The song “Today” by John Denver expresses a profound appreciation for the present moment and emphasizes the importance of living fully in the here and now. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency to fully experience and enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life before they fade away.

The opening lines, “Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine, I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine,” paint a vivid picture of savoring the sweetness and delicacy of life’s experiences. It suggests embracing the fleeting nature of beauty and abundance, symbolized by the blossoms clinging to the vine.

The repetition of the phrase “A million tomorrows shall all pass away” reinforces the idea that the future is uncertain, and the joys of today should not be taken for granted. The emphasis on the present moment is further stressed by the line, “‘Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, Today.” The singer acknowledges that memories will fade over time, but the joy experienced today is something to be cherished and not forgotten.

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The verse, “I’ll be a dandy, and I’ll be a rover, You’ll know who I am by the songs that I sing,” suggests a free-spirited and carefree attitude towards life. It conveys a willingness to embrace different roles and experiences while remaining true to oneself through the songs they sing. The following line, “I’ll feast at your table, I’ll sleep in your clover,” encapsulates a desire to appreciate the simple pleasures and find contentment in the present moment, irrespective of what the future holds.

The refrain, “Today is my moment, now is my story, I’ll laugh and I’ll cry and I’ll sing,” encapsulates the central message of the song. It encourages living authentically and embracing all the emotions and experiences that come with it. It serves as a reminder to make the most of each day, to laugh, to cry, and to express oneself fully.

Overall, “Today” by John Denver serves as a powerful reminder to cherish the beauty and joy present in the present moment. It conveys the message that life is fleeting and unpredictable, and it is important to appreciate and savor the present before it slips away.

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John Denver

12/31/43 – 10/12/97