Feelin’ Nostalgic With John Denver’s “Back Home Again”

There’s something in John Denver’s voice that irks no one and attracts everyone. His uniquely talented voice captures the hearts of all ages. No one can deny the fact that at least one of his songs was heard (but I doubt if it’s only one).

From a happy song to a sad tune to a nostalgic one, Denver simply is one of the great artists that we have lost too soon. This song of Denver definitely exudes the feeling of nostalgia. “Back Home Again” is one of his songs that pierces my heart, and I wish I’d be back home again.

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“Back Home Again”: About the song

Written and performed by American country music legend, John Denver, “Back Home Again” was released as a single from his album of the same name in 1974. “Back Home Again” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November of that year. It was Denver’s fifth Top 10 hit on the pop chart. In addition, it topped the adult contemporary chart for two weeks.

Furthermore, the single was the first of three number ones on the country music chart. It stayed there for a single week. Moreover, the single was certified a gold record by the RIAA. The song won a CMA Award for Denver in 1975 in the category “Song of the Year“. Also, he was named “Entertainer of the Year” at the same ceremony. Out of dismay, this prompted country pop singer Charlie Rich to light the envelope on fire after reading that Denver had won—in an apparent insult to Denver’s musical style and image.

“Back Home Again”: About the album

On his album Back Home Again, John Denver was in one of the brighter and more spirited moments of his career. It features a plethora of uplifting, merry, and lyrically witty songs written and arranged by Denver. In addition,  it was played with the most charming and delightful of backup bands.

Highlights include the humor of “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” the poignancy of “Matthew,” and the spirit and delight of “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” A well-orchestrated recording under his label, RCA, Denver makes clear to his fans and listeners of new and old that the “music is in you.”

Opening up the second side of this 1974 recording is the ever so romantic tearjerker, a song for his wife, “Annie’s Song.” Certainly, it was one of Denver‘s finest achievements. The highlight of the record finds him playing six-string guitar. Moreover, two more songs come along during this 12-song set with the hearty “Sweet Surrender,” and the heartfelt “This Old Guitar.”

Lazy days, and summer days, and windy days, and rainy days may encourage the listener to find him/herself listening to this recording under a shady tree, as the joyful tune “Cool an’ Green an’ Shady” illustrates. Indeed, John Denver pulls out all the stops to create, and experience himself, one of his finer recordings of the ’70s.

Feel nostalgic with lyrics of this song that say it all…

There’s a storm across the valley, clouds are rollin’ in
The afternoon is heavy on your shoulders.
There’s a truck out on the four lane, a mile or more away
The whinin’ of his wheels just makes it colder.

He’s an hour away from ridin’ on your prayers up in the sky
And ten days on the road are barely gone.
There’s a fire softly burning; supper’s on the stove
But it’s the light in your eyes that makes him warm.

Hey, it’s good to be back home again
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend
Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again.

There’s all the news to tell him, how did you spend your time?
And what’s the latest thing the neighbors say
your mother called last friday, sunshine made her cry
And you felt the baby move just yesterday

Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again, yes it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend
Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again

And oh, the time that I can lay this tired old body down
And feel your fingers feather soft on me
The kisses that I live for, the love that lights my way
The happiness that livin’ with you brings me

It’s the sweetest thing I know of, just spending time with you
It’s the little things that make a house a home
Like a fire softly burning and supper on the stove
The light in your eyes that makes me warm

Hey, it’s good to be back home again
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend
Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again

Hey, it’s good to be back home again, you know it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend
Hey it’s good to be back home again
I said hey it’s good to be back home again

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