About the song
John Denver’s “Berkeley Woman”: A Lyrical Exploration of Love and Longing
In the realm of folk music, few names resonate with the same level of warmth and sincerity as John Denver. His gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences for decades, painting vivid sonic landscapes that transport listeners to a world of love, nature, and simple joys. Among Denver’s extensive repertoire, “Berkeley Woman” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the complexities of love and longing.
A Song of Enduring Love
Released in 1974, “Berkeley Woman” is a tender ode to a lost love, a woman from Berkeley, California, who has captured the narrator’s heart. The song opens with a gentle strum of the guitar, setting the stage for Denver’s soothing vocals. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman of “golden hair” and “eyes of blue,” her beauty as captivating as the California sunshine.
A Tapestry of Memories
As the song progresses, Denver delves into the depths of his affection, recalling cherished moments spent with his beloved. He reminisces about strolls through Golden Gate Park, their laughter echoing through the trees, and the warmth of her hand in his. These memories, now bittersweet, serve as a testament to the enduring power of their love.
A Longing for Reunion
Despite the distance that now separates them, the narrator’s love for the Berkeley woman remains steadfast. He yearns for her presence, his heart aching for the day they might reunite. The chorus poignantly captures this longing:
“Oh, Berkeley woman, I’ve seen many places But none can compare with the sight of your face I’ve traveled the world, I’ve seen many faces But none can replace you, my Berkeley woman”
A Universal Theme
“Berkeley Woman” transcends the boundaries of time and place, resonating with listeners across generations and cultures. The song’s exploration of love’s enduring power, the bittersweet ache of longing, and the hope for reunion strikes a universal chord. It is a testament to Denver’s ability to craft songs that speak to the very essence of human experience.
A Legacy of Love
John Denver’s “Berkeley Woman” is a timeless classic, a poignant ballad that captures the complexities of love and longing. Its gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and universal themes have ensured its enduring legacy, making it a beloved song for generations to come.
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Lyrics
“Berkeley Woman”
I saw a Berkeley woman sitting in a rocking chair. A dulcimer in her lap, feather in her hair.
Her breasts swayed freely with the rhythm of the rocking chair,
she was a sitting and a singing and a swaying, Her cheeks were red I declare.’Twas hard to believe what my eyes showed me then,
the color in her cheeks was just her natural skin.
She wore no makeup to make her look that way.
She was a natural mama with the red cheeks, what more can I say?Well, I finally realized there was hunger in my stare.
In my mind I was swaying with the woman in the rocking chair.
But the lady I was living with was standing right by my side,
she saw my stare and she saw the hunger and Lord, it made her cry.So with anger on her face, yes and hurt in her eyes,
she scratched me and she clawed me, she screamed and she cried,
“oh, you don’t give me near all the loving that you should,
yet you’re ready to go and lay with her, well you’re just no damn good.”Well, I guess she’s probably right, oh, I guess I’m probably wrong.
I guess she’s not too far away, she hasn’t been gone very long.
And I guess we could get together and try it one more time,
but I know that wanderlust would come again, she’d only wind up a-crying.Well, now you’ve heard my story as plain as the light of day.
It’s hard to feel guilty for loving the ladies, that’s all I gotta say.
Except a woman is the sweetest fruit that God ever put on the vine,
I’d no more love just one kind of woman than drink only one kind of wine.