You Fill Up My Senses: A Divinely Alternative Take on John Denver’s “Annie’s Song”
Annie's Song by John Denver, engraved in stone at theJohn Denver Sanctuary in Aspen
John Denver wasn’t just a musician; he was a gentle soul who used his fame to help others. But like with all of us, he also had his struggles. Despite his image as “Sunshine Boy,” Denver dealt with depression and dependency issues. According to CultureSonar, his personality was a mix of “magnetic, magical, and moody.” He had a complicated relationship with fame and personal demons.
Today we’ll dive into a deeply personal and powerful idea inspired by John Denver’s “Annie’s Song.”
These lyrics contains accounts of sensory experiences that, if you meditate on them, fills up your soul with peace, love, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. Each metaphor evokes such a vivid picture in our minds of nature.
Denver was directing these lyrics to his then-wife Annie
Now, we all know that when you love someone enough to write a beautiful song to them, that love affair will be storybook caliber. I’m talking about relationship bliss—the whole heart-connection, soul-mate, life-partner, ‘till-death-do-us-part stuff. Right?
Marital Bliss? Uh, not quite
John Denver and Annie Martell’s marriage was messy to say the least. The “Let me always be with you” line in his song would not turn out to be. Both would move on.
Especially for anyone belonging to the lonely-hearts club, who would want to reflect on a flowery love song? Hang tight with me; we’re gonna go deep.
Annie’s Song
by John Denver
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
Come, let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
Let me give my life to you
Come, let me love you
Come love me again
The Sanctuary: A Place of Peace and Reflection
First off, if you ever find yourself in Aspen, Colorado, you have to visit the John Denver Sanctuary. It’s not just a park; it’s a living tribute to a man whose music and life touched millions. Nestled by the Roaring Fork River and next to the Rio Grande Park, this sanctuary is designed for reflection and mindfulness. The place is filled with boulders engraved with Denver’s lyrics, beautiful perennial gardens, and a stormwater filtration system that keeps the river clean. It’s a perfect spot for meditation, quiet walks, or just sitting and soaking in the beauty.
I’m blessed to live down valley from Aspen in Glenwood Springs. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I have a number of go-to destinations that seem to take me closer to the Heavens. This is one of them. The combination of natural beauty and Denver’s poetic lyrics etched in stone creates a sensory experience that can pull you out of your head and into the moment.
“Annie’s Song”: A Hymn to the Divine
John Denver wrote this iconic love song in just ten minutes while riding a ski lift in Aspen. He was reflecting on his love for his then-wife, Annie Martell, after a fight. But this song isn’t just a love letter to a person; when you listen to it from a different angle, it’s a love letter to life, to nature, and to God.
The lyrics evoke such vivid sensory experiences that they can serve as a prayer, a way to connect deeply with God and the world around you. For those of us who have lost loved ones or are feeling isolated, singing these words to God can be incredibly comforting. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This reminds us that God’s presence is evident in the beauty of nature all around us. And from personal practice I know for sure that God loves to be praised!
Scripture Parallels to “Annie’s Song”
Each line of “Annie’s Song” invites us to immerse ourselves in a sensory experience, echoing the beauty of God’s creation:
“You fill up my senses like a night in the forest”
Psalm 8:3-4 says, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This line reminds us to embrace the quiet, enveloping beauty of the night.“Like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain”
Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth.” These words encourage us to appreciate the renewal and freshness of spring and the calming effect of rain. And let’s admit that watching the rain through a window is quite different than a child-like walk in the rain.“Like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean”
Psalm 107:29 says, “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” These images evoke the raw power and tranquil beauty of nature, urging us to capture these moments in our minds and hearts. I just love the idea of a sleepy ocean. Calm seas and a calm mind are always welcome.
My Personal Journey
I’ve been through some dark times—years of depression, the psychiatric merry-go-round, and feeling completely lost. As I got healthier and healthier, writing “The Mindful Photography Field Guide” was a turning point for me. This process, guided by my faith and supported by encouraging believers, helped me rebuild my confidence in God’s promises. Jeremiah 29:11 has been a guiding light: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My journey back to creativity and mindfulness has been about more than just taking photos; it’s about capturing the essence of peace and being present. And let me tell you, the lyrics of “Annie’s Song” are a perfect guide for this kind of mindful practice.
Finding Inner Peace through “Annie’s Song”
True peace comes from God. But, I can’t find God with a searchlight when I’m rushing through a tunnel of sensory overload. I have to put myself in a physical and mental state to hear God’s still, small voice. Each line of “Annie’s Song” invites us to immerse ourselves in a sensory experience:
“You fill up my senses like a night in the forest”: This line reminds us to embrace the quiet, enveloping beauty of the night.
“Like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain”: These words encourage us to appreciate the renewal and freshness of spring and the calming effect of rain.
“Like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean”: These images evoke the raw power and tranquil beauty of nature, urging us to capture these moments in our minds and hearts.
