About the song
While John Denver is most associated with the song “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Loretta Lynn also covered the tune in 1971 for her album “You’re Lookin’ at Country.”
Here’s some background on the original song and the themes that resonate in both versions:
Background
- Written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver
- Released by John Denver in 1971 on his album “Poems, Prayers & Promises”
- Unofficially considered the state song of West Virginia though it has never been officially adopted
Themes
- Homecoming: The central theme is yearning for home and the comfort of familiar surroundings. The lyrics evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for a simpler life.
- Mountain imagery: The song paints a vivid picture of the West Virginia mountains, creating a sense of peace and beauty.
- Family: The line “West Virginia mountain mama” suggests a longing for the love and security of family.
Even though Lynn’s version doesn’t alter the lyrics significantly, her rendition brings a different perspective. Her country twang adds a layer of sincerity and vulnerability to the themes of home and family.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse]
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowin’ like the breeze
[Chorus]
Country roads, take me home to the place I belong
West Virginia mountain mama, take me home, country roads
[Verse]
All my memories gather round her
Finest lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine teardrops in my eye
[Chorus]
Country roads, take me home to the place I belong
West Virginia mountain mama, take me home, country roads
[Verse]
I hear her voice in the morning, as she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Drivin’ down the road I get a feelin’
That I should have been home yesterday yesterday
[Chorus]
Country roads, take me home to the place I belong
West Virginia mountain mama, take me home, country roads
[Outro]
La da da da da in the mornin’, as she calls me
La da da da da da da da home far away