About the song
“The Eagle and the Hawk” is a country song that tells the story of two birds of prey who are rivals. The eagle is a symbol of freedom and power, while the hawk is a symbol of strength and determination. The song is a powerful ballad about the struggle for survival in the wild.
The song begins with Denver singing about the eagle and the hawk soaring through the sky. He describes them as being “free as the wind” and “masters of the air.” The two birds are rivals, and they are constantly fighting for food and territory.
The song’s chorus is a simple but effective statement about the power of nature: “The eagle and the hawk, they’re flying high. They’re riding the wind, they’re touching the sky. They’re free as the breeze, they’re wild and they’re strong. They’re the eagle and the hawk, and they’re singing this song.“
The rest of the song tells the story of the eagle and the hawk’s battle for survival. The two birds are constantly fighting each other, and they are both determined to win. The song ends with the eagle and the hawk still fighting, but they are both flying free.
“The Eagle and the Hawk” is a powerful and inspiring song about the struggle for survival. It is a classic country song that has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- Genre: Country
- Release Date: 1971
- Album: Aerie
- Label: RCA Records
- Songwriters: John Denver
- Producer: Milt Okun
- Music Video Director: N/A
Critical Reception:
- “The Eagle and the Hawk” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song was praised for its beautiful melody and its inspiring lyrics.
Commercial Success:
- “The Eagle and the Hawk” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1971.
Legacy:
- “The Eagle and the Hawk” is a classic country song that has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.
- The song is considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Video
Lyrics
“The Eagle And The Hawk”
I am the eagle, I live in high country in rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky.
I am the hawk, and there’s blood on my feathers.
But time is still turning, they soon will be dry.
And all those who see me, and all who believe in me
share in the freedom I feel when I fly.Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops.
Sail o’er the canyons and up to the stars.
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
and all that we can be, and not what we are.