“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Many people recognize “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as a timeless classic by John Denver. Released in 1971, the song reached #2 on Billboard’s U.S. Hot 100 singles chart in the last week of August that year. This iconic tribute to West Virginia was so cherished by the state that it became one of its four official state songs in 2014.
While Denver is known for performing the song solo, did you know he once sang it as a duet? In this rare video, he’s accompanied by the legendary Johnny Cash. Though the video from 1978 isn’t of the best quality, you can still hear the two music giants singing the famous lyrics loud and clear. This duet will make you appreciate the song even more.
The story behind this video is quite fascinating. Christopher Johnson was sifting through his grandfather’s old VHS tapes when he found one labeled simply, “Denver & Cash.” Curious, he played the tape in his granddad’s old VHS player and was astonished to uncover this rare, long-lost treasure.
As both artists strum their guitars, John Denver begins the familiar song with the famous line, “Almost heaven, West Virginia…” The song is so well-known that most people can’t help but sing along, as it transports them to a simpler, more tranquil time.
Johnny Cash then takes over with his signature deep voice on the verse, “Life is old there, older than the trees; younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze.” True to his style, Cash delivers the lyrics more like he’s narrating a story than just singing.
The two legends come together for the beloved chorus, “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home country roads.” Denver provides harmony while Cash leads with the lower melody.
They continue to alternate singing verses, occasionally harmonizing. The performance feels less like a formal recording and more like two friends casually enjoying music together on a porch. Now, whenever you think of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” you’ll remember Johnny Cash’s voice alongside Denver’s.
What an incredible discovery! I had no idea this video existed or that these two iconic artists had sung together. If you enjoyed this rare footage, share it with your friends and family. Let’s make it go viral—it deserves all the recognition and applause.
Video
Lyrics
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
All my memories gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
I hear her voice in the mornin’ hour, she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Drivin’ down the road, I get a feelin’
That I should’ve been home yesterday, yesterday
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads