slow and easy.
Some people run on a mountain trail, some like it wild and rough.
Some like to fly, some like to sail, some like the downhill stuff.I like the downhill stuff. Let me slide down that downhill stuff.
Oh, honey give me some downhill stuff .