John Denver – Grandma’s Feather Bed

Grandma's Feather Bed (Live at the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA - August/September 1974) - YouTube

About the song:

John Denver’s “Grandma’s Feather Bed”: A Nostalgic Look Back at Home

John Denver’s “Grandma’s Feather Bed” is a heartwarming song that paints a vivid picture of childhood memories. The song was written by Jim Connor and released in 1974 on Denver’s album Back Home Again. It quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young boy who spends a night at his grandmother’s house. He is excited to sleep in the big feather bed, which he sees as a symbol of comfort and security. As he lies in bed, he recalls all the happy times he has spent with his grandmother. He remembers her stories, her songs, and her warm embrace.

The song’s melody is simple and catchy, with a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment. Denver’s vocals are warm and expressive, perfectly capturing the song’s nostalgic tone.

“Grandma’s Feather Bed” is a song that will resonate with anyone who has fond memories of their childhood. It is a reminder of the importance of family, home, and the simple things in life.

The song’s themes

The song “Grandma’s Feather Bed” explores several themes, including:

  • Nostalgia: The song is a nostalgic look back at childhood. It captures the sense of wonder and excitement that children experience when they are surrounded by loved ones.
  • Family: The song celebrates the importance of family. It shows how family members can provide love, support, and a sense of belonging.
  • Home: The song depicts home as a place of comfort and security. It is a place where people can relax and be themselves.
  • The simple things in life: The song reminds us to appreciate the simple things in life, such as spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, and being grateful for what we have.

The song’s impact

“Grandma’s Feather Bed” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and The Oak Ridge Boys. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Waltons” and “Little House on the Prairie.”

“Grandma’s Feather Bed” is a beloved song that continues to touch the hearts of people of all ages. It is a reminder of the importance of family, home, and the simple things in life.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Grandma’s Feather Bed”

 

When I was a little bitty boy, just up off a floor,
we used to go down to Grandma’s house every month end or so.
We’d have chicken pie and country ham, homemade butter on the bread.
But the best darn thing about Grandma’s house was her great big feather bed.
It was nine feet high and six feet wide, soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty-eleven geese,
took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick.
It’d hold eight kids and four hound dogs and a piggy we stole from the shed.
We didn’t get much sleep but we had a lot of fun on Grandma’s feather bed.After supper we’d sit around the fire, the old folks would spit and chew.
Pa would talk about the farm and the war, and Granny’d sing a ballad or two.
I’d sit and listen and watch the fire till the cobwebs filled my head,
next thing I’d know I’d wake up in the morning
in the middle of the old feather bed.

It was nine feet high and six feet wide, soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty-eleven geese,
took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick.
It’d hold eight kids and four hound dogs and a piggy we stole from the shed.
We didn’t get much sleep but we had a lot of fun on Grandma’s feather bed.

Well I love my Ma, I love my Pa, I love Granny and Grandpa too.
I been fishing with my uncle, I ras’led with my cousin, I even kissed Aunt Lou, ew!
But if I ever had to make a choice, I guess it oughta be said
that I’d trade ’em all plus the gal down the road for Grandma’s feather bed.
I’d trade ’em all plus the gal down the road…
I’ll have to reconsider ’bout the gal down the road:

It was nine feet high, and six feet wide, soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty-eleven geese,
took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick.
It’d hold eight kids and four hound dogs and a piggy we stole from the shed.
We didn’t get much sleep but we had a lot of fun on Grandma’s feather bed.
We didn’t get much sleep but we had a lot of fun on Grandma’s feather bed.