“Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It’s a song that transports its listeners to the picturesque landscapes of West Virginia, reminiscing the beauty of nature, the significance of home, and the memories attached to it. Lana Del Rey brings her own twist to this classic, emphasizing the deep connection to one’s roots and the longing for a place of comfort. Through her rendition, Lana not only celebrates the majestic beauty of West Virginia but also taps into the universal yearning for belonging. This song, originally by John Denver, was penned to express a sense of home and nostalgia, and Lana Del Rey’s version manages to capture that sentiment beautifully.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a melodic journey, beautifully articulating the deep human connection to place, heritage, and memories. Let’s go through it.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” Lyrics Meaning
Starting with “Almost heaven, West Virginia,” the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a place that’s almost divine in its beauty. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River are not just geographical landmarks but symbolize age, wisdom, and the passage of time. The line “Life is old there, older than the trees” signifies the ageless beauty and wisdom of the land.
“Country roads, take me home,” is the heart of the song. It’s a plea, a yearning for the familiarity and warmth of home. This repetitive chorus emphasizes the depth of connection the singer feels to West Virginia, her “mountain mama.”
Delving into “All my memories gather ’round her,” the song captures the essence of nostalgia. The “miner’s lady” could be a nod to the state’s coal-mining heritage, emphasizing its people’s hard-working nature. Meanwhile, “Misty taste of moonshine” points to the state’s history with homemade whiskey, with “teardrop in my eye” underscoring a bittersweet yearning.
The lines “I hear her voice in the mornin’ hour, she calls me” further deepen the bond between the singer and her home. The radio, a symbol of connection in times of isolation, reminds her of the distance, making her wish she’d returned sooner.
The Story Behind “Take Me Home, Country Roads”
While Lana Del Rey’s rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a beautiful homage, the original song’s roots trace back to the early 1970s. Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and the legendary John Denver crafted the iconic track. The trio’s collaboration produced a song that would go on to become one of the most beloved in America.
Bill and Taffy, who were then a performing duo, had started writing the song about Maryland, inspired by the scenic drives they often took in the countryside. On an evening in December 1970, after sharing the unfinished song with John Denver backstage, they decided to finish it together. By the end of the evening, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was born, albeit with West Virginia as its focal point, even though none of them had ever been there!
Having spent significant time in the wilderness, camping and hiking, John Denver had an intrinsic bond with nature. This song was an expression of that connection, a serenade to the beauty of the American landscape.