Meaning and Lyrics of Rhymes and Reasons – by John Denver

Song Lyrics meaning of Rhymes and Reasons – by John Denver

About John Denver

John Denver, born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico, was a quintessential American folk musician whose heartfelt lyrics and gentle melodies captured the spirit of nature and love. Known for his signature blend of country, folk, and pop, Denver became a defining voice of the 1970s. Despite his initial struggles in the turbulent music industry, Denver’s breakthrough came with the release of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. This song not only became an anthem for West Virginia but also established him as a household name. His music often portrayed idyllic rural landscapes and deep emotional introspection, resonating with a wide audience. One noteworthy track from Denver’s illustrious career is “Rhymes and Reasons”. This poignant song from his 1969 debut album of the same name illustrates his exceptional ability to weave poetic lyrics with haunting melodies. The song delves into themes of hope, harmony, and the human connection to nature, showcasing Denver’s philosophical depth and melodic genius. Throughout his career, Denver’s commitment to environmental and humanitarian causes remained unwavering. He was an avid advocate for wildlife conservation, world hunger awareness, and the promotion of peace. Tragically, the world lost John Denver on October 12, 1997, in a plane crash. His legacy, however, continues to inspire with its timeless message of love for the earth and the enduring human spirit. John Denver remains a beacon of authenticity and lyrical beauty, forever etched in the annals of American music history.

Meaning of Rhymes and Reasons - by John Denver

“Rhymes and Reasons” by John Denver is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of sadness, hope, innocence, and the importance of nature and youth in guiding us towards a better future.

The lyrics speak of someone expressing their inner turmoil and fear, seeking solace and friendship. The singer wonders about the purpose and direction of life, questioning the rhyme and reason behind their struggles. This contemplation serves as a call to action to start seeking wisdom and guidance from the purity of children and the beauty of nature, symbolized by flowers in the wind.

The mention of children and flowers as siblings represents the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Their innocence and joy provide a beacon of hope and promise for a brighter tomorrow. Despite the chaos and destruction surrounding us, the song emphasizes the resilience and teachings that can be gleaned from these pure souls.

As the sun sets and the world grows colder, the lyrics suggest a path forward guided by the young and the natural world, who will lead with compassion and comfort. The call to nonbelievers to join in finding a better way underscores the message of unity and finding strength in collective wisdom.

Overall, “Rhymes and Reasons” is a heartfelt plea to look towards the simplicity and purity of children and nature to navigate through adversity, find solace, and ultimately discover a more meaningful and harmonious way of living.

Lyrics of Rhymes and Reasons - by John Denver

So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter
Fear that is within you now that seems to never end
And the dreams that have escaped you
And the hope that you've forgotten
And you tell me that you need me now
And you want to be my friend
And you wonder where we're going
Where's the rhyme and where's the reason?
And it's you cannot accept it is here we must begin
To seek the wisdom of the children
And the graceful way of flowers in the wind

For the children and the flowers are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness would clear a cloudy day
Like the music of the mountains and the colors of the rainbow
They're a promise of the future and a blessing for today

Though the cities start to crumble and the towers fall around us
The sun is slowly fading and it's colder than the sea
It is written: "From the desert to the mountains they shall lead us
By the hand and by the heart, and they will comfort you and me
In their innocence and trusting, they will teach us to be free."

For the children and the flowers are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness would clear a cloudy day
And the song that I am singing is a prayer to nonbelievers:
"Come and stand beside us, we can find a better way."

Discography John Denver

The Last Recordings

Release: 2023-11-17
Label: Windstar Records
Popularity: 👏
1. Whispering Jesse
2. Dreamland Express
3. Rocky Mountain High
4. Take Me Home, Country Roads
5. Christmas For Cowboys
6. Love Again
7. Sunshine On My Shoulders
8. Perhaps Love
9. Leaving On A Jet Plane
10. Windsong
11. I’m Sorry
12. Back Home Again
Tracklist Collapse

Silver Sun (Live 1971)

Release: 2022-07-11
Label: Windstar Records
1. Starwood In Aspen – Live 1971
2. Carolina In My Mind – Live 1971
3. Readjustment Blues – Live 1971
4. Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream – Live 1971
5. Band Introductions – Live 1971
6. Saturday Night In Toledo, Ohio – Live 1971
7. John Talks – Live 1971
8. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Live 1971
9. I Lost My Heart On A 747 – Live 1971
10. Intro To May We Help You Today? – Live 1971
11. May We Help You Today? – Live 1971
12. Poems, Prayers & Promises – Live 1971
13. Intro To Okie From Muskogee – Live 1971
14. Okie From Muskogee – Live 1971
15. Take Me Home, Country Roads – Live 1971
Tracklist Collapse

Shelter From The Storm (Live 1982)

Release: 2021-02-01
Label: Happenstance
1. Take Me Home Country Roads – Live
2. Seasons Of The Heart – Live
3. Thank God I’m A Country Boy – Live
4. Annie’s Song – Live
5. Calypso – Live
6. John Talks – Live
7. Perhaps Love – Live
Tracklist Collapse
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The Last Recordings

Release: 2023-11-17
Label: Windstar Records
Popularity: 👏
1. Whispering Jesse
2. Dreamland Express
3. Rocky Mountain High
4. Take Me Home, Country Roads
5. Christmas For Cowboys
6. Love Again
7. Sunshine On My Shoulders
8. Perhaps Love
9. Leaving On A Jet Plane
10. Windsong
11. I’m Sorry
12. Back Home Again
Tracklist Collapse

Silver Sun (Live 1971)

Release: 2022-07-11
Label: Windstar Records
l
1. Starwood In Aspen – Live 1971
2. Carolina In My Mind – Live 1971
3. Readjustment Blues – Live 1971
4. Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream – Live 1971
5. Band Introductions – Live 1971
6. Saturday Night In Toledo, Ohio – Live 1971
7. John Talks – Live 1971
8. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Live 1971
9. I Lost My Heart On A 747 – Live 1971
10. Intro To May We Help You Today? – Live 1971
11. May We Help You Today? – Live 1971
12. Poems, Prayers & Promises – Live 1971
13. Intro To Okie From Muskogee – Live 1971
14. Okie From Muskogee – Live 1971
15. Take Me Home, Country Roads – Live 1971
Tracklist Collapse

Shelter From The Storm (Live 1982)

Release: 2021-02-01
Label: Happenstance
l
1. Take Me Home Country Roads – Live
2. Seasons Of The Heart – Live
3. Thank God I’m A Country Boy – Live
4. Annie’s Song – Live
5. Calypso – Live
6. John Talks – Live
7. Perhaps Love – Live
Tracklist Collapse
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