20 Songs About Denver

Denver, Colorado has long been a source of inspiration for musicians and songwriters across a variety of genres. From country to rock to folk and beyond, the city has been immortalized in countless songs that capture its unique energy, culture, and history. In this collection of 20 Songs About Denver, we explore some of the most iconic and memorable songs that have been written about the city. Each song offers a different perspective on Denver and its people, ranging from upbeat celebrations of the city’s vibrancy and beauty to dark and gritty depictions of its underbelly. Some of the songs are classic hits that have been beloved by generations of music fans, while others are lesser-known gems that deserve wider recognition. Together, these top 20 Songs About Denver offer a diverse and richly layered portrait of this iconic American city, showcasing its many faces and moods through the power of music. Whether you are a longtime resident of Denver or simply a lover of great music, this collection is sure to provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this fascinating and endlessly fascinating place.

1. “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World

“Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World is an upbeat and catchy alternative rock song that tells the story of a person who feels lost and disconnected from their life. The lyrics speak to the desire to break free from a monotonous routine and embark on a new adventure. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer repeatedly proclaiming “you’ll never have to be alone” as a message of hope and reassurance to the listener. The song is driven by a catchy guitar riff and the band’s signature melodic sensibility, making it a standout track on their album “Clarity” and a fan favorite among Jimmy Eat World’s discography.

2. “Gone to Denver” by Waylon Jennings

“Gone to Denver” by Waylon Jennings is a country ballad that tells the story of a man who is leaving his life behind to start anew in Denver, Colorado. The song begins with a melancholic guitar melody and Jennings’ mournful vocals, conveying the sadness and regret of leaving loved ones behind. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up and the mood becomes more hopeful, with Jennings singing about the possibilities that await him in Denver. The song is a classic example of Jennings’ storytelling abilities and his ability to capture the bittersweet nature of change and new beginnings.

3. “40 Miles From Denver” by Yonder Mountain String Band

“40 Miles From Denver” by Yonder Mountain String Band is an energetic bluegrass song that tells the story of a man who is trying to escape the hustle and bustle of city life by retreating to the mountains. The song features fast-paced banjo picking, fiddle, and mandolin, giving it a lively and upbeat feel. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains and the peace that can be found in nature. The chorus, which is both catchy and memorable, captures the feeling of freedom and adventure that can be found on the open road. Overall, “40 Miles From Denver” is a quintessential bluegrass tune that celebrates the beauty of the great outdoors.

4. “Colorado Girl” by Steve Earle

“Colorado Girl” by Steve Earle is a tender and heartfelt country-folk song that pays tribute to a woman from Colorado who captures the singer’s heart. The song features gentle acoustic guitar and harmonica, giving it a mellow and introspective feel. The lyrics are simple but evocative, painting a picture of the woman’s beauty, strength, and independence. Earle’s vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of longing and devotion. The chorus, which features the line “there ain’t no way I’m ever going back to Colorado,” captures the singer’s deep connection to the woman and to the state of Colorado itself. Overall, “Colorado Girl” is a beautiful love song that showcases Earle’s songwriting skills and his ability to capture the essence of a place and a person.

5. “Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger

“Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger is a high-energy rock and roll song that urges the listener to leave the city and hit the open road. The song features Seger’s signature raspy vocals and driving guitar riffs, giving it a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics are full of action and adventure, with Seger singing about getting in a fast car and leaving the city lights behind. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Seger repeatedly urging the listener to “get out of Denver” and start a new adventure. Overall, “Get Out of Denver” is a classic rock anthem that captures the spirit of freedom and rebellion that characterized much of Seger’s early work.

6. “Denver” by Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band

“Denver” by Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band is a country ballad that tells the story of a man who is trying to win back the love of a woman who has left him for Denver, Colorado. The song features beautiful harmonies and gentle acoustic guitar, giving it a mellow and contemplative feel. The lyrics are filled with emotion and longing, with Gatlin singing about the pain of being separated from his lover and the hope that he can win her back. The chorus is simple but poignant, with Gatlin repeatedly asking “Denver, can’t you see she’s still in love with me?” Overall, “Denver” is a classic country love song that showcases the Gatlin Brothers’ vocal harmonies and their ability to convey complex emotions through music.

