Windsong

John Denver's song 'Windsong' is a poetic tribute to the wind, personifying it as a powerful and omnipresent force in our lives. The lyrics paint the wind as a multifaceted entity, embodying both the nurturing and challenging aspects of nature. Denver begins by describing the wind as the whisper of 'our mother the earth' and the hand of 'our father the sky,' suggesting a deep connection between the wind and the fundamental elements of life. This personification continues as the wind is depicted as a guardian of our experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, and as a goddess who first learned to fly, symbolizing freedom and transcendence.

The song further explores the dual nature of the wind, portraying it as a bearer of both good and bad news, a weaver of darkness and a bringer of dawn. This duality reflects the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of life itself. The wind's ability to give rain and then create a rainbow signifies hope and renewal following hardship. Denver's lyrics also highlight the wind's role as a singer of the first song, emphasizing its timeless and universal presence.

In the latter part of the song, the wind is described as a twister of anger and warning, yet also as a bringer of the sweet fragrance of freshly mown hay and the taste of love on a summer's day. This juxtaposition underscores the wind's complexity and its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and experiences. The wind's knowledge of the songs of cities and canyons, the thunder of mountains, and the roar of the sea further illustrates its vast reach and intimate connection with the natural world. Ultimately, Denver encourages listeners to welcome the wind and the wisdom it offers, to let it surround their hearts and spirits, and to lift their voices in harmony with it, embracing the freedom and insight it represents.