About the song
John Denver’s Berkeley Woman. Now that’s a song that takes you back, doesn’t it? Released in 1973 on his album Farewell Andromeda, it became a surprise hit for Denver, known more for his odes to mountain ranges and country landscapes. But Berkeley Woman offered a glimpse into a different world, a world of folk cafes and free spirits.
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The song itself is a delightful character sketch. Denver, with his signature folksy charm, tells the story of encountering a woman in Berkeley, California. This wasn’t just any woman, mind you. This was a Berkeley Woman, a term that conjured up images of a certain counterculture type – independent, artistic, perhaps a touch bohemian.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture. We see her sitting in a rocking chair, a dulcimer resting on her lap, a feather adorning her hair. The way Denver describes her movements – the swaying with the rhythm of the chair, the rosy cheeks – creates a sense of carefree joy and a connection to nature.
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There’s a hint of subversion too, a gentle wink at the societal norms of the time. Here’s a woman who embraces her natural beauty, who doesn’t need makeup to feel attractive.
It’s important to remember the context of the song’s release. The early 70s were a time of social and political upheaval in the United States. The Vietnam War raged on, the Watergate scandal unfolded, and the counterculture movement continued to challenge the status quo. Berkeley, a hotbed of student activism and progressive ideals, became a symbol of this era.
Berkeley Woman, then, becomes more than just a song about a captivating woman. It’s a snapshot of a time and place, a celebration of a certain free spirit that resonated with many. Denver, though not necessarily a political songwriter himself, captures the essence of this spirit with warmth and good humor.
So, as you listen to Berkeley Woman, let yourself be transported back to that time. Imagine the folk cafes buzzing with conversation, the dulcimer’s gentle melody filling the air, and a woman, radiating independence and joy, rocking contentedly in a chair. It’s a simple picture, but one that captures a very specific moment in American culture, all thanks to the folksy charm of John Denver.