John Denver – Tenderly Calling

About the song

John Denver’s Tenderly Calling. A song that resonates with the weary soul, a beacon of comfort in the midst of life’s storms. Denver, a figure synonymous with folksy charm and environmental consciousness, penned this introspective ballad in 1991 for his album Different Directions.

Tenderly Calling deviates slightly from Denver’s usual mountain-fresh melodies and explores a more contemplative space. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar sets the tone for a song that delves into themes of loneliness, resilience, and the yearning for solace.

The opening lines, “Home, come on home, ye who are weary, come home. Softly and tenderly calling, home, come on home.” establish the central metaphor of the song – home as a refuge, a place of solace and belonging. Denver doesn’t define this “home” literally. It could be a physical place, a person, a state of mind, or perhaps even a connection with something spiritual. The beauty lies in its universality; everyone can relate to the desire for a safe harbor during challenging times.

The verses that follow paint a picture of vulnerability. The narrator admits to feeling “lonesome,” “all by myself in the darkness,” and “scattered and lost everywhere.” These lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with feelings of isolation or despair. Yet, Denver doesn’t wallow in self-pity.

The chorus, a constant refrain throughout the song, offers a glimmer of hope. The “voices of angels” or the “voice deep inside” become a source of strength, a gentle nudge towards that metaphorical home. This internal voice, a wellspring of resilience, urges the listener to “stand up and face your reflection,” to confront the darkness within.

Tenderly Calling isn’t a song with a grand, sweeping melody. Its power lies in its quiet intimacy. Denver’s signature baritone, warm and reassuring, delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that cuts through. The sparse instrumentation – primarily acoustic guitar and piano – creates a sense of introspection, allowing the listener to fully absorb the emotional weight of the words.

The song’s message is timeless. It reminds us that feelings of loneliness and despair are universal experiences. But within each of us lies the strength to persevere, the inner voice that guides us towards a place of solace, a place we can call home. Tenderly Calling is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to weather storms and find peace, a message that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.

Video

Lyrics

Home, come on home, ye who are weary, come home.
Softly and tenderly calling, home, come on home.Sometimes when I’m feeling lonesome, and no one on earth seems to care,
I’m all by myself in the darkness with no one and nothing to share.
Just when it feels like it’s hopeless and I’ll never make it alone,
I hear the voices of angels tenderly calling me home,

Home, come on home, ye who are weary, come home.
Softly and tenderly calling, home, come on home.

I try to keep it together, I never let on that I’m scared.
Still sometimes I fall to pieces, scatter and lost everywhere.
Just when it feels like there’s no one to mend all my broken down dreams,
I hear a voice deep inside me tenderly calling to me.

Home, come on home, ye who are weary, come home.
Softly and tenderly calling, home, come on home.

So don’t be afraid of the darkness and don’t run away from the storm.
Stand up and face your reflection, the feelings you try to ignore.
After the tempest is over, you’ve let yourself come on through.
You’ll hear a voice in the silence tenderly calling to you.

Home, come on home, ye who are weary, come home.
Softly and tenderly calling, home, come on home.