About the song
John Denver’s Season Suite: Summer. A song that evokes the very essence of the sun-drenched season, transporting us to a world of lazy mornings, vibrant landscapes, and a profound connection with nature. Denver, a folk icon known for his heartfelt lyrics and enduring melodies, crafted this piece as part of his 1972 album, Rocky Mountain High. But Season Suite: Summer stands out not just for its individual brilliance, but as the opening movement of a beautiful sonic tapestry that explores the changing seasons.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
Season Suite is a testament to Denver’s love for the natural world. Each song, from the carefree joy of summer to the introspective hush of winter, paints a vivid picture with words and music. Summer, the first installment, sets the stage with a sense of anticipation and wonder.
The opening lines, “Silently the morning mist is lying on the water,” establish a tranquil scene, the calmness broken only by a gentle breeze. It’s a masterful use of imagery, inviting the listener to imagine the stillness of dawn before the day explodes with life.
Denver’s folk roots shine through in the simple yet evocative language. Phrases like “captive moonlight” and “smiling like a superstar” personify the natural world, imbuing it with a sense of magic and personality. The use of metaphors like “a tapestry of all there is to see” further emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature, a theme that recurs throughout Season Suite.
Musically, Summer is a gentle folk ballad. The acoustic guitar provides a warm foundation, while the soft orchestration adds a touch of grandeur. Denver’s signature baritone voice, both comforting and powerful, delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that resonates deeply. The melody itself is simple and uplifting, mirroring the optimistic spirit of the season.
But Season Suite: Summer is more than just a pretty melody. It’s a celebration of life, a reminder to cherish the warmth and abundance of the summer months. Denver sings, “And oh, I love the life within me, I feel a part of everything I see.” This line encapsulates the core message of the song – a sense of belonging, of being one with nature’s grand design.
Summer is a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. It’s a reminder of the simple joys in life, the beauty of the natural world, and the interconnectedness of all things. As the opening chapter of Season Suite, it sets the stage for a musical journey that explores the cyclical nature of life, reminding us to appreciate each season for its unique gifts.
Video
Lyrics
“Season Suite: Summer, Fall, Winter, Late Winter, Early Spring, Spring”
Silently the morning mist is lying on the water, captive moonlight waiting for the dawn.
Softly like a baby’s breath, a breeze begins to whisper.
The sun is coming quick you must be dawn.
Smiling like a superstar the morning comes in singing, the promise of another sunny day.
And all the flowers open up to gather in the sunshine, I do believe that summer’s here to stay.
And do you care what’s happening around you,
do your senses know the changes when they come?
Can you see yourself reflecting in the seasons, can you understand the need to carry on?
Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.
Rejoicing in the differences, there’s no one just like me.
Yet as different as we are, we’re still the same.
And oh, I love the life within me, I feel a part of everything I see.
And oh, I love the life around me, a part of everything is here in me.
A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.
[Fall]
Reflections on the water, like shadows in my mind,
speak to me of passing days and nights and passing time.
The falling leaves are whispering, winter’s on its way.
I close my eyes remembering the warmth of yesterday.
It seems a shame to see September swallowed by the wind.
And more than that, it’s oh, so sad to see the summer end.
And though the changing colors are a lovely thing to see,
if it were mine to make the change I think I’d let it be.
But I don’t remember hearing anybody asking me.
[Winter]
It’s cold and it’s getting colder. It’s gray and white and winter all around.
And oh, I must be getting older, all this snow is trying to get me down.
There’s a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don’t feel like going on anymore.
And yet I know it’s more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun,
come on, shine on me.
There’s a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don’t feel like going on anymore.
And yet I know it’s more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun,
come on, shine on me.
[Spring]
Open up your eyes and see the brand new day, the clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.
Open up your ears and hear the breezes say, “everything that’s cold and gray is gone.”
Open up your hands and feel the rain come down,
taste the wind and smell the flowers’ sweet perfume.
Do you care what’s happening around you? Do your senses know the changes when they come?
Can you see yourself reflected in the seasons? Can you understand the need to carry on?
Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.
Rejoicing in the differences, there’s no one just like me.
Yet as different as we are, we’re still the same.
And oh, I love the life within me, I feel a part of everything I see.
And oh, I love the life around me, a part of everything is here in me.
A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.
(Derek, there were some good things in there…)