About the song
John Denver’s Windsong. A title that evokes a sense of open plains, whistling meadows, and the untamed spirit of nature itself. Released in September 1975, this album marked a significant moment in Denver’s career. By this point, he was a household name, his folksy charm and optimistic lyrics having propelled him to superstardom. Windsong arrived amidst this whirlwind, solidifying Denver’s position as a voice for a generation yearning for connection with the natural world.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
The title track, Windsong, serves as a poetic centerpiece for the entire album. Denver, ever the weaver of relatable narratives, doesn’t simply sing about the wind; he imbues it with a powerful presence. According to Denver’s official website, the lyrics paint the wind as a force both calming and chaotic, a “whisper of our mother the earth” and a “twister of anger.”
This duality reflects Denver’s own artistic evolution. While his earlier hits were known for their sunny disposition, Windsong hints at a growing maturity, acknowledging the complexities of life alongside its simple joys.
However, Denver’s trademark optimism remains a constant thread. The song celebrates the wind as a “singer who sang the first song,” a reminder of the inherent beauty and music woven into the fabric of nature. This sentiment resonates deeply with Denver’s folk roots, where nature is often portrayed as a source of inspiration and solace.
Windsong wasn’t just a personal exploration for Denver; it struck a chord with his audience as well. Released during the height of the environmental movement, the album resonated with a growing desire for a return to simpler living and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. It’s no coincidence that Windsong shared shelf space with another iconic Denver track, “I’m Sorry,” a song that explicitly addressed environmental degradation.
Within the broader context of Denver’s discography, Windsong serves as a bridge. It connects the infectious enthusiasm of his early hits with the introspective themes that would emerge later in his career. It’s a testament to Denver’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to the core values that endeared him to millions – a love for nature, a celebration of the simple life, and a belief in the enduring power of human connection. So, when you press play on Windsong, prepare to be swept away on a journey through the heart of nature, guided by the ever-present whisper of the wind.
Video
Lyrics
“Windsong”
The wind watches over our struggles and pleasures.
The wind is the goddess who first learned to fly.The wind is the bearer of bad and good tidings, the weaver of darkness, the bringer of dawn.
The wind gives the rain, then builds us a rainbow, the wind is the singer who sang the first song.
The wind is a twister of anger and warming, the wind brings the fragrance of freshly mown hay.
The wind is a racer, a wild stallion running and the sweet taste of love on a slow summer’s day.
The wind knows the songs of cities and canyons, the thunder of mountains, the roar of the sea.
The wind is the taker and giver of mornings, the wind is the symbol of all that is free.
So welcome the wind and the wisdom she offers, follow her summons when she calls again.
In your heart and your spirit, let the breezes surround you.
Lift up your voice then and sing with the wind.