About the song
, John Denver’s “Boy From The Country”. A folksy ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, this song isn’t just about a young man from a rural background. It’s a poignant exploration of nonconformity, the clash between nature and civilization, and the enduring power of a connection to the land.
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Denver, a champion of environmentalism and a folk icon himself, wasn’t the original writer of the song. That credit goes to singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey. But Denver’s rendition, released on his 1981 album Some Days Are Diamonds, became the more widely known version. Perhaps it was Denver’s signature earnestness, his ability to weave tales of simple living and profound connection, that resonated so deeply.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, setting the stage for Denver’s warm baritone. He immediately establishes the protagonist’s connection to nature. This “boy from the country” isn’t just someone who lives outside the city limits; he has a deep, almost spiritual, bond with the world around him. He speaks to the “fish in the creek” and considers the “forest his brother”.
This inherent connection to the natural world sets him apart. The lyrics paint a picture of a society that finds his behavior “insane”. They mock him for his simple ways and his belief in a deeper communication with nature. This creates a tension between the protagonist’s innocence and the harsh judgment of a world focused on progress and conformity.
“Boy From The Country” isn’t a song that romanticizes rural life. It acknowledges the struggles – the “rain” that drives him out, the isolation, and the lack of understanding. Yet, there’s a quiet strength in the protagonist’s unwavering belief system. He doesn’t succumb to the pressure to conform. The song ends with a sense of resilience, a suggestion that the “boy from the country” will continue to live by his own compass, even if it means facing societal disapproval.
The song’s enduring popularity speaks to a universal human experience. We all grapple with the desire to belong while staying true to ourselves. “Boy From The Country” reminds us of the importance of cherishing our connection to the natural world and the courage it takes to live authentically, even when faced with criticism. It’s a gentle yet powerful ballad that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
Video
Lyrics
“Boy From The Country”
Because he called the forest “Brother,” because he called the Earth his mother,
they drove him out into the rain.
Some people even said that the boy from the country was insane.Because he spoke to the fish in the creek. He tried to tell us that the animals could speak.
Who knows? Perhaps they do.
How do you know they don’t just because they’ve never spoken to you?Boy from the country left his home when he was young, boy from the country, he loves the sun.
He tried to tell us that we should love the land.
We just turned our heads and laughed. You see we did not understand.
Sometimes I think the boy from the country is the only one who sees,
’cause the boy from the country doesn’t want to see the forest for the trees.Boy from the country left his home when he was young, boy from the country, he loves the sun.