About the song
“Annie’s Song” is one of the most iconic ballads of the 1970s, penned and performed by the legendary American singer-songwriter John Denver. Released as the leading single from his eighth studio album “Back Home Again,” this soulful melody quickly captured the hearts of listeners, marking Denver’s second ascent to the number one spot on the US charts in July 1974. Its popularity wasn’t confined to America alone; “Annie’s Song” also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, making it Denver’s only significant hit in that region. The song’s widespread appeal was further underscored by its number one position on the Easy Listening chart and its ranking as the 25th top song of 1974 by Billboard.
“Annie’s Song” carries an intimate and personal narrative, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Denver’s then-wife, Annie Martell Denver. The song’s creation story adds a layer of romantic spontaneity to its charm. John Denver composed this touching ode in a mere ten-and-a-half minutes while riding a ski lift to the summit of Aspen Mountain in Colorado. The physical thrill of skiing down a challenging slope, combined with the overwhelming beauty of Aspen’s natural surroundings, inspired Denver to reflect on his profound love for Annie. This burst of inspiration translated into one of the most beautiful and sincere love songs ever written.
Annie Denver herself recalls the song’s origin vividly. She recounts how it emerged during a period of renewed closeness between them, after enduring some challenging times. The melody came to John while skiing, and he hurried home to put his feelings into words and music. To Annie, it was initially a personal love song, but for John, it evolved into something resembling a prayer—a deep, spiritual expression of his affection and gratitude.
Interestingly, the melody of “Annie’s Song” drew comparisons to classical music, particularly Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Second Movement. Milt Okun, a notable figure in Denver’s musical journey, once pointed out this resemblance. John Denver, ever the diligent artist, spent an hour at the piano to refine the tune, ensuring that the final piece retained only the essence of the first five notes from Tchaikovsky’s work. This meticulous effort resulted in a song that stands as a testament to Denver’s songwriting genius and his ability to transform personal experiences into universal emotions.
“Annie’s Song” remains a timeless classic, a beautiful reminder of the simple yet profound love that can fill one’s senses completely.
Video
Lyrics
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
Come, let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
Let me give my life to you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again