In 1986, amid a time of national transition, John Denver received an unexpected offer: to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. With his clean image, uplifting voice, and far-reaching influence through music, he was seen as the perfect candidate to represent American humanistic values.


John Denver and the Political Invitation

Politics or music — a difficult choice for a true artist

John Denver had long been an advocate for social and environmental issues. His songs like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders” resonated with themes of nature, humanity, and hope. So when a political group urged him to run for Congress, many believed he could bring fresh air into a disillusioned political system.

But John refused. His reason? He once said:

“I believe music reaches the heart deeper than any law ever could. I don’t want to change the world through power—I want to change it through love.”


When the Heart Chooses Melody Over Power

A decision that reminds us of the true power of art

Years later, people still recall this moment as a defining point in John Denver’s life. He didn’t need a podium to inspire change—he did it every time he sang about home, love, and kindness. By turning down the path of politics, he embraced sincerity and left behind a musical legacy that continues to move hearts around the world.

Perhaps Love

🎵 Suggested listening: “Perhaps Love” – a gentle, sincere song that perfectly reflects the soul of John Denver.

Lyrics

Perhaps love is like a resting placeA shelter from the stormIt exists to give you comfortIt is there to keep you warmAnd in those times of troubleWhen you are most aloneThe memory of love will bring you home
Perhaps love is like a windowPerhaps an open doorIt invites you to come closerIt wants to show you moreAnd even if you lose yourselfAnd don’t know what to doThe memory of love will see you through
Oh, love to some is like a cloudTo some as strong as steelFor some a way of livingFor some a way to feelAnd some say love is holding onAnd some say letting goAnd some say love is everythingAnd some say they don’t know
Perhaps love is like the oceanFull of conflict, full of changeLike a fire when it’s cold outsideOr thunder when it rainsIf I should live foreverAnd all my dreams come trueMy memories of love will be of you