John Denver, a legendary figure in the world of country music, was more than just a singer; he was a philosopher of melody. He believed that music could bridge the gaps between us, revealing the shared human experiences that connect us all. His music aimed to capture the essence of our universal similarities, from the bonds of family to the warmth of home.
In 1974, Denver released an album titled “Back Home Again,” featuring the titular track that would become his first #1 hit on the country charts. The creation of this album was marked by a unique recording process. Denver immersed himself in RCA’s Los Angeles studio, working tirelessly from 10 AM to midnight for four consecutive days, taking breaks, and then returning to the same grueling schedule. Surprisingly, the entire “Back Home Again” album was crafted in just 15 studio days.
This album marked a pivotal moment in Denver’s career, gaining acceptance and acclaim in the country music community. Interestingly, his breakthrough single, “Take Me Home Country Roads,” released three years earlier, had a distinct country sound but struggled to make an impact on country radio in 1971, peaking at a modest #50 on Billboard’s country chart. However, in the pop realm, the song soared to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over the years, “Take Me Home Country Roads” has become a beloved country classic.
Denver’s subsequent hits like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Sunshine On My Shoulders” also achieved popularity in the pop music sphere but encountered difficulties gaining traction on country radio. This all changed with the release of the “Back Home Again” album. The first single, “Annie’s Song,” a heartfelt tribute to his then-wife Anne Martell, climbed to #9 on Billboard’s country chart. The album’s title track, “Back Home Again,” propelled John to the top spot on November 30, 1974. A third single, “Sweet Surrender,” reached #7. Notably, the LP also featured the studio version of “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” initially released as a “live in concert” recording from the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles in the spring of ’75. This lively tune topped both Billboard’s country and pop charts, a rare feat during the 1970s.
In October 1975, eleven months after the #1 success of “Back Home Again” on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, the Country Music Association bestowed upon it the prestigious title of “Song Of The Year.” However, this recognition stirred controversy, as John Denver was seen as an “interloper” by a significant portion of the Nashville establishment. His victory in the “Song Of The Year” category, along with winning the esteemed “Entertainer Of The Year” award on the same night, led to a now-infamous incident during the CMA telecast. Charlie Rich expressed his disapproval by setting fire to the announcement that Denver had won, bringing a swift end to John Denver’s brief association with Nashville.
In the end, “Back Home Again” not only marked a milestone in John Denver’s career but also sparked a fervent debate in the country music world, highlighting the enduring power of his music and the complex relationship between country and pop in the 1970s.
Artist: John Denver
Released: 1974
Album: Back Home Again
Lyrics
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
Ten days on the road are barely gone
There’s a fire softly burning, supper’s on the stove
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, and hey, it’s good to be back home again
There’s all the news to tell him, how’d you spend your time?
What’s the latest thing the neighbors say
And your mother called last Friday, sunshine made her cry
You felt the baby move just yesterday
Hey, it’s good to be back home again, yes it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend
Yes, and hey, it’s good to be back home again
Oh, the time that I can lay this tired old body down
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, and 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
