Country roads, take me home… to the place, I belong

I first met John Denver in 1974, when I sat down in front of the TV to watch “The John Denver Special.” I was five years old and instantly smitten and a die-hard John Denver fan was born.  About a year later, I was able to get my hands on his latest album “Windsong” after breaking my mother down in the middle of Unclaimed Freight.  The only 8-track player we had was in our Ford Maverick.  Every trip was accompanied by John – the grocery store, church, gramma’s, up the hollow to get fresh eggs.  That was until one day the unthinkable happened… the 8-track made the squeal of death and stopped.  Dad hit the eject button and out popped the 8-track, trailed by all the tape. I was devastated – it was lost to the 8-track graveyard.  Whether it was a mechanical mishap or sabotage, I will never be sure.  Undeterred, I saved and saved until I had my John Denver 8-track collection firmly established.

Over the years, my 8-tracks changed to vinyl albums, cassette tapes, CD’s and finally downloads on my iPhone.  My musical tastes have also changed  – classic rock, country, classical, dance, even a little bluegrass.  The one constant was John Denver whose songs composed a soundtrack to my life.

Welcome to my morning, welcome to my day
Yes, I’m the one responsible, I made it just this way
To make myself some pictures, see what they might bring
I think I made it perfectly, I wouldn’t change a thing

Welcome to my happiness, you know it makes me smile
And it pleases me to have you here for just a little while
While we open up the spaces and try to break some chains
And if the truth is told they will never come again

Welcome to my evening, the closing of the day
You know I could try a million times and never find a better way
to tell you that I love you and all the songs I played
are to thank you for allowing me in that lovely day you made

Welcome to my morning, welcome to my day
Yes, I’m the one responsible, I made it just this way
To make myself some pictures, see what they might bring
I think I made it perfectly, I wouldn’t change a thing

~John Denver