John Denver’s 1971 Hit Becomes West Virginia’s Fourth Official State Song
One does not have to be from West Virginia to have heard the phrase “Almost Heaven, West Virginia.” In fact, countries around the World are familiar with West Virginia because of the opening lines to John Denver’s hit song “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
Recognizing the impact this song has had on the state and its inhabitants, the West Virginia Legislature has adopted a resolution naming “Take Me Home, Country Roads” one of West Virginia’s four official state songs.
The other previously named three state songs are; “This is My West Virginia,” “The West Virginia Hills,” and “West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home”
The song was written by Bill Danoff, John Denver and Taffy Nivert in 1970 and was recorded and released in 1971 on John Denver’s album “Poems, Prayers, and Promises.” It reached number two as a single on the U.S. Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart.
House Concurrent Resolution 40 states, aside from radio and record success, “Take Me Home Country Roads” has been performed regularly at most important events within our state, including the memorial service for Senator Robert C. Byrd, the dedication ceremony of Mountaineer Field, and the pre-game and post-game ceremonies at athletic events at West Virginia University.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” can be heard outside of the state as well. It has become an international hit, as it is regularly played during Munich’s Oktoberfest.
No matter where it is played, the song holds a special place in the heart’s of all West Virginians, especially for those who have left the state. The song can play and a feeling of home is felt as the lyrics ring out “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain momma, take me home, country roads.”
