About the song
John Denver’s Love Is the Answer. A song that feels like a warm summer breeze caressing your face, carrying with it a message of hope and unity that transcends generations. Denver, a folk music icon of the 1960s and 70s, was more than just a singer-songwriter. He was a storyteller, a poet of the open road, and a champion for environmental causes.
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Love Is the Answer perfectly encapsulates Denver’s optimistic spirit. It’s not exactly clear when the song was written, but it first appeared on his 1970 album Whose Garden Was This?. This period marked a turning point in Denver’s career. He was transitioning from a relatively unknown folk singer to a mainstream star, thanks to the success of his previous album Rhymin’ Simon.
Love Is the Answer doesn’t boast the complex lyricism of some folk songs, but its strength lies in its simplicity and directness. The title itself is a powerful statement, a mantra for a world often teetering on the brink of conflict. Denver repeats the line throughout the song, imbuing it with a sense of conviction that resonates with the listener.
The melody is another key element. It’s a gentle, acoustic guitar-driven piece with a touch of country flair. The absence of heavy instrumentation allows the focus to remain on Denver’s warm, inviting vocals. He sings with sincerity, each note carrying the weight of his belief in the transformative power of love.
The lyrics themselves are painted in broad strokes, using universal imagery to connect with a wide audience. We hear references to a “magic hour of softening light,” a time of reflection and introspection. Denver speaks of “love in heaven, right here on Earth,” suggesting that love is not just an ethereal concept, but something tangible that exists in our everyday lives.
Love Is the Answer is not without its critics. Some find the message overly simplistic, a utopian ideal that fails to acknowledge the complexities of human nature. However, the song’s enduring popularity speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the power of music to uplift the spirit and offer a glimmer of hope in a world often filled with negativity.
Love Is the Answer transcended its time. It became an anthem for social movements advocating for peace and understanding. Even today, decades after its release, the song continues to resonate with listeners seeking solace and inspiration. It’s a reminder that in a world fraught with division, love remains a powerful force for good.
Video
Lyrics
Almost exactly a year ago
I came here for the very first time
Looking up at the Spanish window
From a trail on the edge of the timberline
I’ve been off on a journey to find myself
Maybe find my way back home
Been many an hour all by myself
In the darkest of nights
I was never ever alone
Back in the San Juan Mountains again
On a ride with some good old boys
Telling stories around a campfire
The sound of laughter is the loudest noise
There’s something in a night in the wilderness
It’s a magical thing to me
Like the sky is just a little bit brighter
And your life is everything that you’d like it to be
There’ll be snow on the passes tomorrow
You can feel it in the chill of the wind
Let the rain wash away all my sorrow
Today is the day that my life starts all over again
I guess that it’s just about over now
Everything’s about to change
Everything’s a brand new number, darlin’
Everything’s a brand new game
And it’s funny I could even call you that
After all the pain we’ve been through
Ah, but time is the master of healing
Love is the master of everything that we do