John Denver: The Complete Lyrics

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book- a must for those who appreciate John!
Review: I find this collection of John's lyrics beautiful to read...for John's unqiue ability to communicate was expressed not only in his voice and the music he wrote--but the lyrics themselves read as a good book of poetry. In fact, there is an interesting ability to deeply understand and ponder the meanings when you read the lyrics alone.

I am very glad Milt Okun put this book together.

In addition to the lyrics themselves, Okun has also included the inspiration behind songs in John's own words for many of the songs.

I highly recommend this book!

Christine Smith

Rating:
Summary: Great Songs
Review: I love the lyrics of John Denver. I always have. And to find them all in one neat little volume is great. The commentary that is provided on certain songs was written by John for his anthology songbooks. I recogonize every one of them. And I like that even the lesser (and downright UN-known) songs are included.

The little blurb by Tom Paxton is touching and to the point and was a treat to read.

However, Mr. Okun, if you're reading this, PLEASE, OH, PLEASE, do NOT perpetuate the "John Denver Never Wrote a Song In A Minor Key" myth! I can think off hand of at least two songs without blinking: "Wooden Indian" From "Poems Prayers and Promises" is written in E Minor. In fact that is the only chord in the entire song. (A very powerful song, at that). And "Aspenglow", best known from "Rocky Mountain Christmas" is in A minor. There are a few others as well. (That I'm sure John would have known about).

The inclusion of the myth is the only reason that I've given this 4 stars and not 5. I'm a stickler for accuracy.

Rating:
Summary: Nice book, but what does "Complete" mean?
Review: There are a couple typos/errors in the book, but nothing significant or that would reduce its inherent value.

HOWEVER... What does "The Complete Lyrics" mean to you?
If it means the book contains lyrics to all the songs JD wrote or sang, that'd be incorrect. There are a TON of songs (even ones that he wrote!) that are not included in the book. So I'm left with the final conclusion: Of the songs that ARE included, yes, their "complete" lyrics are there. But wouldn't you assume that ANYWAY? DUH! I feel the word "Complete" in the title is misleading.