7. “Denver” by Willie Nelson

“Denver” by Willie Nelson is a melancholic country song that tells the story of a man who is leaving Denver and the woman he loves behind. The song features Nelson’s distinctive vocal style and gentle acoustic guitar, giving it a mournful and introspective feel. The lyrics are full of regret and heartbreak, with Nelson singing about the pain of leaving a place and a person behind. The chorus is simple but powerful, with Nelson repeating the line “Denver, I’m leaving” as a way of acknowledging the difficulty of the decision he has made. Overall, “Denver” is a beautiful and emotional song that showcases Nelson’s songwriting abilities and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.

8. “Back to Denver” by Billy D’Vette

“Back to Denver” by Billy D’Vette is an upbeat rockabilly song that celebrates the joys of returning to the Mile High City. The song features a driving rhythm section and twangy guitar, giving it a classic rock and roll feel. The lyrics are full of energy and enthusiasm, with D’Vette singing about the excitement of seeing the mountains and the Denver skyline again. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with D’Vette proclaiming “I’m going back to Denver, where the air is thin and the sun shines bright.” Overall, “Back to Denver” is a fun and lively song that captures the spirit of adventure and excitement that can be found in the city and the surrounding mountains.

9. “Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady

“Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady is a raucous rock and roll song that tells the story of a group of friends who are trying to have a good time in Denver, Colorado. The song features loud guitar riffs and pounding drums, giving it a sense of energy and urgency. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and references to local landmarks, with frontman Craig Finn singing about driving around town, hanging out in bars, and getting into trouble. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Finn repeating the line “We had a couple of Denver Haircuts” as a way of recalling the wild and crazy night they had. Overall, “Denver Haircut” is a fun and rowdy song that captures the essence of a night out on the town in the Mile High City.

10. “I’ll Always Have Denver” by Steve Wariner

“I’ll Always Have Denver” by Steve Wariner is a country ballad that tells the story of a man who has lost his love but finds comfort in the memories of their time together in Denver, Colorado. The song features Wariner’s smooth and soulful vocals, along with gentle acoustic guitar and strings, giving it a melancholic and nostalgic feel. The lyrics are filled with emotion and longing, with Wariner singing about the pain of separation and the hope that the memories of their time in Denver will sustain him. The chorus is powerful and poignant, with Wariner proclaiming “I’ll always have Denver, as long as I remember.” Overall, “I’ll Always Have Denver” is a beautiful and heartfelt song that showcases Wariner’s songwriting skills and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

11. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

“Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver is a classic folk rock song that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains. The song features Denver’s gentle and soulful vocals, along with acoustic guitar and lush orchestration, giving it a sense of peacefulness and wonder. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of the natural landscape, with Denver singing about soaring eagles, mountain lakes, and clear blue skies. The chorus is catchy and uplifting, with Denver repeatedly proclaiming “Rocky Mountain High, Colorado.” Overall, “Rocky Mountain High” is a beloved song that captures the spirit of adventure and connection to nature that has drawn so many people to the mountains of Colorado.

12. “A Mile High in Denver” by Jimmy Buffett

“A Mile High in Denver” by Jimmy Buffett is an upbeat country rock song that tells the story of a man who finds himself in Denver and decides to embrace the laid-back and carefree lifestyle of the Mile High City. The song features Buffett’s distinctive vocals, along with driving drums and twangy guitar, giving it a sense of fun and adventure. The lyrics are full of references to local landmarks and customs, with Buffett singing about the beauty of the mountains and the simplicity of life in Colorado. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Buffett repeating the line “A mile high in Denver, I’m a mile away from you” as a way of expressing his longing for home. Overall, “A Mile High in Denver” is a lively and entertaining song that captures the essence of the carefree and adventurous spirit that is so prevalent in Denver and the surrounding areas.

