17 John Denver Quotes That Are as True Now as They Were Then

John Denver, born December 31, 1943, lived until October 12, 1997. You’ve likely heard mention of John Denver at one point or another, as he was an acclaimed American singer and songwriter. Denver was easily one of the most popular acoustic artists throughout the 1970s and also, overall, one of the best-selling artists of that decade. So, let’s look at some John Denver quotes that are as true now as they were then.

1. On being here for each other

“I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life – whoever you are, whatever our differences.”

2. On peace

“Peace is a conscious choice.”

3. On expressing joy in living

“My purpose in performing is to communicate the joy I experience in living.”

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4. On writing hits

“I was never trying to write a hit. I was just trying to write good songs and get a message out, and it was my great good fortune to be popular.”

5. On cynicism

“I think the biggest problem in the world is that we have a generation of young people, and maybe two, who don’t think it’s going to get any better.”

6. On activities growing up

“My activities were centered around school and football and church and senior high fellowship, and I got together with a couple bands and started playing parties, proms, stuff like that. It was the music that really worked for me.”

7. On fear

“There are so many things we are afraid of, thinking that if we confront them, they will kill us. Most of it goes back to your infancy.”

8. On the ego

“At times I’ve got a really big ego. But I’ll tell you the best thing about me. I’m some guy’s dad; I’m some little gal’s dad. When I die, if they say I was Annie’s husband and Zachary John and Anna Kate’s father, boy, that’s enough for me to be remembered by. That’s more than enough.”

9. On self love

“I would so much like young people to have a sense of the gift that they are. Not many of them feel like that.”

10. On making conscious choices

“We must begin to make what I call ‘conscious choices’, and to really recognize that we are the same. It’s from that place in my heart that I write my songs.”

11. On opening your heart

“It’s a great big step for me to open my heart up even a little bit.”

12. On the ups and the downs

“Things go up and down. If you can survive the down, it will come back.”

13. On trusting life’s journey

“I’ve always liked to think that we put ourselves in the circumstances in life that will support us moving through to wherever it is our spirit is going.”

14. On making commitments

“Commit yourself to do whatever it is you can contribute in order to create a healthy and sustainable future, the world needs you desperately. Find that in yourself and make a commitment, that is what will change the world.”

15. On death

“Death is not an ending, but a symbol of movement along the path upon which we are all traveling. As it may be painful to lose contact with the physical aspect of one we love, the Spirit can never be lost. We have been and always will be a part of each other.”

16. On music

“Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics, or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same.”

17. On being true to yourself

“The best thing you have to offer the world is yourself. You don’t have to copy anyone else. If you do, you’re second best. To achieve success is to be first, and that’s being yourself.”