About The Song
John Denver, with his distinctive folksy voice and poignant lyrics, has gifted us with countless timeless classics. Among these, “I Want to Live” stands as a powerful testament to his commitment to social justice and his deep concern for the human condition.
Released in 1977 as part of the album of the same name, “I Want to Live” is more than just a song; it’s a rallying cry for compassion and global unity. Inspired by his involvement with The Hunger Project, Denver wrote this song as a plea for an end to world hunger and inequality.
The lyrics of “I Want to Live” are both simple and profound. Denver paints a vivid picture of the suffering endured by people around the world, from the children of war-torn countries to those living in poverty. His message is clear: every human being has a right to a decent life.
The song’s arrangement is both majestic and intimate. Denver’s heartfelt vocals are backed by a lush orchestral arrangement that adds to the song’s emotional impact. The combination of Denver’s folksy roots and the grandeur of the orchestra creates a truly unforgettable listening experience.
“I Want to Live” is a song that transcends time and place. Its message of hope and compassion is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The song has become an anthem for those who believe in a more just and equitable world.
John Denver’s ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level is what makes “I Want to Live” so enduring. The song has become a beloved classic, and it continues to inspire people around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Denver’s music or you’re discovering his work for the first time, “I Want to Live” is a song that is sure to move you.
“I Want to Live” is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the human spirit and the power of music to inspire change. It is a song that reminds us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to care for one another.
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Lyric
There are children raised in sorrowOn a scorched and barren plainThere are children raised beneath a golden sunThere are children of the waterChildren of the sandAnd they cry out through the universeTheir voices raised as oneI want to live I want to growI want to see I want to knowI want to share what I can giveI want to be I want to liveHave you gazed out on the oceanSeen the breaching of a whale?Have you watched the dolphins frolic in the foam?Have you heard the song the humpback hears five hundred miles awayTelling tales of ancient history of passages and home?I want to live I want to growI want to see I want to knowI want to share what I can giveI want to be I want to liveFor the worker and the warrior the lover and the liarFor the native and the wanderer in kindFor the maker and the user and the mother and her sonI am looking for my family and all of you are mineWe are standing all togetherFace to face and arm in armWe are standing on the threshold of s dreamNo more hunger no more killingNo more wasting life awayIt is simply an ideaAnd I know its time has comeI want to live I want to growI want to see I want to knowI want to share what I can giveI want to be I want to live