John Denver

I know – not a subject that anyone would expect me to write about. However, John Denver has been a constant in my life - a reassuring constant.

My parents watched a lot of variety shows while I was growing up. Although I was too young, I know that my parents watched the John Denver show during my infancy, and his soothing voice must have made an impact, because I have always loved his voice.

For kids my age, our version of a variety show was the “Muppet Show”. John Denver is one of the guests that I remember fondly from that show. He had a very unassuming way, but very likeable. He looked like the type of person that if you needed help, he would assist. For a kid – that makes an impact.

And when he sang, the songs were always memorable and pure. They left a memory for you. As I have a milestone birthday coming up, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my influences. 

As you know, music has always been a huge influence for me. My birth year, John Denver released one of my favourites which he co-wrote – Sunshine on my Shoulders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diwuu_r6GJE:

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I’d give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I’d sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I’d make a wish for sunshine all the while

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always

What amazing lyrics and such a pleasing melody. It is the perfect song for me because honestly, I am a person very impacted by the sun and sunshine. It perfectly encapsulates my feelings about the sun and how our family has always had amazing memories during the summer or somewhere hot! The sun always makes me feel happy and at my best. 

And ofcourse, in school, we learned Country Roads, which to me is almost like an anthem. It is honestly one of my favourite songs to sing and it is surprisingly, how many people know all of the lyrics to this song. Again, written by John Denver, for me, it reminds me of my Mom. She grew up in the country side, although not in the USA and the feeling of this song, seems to capture “country living” which I always associate with my Mom.

When John Denver passed away, I was in Law School and my roommates and I were throwing a birthday party for a friend at our place. Many friends showed up with other friends, and no joke – this guy showed up and he looked exactly like John Denver. It was a bit eerie, but all throughout the evening, we kept coming up to him, asking him to sing our favourite John Denver songs. For all of us that evening, we always remember it is as our John Denver party. 

And so for me, John Denver has been a constant in my life. And as I reflect, I am so happy that I have been influenced by such an amazing story teller, both in lyrics and in song.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

#JohnDenver #milestone