John Denver – Rhymes and Reasons

Introduction:

Emerging as a prominent figure in the folk music scene, singer-songwriter John Denver released his debut studio album, Rhymes & Reasons, in October 1969. The album, produced by Milton Okun, served as a launching pad for Denver’s flourishing career and introduced the world to his signature style – introspective lyrics imbued with optimism and a deep connection to nature.

Though the title track, “Rhymes and Reasons“, wasn’t Denver’s initial choice for the album’s title (producer Milt Okun convinced him to go with “Leaving on a Jet Plane” which was a separate song on the album), the song itself became a foundational piece in Denver’s repertoire. “Rhymes and Reasons” falls squarely within the folk genre, characterized by its acoustic instrumentation – likely featuring Denver’s iconic twelve-string guitar – and a simple yet catchy melody.

Thematic exploration is a hallmark of Denver’s music, and “Rhymes and Reasons” is no exception. The song delves into existential questions about purpose and meaning in life. Lines like “Though the cities start to crumble and the towers fall around us” paint a picture of impermanence, but the song ultimately offers a message of hope. The lyrics point towards a solace found in nature and the simple joys of life, with Denver singing, “For the children and the flowers are my sisters and my brothers, their laughter and their loveliness would clear a cloudy day.” This sentiment of finding solace in nature and human connection is a thread that would weave itself throughout much of Denver’s music.

“Rhymes and Reasons” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but it resonated with audiences drawn to Denver’s genuine and optimistic message. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its encapsulation of the core themes that would define Denver’s music and career. It established him as a voice for a generation yearning for connection to nature and a simpler way of life. “Rhymes and Reasons” paved the way for a string of hits that would solidify Denver’s place as a folk music icon.

Video:

Lyrics:

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
You tell me that you need me now
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 colours 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
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 non-believers
Who come and stand beside us, we can find a better way