Matthew
John Denver · John Denver-Live In The U.S.S.R [2007]
he was his father's only boy
born just south of Colby, Kansas
he was his mother's pride and joy
Chorus
Yes, and joy was just a thing that he was raised on
love was just a way to live and die
gold was just a windy Kansas wheat field
blue was just a Kansas summer sky
And all the stories that he told me
back when I was just a lad
all the memories that he gave me
all the good times that he'd had
Growing up a Kansas farm boy
life was mostly having fun
riding on his daddy's shoulders
behind a mule, beneath the sun
Chorus
Well, I guess there were some hard times
and I'm told some years were lean
they had a storm in'47
a twister came and stripped 'em clean
He lost his farm and lost his family
he lost the wheat, and lost his home
but he found the family Bible
a faith as solid as a stone
Chorus
So he came to live at our house
and he came to work the land
he came to ease my daddy's burden
and he came to be my friend
And so, I wrote this down for Matthew
and it's for him this song is sung
riding on his daddy's shoulders
behind a mule, beneath the sun
Chorus
Matthew
John Denver's "Matthew" stands as a poignant addition to his extensive catalog of folk-rock and country music, often associated with his live performances and international recordings. The track reflects the artist's signature ability to blend acoustic instrumentation with heartfelt vocals, characteristic of his work from the 1970s through his later career. While not one of his most commercially charted singles, the song exemplifies the emotional depth and storytelling that defined his discography, particularly in settings where he performed for diverse audiences. Recorded during a period where Denver explored various venues and collaborations, the piece captures the essence of his musical style, focusing on themes of connection and reflection that resonated with fans worldwide.