About the song
John Denver’s “Looking for Space”. A poignant ballad nestled within the 1975 album Windsong, this song transcends the genre of folk music and delves into the introspective yearnings of the human spirit. Denver, a figurehead of the 70s American folk-pop movement, often weaved themes of nature, love, and social commentary into his music. But “Looking for Space” takes a more personal turn, exploring a journey of self-discovery.
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The song emerged during a period of introspection for Denver himself. He had achieved immense commercial success with hits like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” yet a nagging sense of unease lingered. According to an interview with Billboard magazine, Denver attributed the song’s inspiration to his exploration of the Erhard Seminars Training (EST), a popular self-help program of the era. EST, though later shrouded in controversy, emphasized personal responsibility and self-awareness – themes that resonated deeply with Denver and found their way into “Looking for Space”.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, Denver’s trademark. His voice, imbued with a comforting sincerity, ushers in the first verse: “Lately I been thinkin’, ’bout the way I used to be, / Always on the move, never time to see, / The world around me, passin’ by so fast, / Never time to wonder, how long things could last.” These lines set the stage for the protagonist’s internal conflict. He reflects on a life lived at a frenetic pace, one that perhaps neglected the deeper aspects of self-understanding.
“Looking for Space” isn’t a lament, however. It’s a yearning, a desire for introspection. The chorus pleads, “I’m lookin’ for a place, a place to find myself, / Lookin’ for a space, where I can just be myself.” The repetition of “looking for space” underscores the protagonist’s fervent search for a sanctuary, a place where he can shed societal pressures and societal expectations to truly understand who he is at his core.
The exploration of space in the song is not merely metaphorical. Denver, an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, often found solace in nature. The vastness of the natural world offered a sense of perspective, a reminder of humanity’s place within a grander scheme. Lines like “Maybe in the mountains, maybe by the sea, / Maybe in the desert, where the eagles fly free.” hint at this connection, suggesting that the protagonist might find his answers amidst the tranquility of nature.
“Looking for Space” isn’t just a song by John Denver; it’s a universal anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost or out of touch with themselves. It’s a gentle nudge towards self-reflection, a reminder that sometimes the greatest journeys are the ones we take inward. This introspective ballad, nestled within the heart of Windsong, continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to the enduring power of Denver’s music and the timeless quest for self-discovery.
Video
Lyrics
“Looking For Space”
On the road of experience, I’m trying to find my own way.
Sometimes I wish that I could fly away.
When I think that I’m moving, suddenly things stand still.
I’m afraid cause I think they always will.
And I’m looking for space and to find out who I am, and I’m looking to know and understand.
It’s a sweet, sweet dream, sometimes I’m almost there.
Sometimes I fly like an eagle and sometimes I’m deep in despair.
All alone in the universe, sometimes that’s how it seems.
I get lost in the sadness and the screams.
Then I look in the center and suddenly everything’s clear.
I find myself in the sunshine and my dreams
And I’m looking for space and to find out who I am, and I’m looking to know and understand.
It’s a sweet, sweet dream, sometimes I’m almost there.
Sometimes I fly like an eagle and sometimes I’m deep in despair.
On the road of experience, join in the living day.
If there’s an answer it’s just that it’s just that way,
When you’re looking for space and to find out who you are.
When you’re looking to try and reach the stars.
It’s a sweet, sweet dream, sometimes I’m almost there.
Sometimes I fly like an eagle and sometimes I’m deep in despair.