When you feel overwhelmed, let these lyrics guide you. Don’t just rush through life; take a moment to capture the feeling, the essence of the moment. Be in your body. Be where your feet are. This is what finding inner peace is all about.
Need a little help coming into your senses? Try the “5-4-3-2-1”
It’s downright miraculous how quickly this practice can return you to the centeredness and safety of your senses. It takes intention. Give it a try now.
What are 5 things you can see?
Simply allow your eyes to be attracted to something. Blink your eyes and take a mental snapshot. Do it again, blink. Do it again, blink.
What are 4 things you can feel?
What’s touching your skin? Feel your nose hair tickled by the breath, your tongue on your teeth, your soft dog’s fur, your face in a bucket of ice.
What are 3 things you can hear?
Weed eater, truck noise, clicking keyboard. Sounds intensify and fade. What sounds capture your attention? How do they feel in your body?
What are 2 things you can smell?
Whew! Stinky armpit and stale coffee. Is that breakfast that I smell? I lost much of my sense of smell and this practice helps. How about you?
What is 1 thing you can taste?
Got one of those pieces of gum that makes you sneeze? Pop that into your mouth and notice the flavor. No gum? Try licking your own skin.
Trust me, I get it
I hear from many of you dealing with mental turmoil, loneliness, and isolation. I want to offer you a new way to find peace. By reinterpreting “Annie’s Song” as a love song to God, you can find a new source of comfort and connection. Singing these loving words to God can help remind you that you are never truly alone. Take a week to reflect on these lyrics during your quiet time.
The Stark Reality of Mental Health
The statistics on mental health are staggering, and it’s something we can’t ignore. In my book, I talk about the high rates of suicide. We’re in an epidemic of hopelessness and broken relationships. Many of us put our reliance not on eternal things but rather on people and things only to be left empty-handed, like a faded love song.
What is physical turns to dust. What is of the Spirit is eternal.
Rise above the physical, petty, limited cares of this world, Instead, fill up your senses with positive, grounding experiences. Nature, creativity, and faith are powerful tools in transcending hopelessness. Your experiences of peace and reflection can be lifelines, offering moments of peace and encouragement to those who need it most.
John Denver: A Complex Legacy
Despite his public persona, Denver’s personal life was marred by contradictions and struggles. He was an environmentalist who stockpiled enormous tanks of gasoline. Known affectionately as the “Muppet Man,” he was frequently arrested for drunk driving. His heartfelt song “Back Home Again” stood in stark contrast to his broken home life. Denver, the woodsy hero, ironically flew experimental planes off the trendy Monterey Peninsula. (Deseret News)
The Chainsaw Solution to Conflict: Cut the Marital Bed in Half
Denver’s first marriage to Annie Martell, the inspiration behind “Annie’s Song,” ended acrimoniously. The romantic lyrics of “Annie’s Song” contrast sharply with their turbulent relationship. According to Cheat Sheet, during their divorce, Denver’s frustration and anger led him to cut their marital bed in half with a chainsaw. This incident highlights the disparity between the idealized love expressed in the song and the reality of human relationships.
A Call to Action: Sing Your Love Songs to God Instead
Perhaps this serves as a reminder that our sappy love songs might be better directed towards God. It's not about belittling romantic love, but rather about recognizing that humans and relationships are inherently flawed and impermanent. While romantic love can be deep and fulfilling, it is still subject to the frailties and changes of life. In contrast, God's love is eternal and unwavering.
By redirecting our deepest feelings of love and devotion to the divine, we can find a more reliable and constant source of comfort and strength. Psalm 136:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” This scripture underscores the everlasting nature of God's love, providing a firm foundation that can support us through life's ups and downs.
Investing our emotional and spiritual energies towards the eternal can bring a profound sense of peace and stability, far beyond what any human relationship can offer. It allows us to appreciate the beauty and joy of our human connections while maintaining a grounding in the divine love that sustains us all.
“Fill Up Your Senses” with The Mindful Photography Field Guide
If you’re looking to deepen your connection with nature and experience the kind of sensory fulfillment John Denver sang about, I highly recommend exploring ‘The Mindful Photography Field Guide.” This guide is designed to help you engage with your surroundings on a deeper level, filling up your senses in a way that brings inner peace and creative inspiration.
The field guide encourages you to:
Focus: Pay attention to the details in your environment. This means slowing down, observing the little things, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds you.
Capture: Use your camera to frame these moments. It's not just about taking photos; it's about capturing the essence of what you see and feel in the moment.
Shine: Share your photos and experiences with others. Let your work reflect the peace and beauty you've found, and in doing so, spread positivity and light to those around you.
By following these steps, you can capture the essence of the moments you encounter, much like the sensory experiences evoked in “Annie's Song.” This mindful approach to photography not only enhances your creative practice but also nurtures your soul, helping you find a deeper connection to both nature and the Divine.
Shine Your Light,
Joe
PS:
If you found this post helpful, you'll love my book, The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories. Ready to dive deeper? I also offer one-on-one mindful photography training to help you master skills that lead to inner peace. Reach out to me via my contact form and let’s connect.
