About the song
John Denver’s Follow Me. A folksy invitation that warms the soul like a crackling fire on a crisp autumn night. Denver, a titan of the folk-rock movement in the 70s, was known for his optimistic lyrics and anthemic melodies that celebrated nature, love, and simple joys. Follow Me perfectly encapsulates this essence, weaving a lyrical tapestry that beckons the listener on a journey of shared experience.
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Released in 1975, the song appeared on Denver’s ninth studio album, “Have A Nice Day.” This period marked the height of his commercial success, with hits like “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Annie’s Song” solidifying his status as America’s folk hero. Follow Me didn’t quite achieve the same chart-topping ubiquity, but it resonated deeply with fans, becoming a staple at his live concerts.
The song’s charm lies in its endearing simplicity. The opening lines, “Follow me where I go, what I do and who I know,” establish a direct, conversational tone. Denver isn’t singing about grand gestures or extravagant promises. He’s inviting the listener to share in the tapestry of his life, the everyday experiences, the encounters with friends, the beauty of the places he visits.
Follow Me transcends the realm of a mere travelogue. It’s an invitation to connection. The repeated refrain, “Take my hand and say you’ll follow me,” pulsates with a yearning for companionship. Denver desires not just a travel buddy, but a partner, someone to share the laughter and wonder that life throws their way. The line, “You see, I’d like to share my life with you,” lays bare this vulnerability. It’s an honest desire for intimacy, a wish to break bread and build memories with someone special.
The folksy melody, punctuated by gentle guitar strumming and a lilting piano, reinforces the song’s sincerity. It’s a warm embrace set to music, a sonic invitation to a world painted in vibrant hues of shared experiences. The lyrics, devoid of complex metaphors, resonate with a childlike wonder. Lines like, “Places that I’m going to, places where I’ve been,” evoke a sense of adventure, a promise of exploration with a trusted companion by your side.
Follow Me isn’t just about following John Denver on his physical journeys. It’s a metaphor for embracing life’s adventures, big or small, with an open heart and a willingness to connect. It’s a call to shed inhibitions, to take a leap of faith, and to trust that the path less traveled might just lead to something beautiful.
So, when the first chords of Follow Me ring out, it’s not just a song; it’s an invitation to open yourself up to the wonders that life holds, hand in hand with someone you cherish.
Video
Lyrics
It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, to be so in love with you and so alone.
Follow me where I go, what I do and who I know, make it part of you to be a part of me.
Follow me up and down, all the way and all around, take my hand and say you’ll follow me.It’s long been on my mind, you know, it’s been a long, long time.
I’ll try to find the way that I can make you understand
the way I feel about you and just how much I need you
to be there where I can talk to you when there’s no one else around.
Follow me where I go, what I do and who I know, make it part of you to be a part of me.
Follow me up and down, all the way and all around, take my hand and say you’ll follow me.You see, I’d like to share my life with you and show you things I’ve seen,
places that I’m going to and places where I’ve been.
To have you there beside me and never be alone,
and all the time that you’re with me, then we will be at home.
Follow me where I go, what I do and who I know, make it part of you to be a part of me.
Follow me up and down, all the way and all around, take my hand and I will follow you.