A Look Ahead: John Denver’s “Take Me to Tomorrow”
Ah, John Denver. The name conjures images of vast, open landscapes, gentle folk melodies, and a voice that seemed to emanate from the very heart of America. But Denver, beyond his iconic folksy persona, was an artist constantly evolving. Take Me to Tomorrow, his sophomore album released in 1970, stands as a testament to this artistic restlessness.
Background
This album, often overshadowed by later successes like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” offers a fascinating glimpse into a young Denver still searching for his signature sound. While the folk influences are undeniable, there’s a rawer, more experimental edge present. Music critics at the time, according to sources like AllMusic [AllMusic John Denver Take Me to Tomorrow], noted a “heavy folk-rock sound” that departed from the expected folk purity.
Take Me to Tomorrow, the title track, perfectly embodies this transitional phase. Gone are the lush acoustic arrangements of his debut. Instead, a driving electric guitar lays the foundation, punctuated by a bluesy harmonica. Denver’s vocals, though still retaining their inherent charm, take on a touch of grit, reflecting the yearning and frustration embedded in the lyrics.
Thematically, Take Me to Tomorrow is a departure from Denver’s usual focus on nature and nostalgia. Here, he grapples with a very real sense of dissatisfaction with the present. The opening lines establish this discontent: “Do you think you’re gonna waste your life spending it there?” The “there” is left deliberately vague, but it represents a stagnant existence, a place devoid of possibility.
The song becomes a powerful plea for escape, a yearning for a brighter future. The repeated refrain, “Take me to tomorrow, take me there today,” is a desperate cry for change. Take Me to Tomorrow isn’t just about a literal tomorrow; it’s about the constant pursuit of growth, the refusal to settle for the mundane.
It’s important to note that Take Me to Tomorrow wasn’t a commercial juggernaut. It didn’t contain the instantly catchy melodies that would define Denver’s later career. However, its significance lies in its rawness and honesty. It showcases a young artist grappling with his identity, both musically and thematically. It’s a bridge between the wide-eyed optimism of his debut and the polished folk-pop that would bring him superstardom.
Take Me to Tomorrow might not be the most well-known John Denver song, but for those seeking a deeper understanding of the artist, it’s a crucial listen. It’s a window into a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, a testament to his willingness to experiment, and a reminder that even the most iconic figures started somewhere, searching, yearning, and ultimately, taking them to tomorrow.
Sally Wilson