13. “Boulder to Birmingham” by Emmylou Harris

“Boulder to Birmingham” by Emmylou Harris is a hauntingly beautiful country ballad that expresses the singer’s feelings of grief and loss after the death of her former musical partner, Gram Parsons. The song features Harris’s pure and emotional vocals, along with gentle acoustic guitar and a mournful pedal steel, giving it a sense of wistful longing. The lyrics are full of powerful imagery and poetic language, with Harris singing about searching for a way to heal her broken heart and find peace. The chorus is haunting and evocative, with Harris repeating the line “I’m going to hold my head high like a queen of the heartaches, and this ain’t nothin’ new,” as a way of expressing her resilience in the face of pain and heartbreak. Overall, “Boulder to Birmingham” is a beautiful and deeply personal song that showcases Harris’s immense talent as a singer and songwriter.

14. “Last Night in Denver” by The Lowdown Drifters

“Last Night in Denver” by The Lowdown Drifters is a classic country rock song that tells the story of a man who is spending his last night in Denver before hitting the road and moving on to new adventures. The song features the band’s twangy guitars, smooth harmonies, and driving rhythm section, giving it a sense of energy and excitement. The lyrics are full of references to local landmarks and customs, with the singer singing about drinking and partying with his friends and taking in the beauty of the city one last time. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the band repeating the line “Last night in Denver, last chance to be a sinner,” as a way of expressing their desire to make the most of their time in the city. Overall, “Last Night in Denver” is a fun and lively song that captures the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with exploring a new place and bidding farewell to old memories.

15. “O.D.’d in Denver” by Hank Williams, Jr

“O.D.’d in Denver” by Hank Williams Jr. is a poignant and tragic country song that tells the story of a man who loses his lover to a drug overdose in the Mile High City. The song features Williams Jr.’s raw and emotional vocals, along with mournful pedal steel and a steady, driving rhythm section, giving it a sense of both sorrow and anger. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of drug use and the devastating consequences that can follow, with Williams Jr. singing about his heartbreak and sense of betrayal. The chorus is haunting and powerful, with Williams Jr. repeating the line “O.D.’d in Denver, wake me up and set me free,” as a way of expressing his overwhelming grief and desire to escape from his pain. Overall, “O.D.’d in Denver” is a tragic and deeply moving song that explores the devastating impact of addiction and loss.
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16. “Colorado Girl” by Townes Van Zandt

“Colorado Girl” by Townes Van Zandt is a beautiful and poignant folk song that celebrates the singer’s love for a woman from the Centennial State. The song features Van Zandt’s gentle and emotive vocals, along with his acoustic guitar and subtle touches of mandolin and fiddle, giving it a sense of intimacy and warmth. The lyrics are full of poetic imagery and evocative descriptions of the Colorado landscape, with Van Zandt singing about his desire to be with the woman he loves and experience the beauty of the state together. The chorus is simple but powerful, with Van Zandt repeating the line “Colorado girl, don’t let your life get behind you,” as a way of expressing his hope and optimism for the future. Overall, “Colorado Girl” is a touching and heartfelt song that showcases Van Zandt’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

17. “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band

“Colder Weather” by the Zac Brown Band is a country ballad that tells the story of a man who is constantly on the move and struggles with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The song features the band’s signature harmonies, acoustic guitars, and poignant lyrics, giving it a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and evocative descriptions of the cold and lonely winter months, with the singer expressing his longing for his partner and the life he left behind. The chorus is anthemic and powerful, with the band repeating the line “I’m headed out west to the coast for a change, in my life and some scenery,” as a way of expressing the singer’s desire for change and the hope that he can find a way to reconcile his wandering ways with his need for connection. Overall, “Colder Weather” is a beautiful and heartfelt song that speaks to the universal experience of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life.

18. “The Salesman, Denver Max” by Blood Brothers

“The Salesman, Denver Max” by the Blood Brothers is a frenzied and intense post-hardcore song that tells the story of a travelling salesman named Denver Max. The song features the band’s signature chaotic and abrasive sound, with pounding drums, dissonant guitars, and shouted vocals that convey a sense of urgency and chaos. The lyrics are full of vivid and surreal imagery, with the band painting a picture of a dystopian world where Denver Max is trying to sell his wares to an apathetic and indifferent public. The chorus is explosive and cathartic, with the band repeating the line “He’s the salesman, Denver Max, he’s got a suitcase full of cash,” as a way of expressing the dark and cynical worldview of the song. Overall, “The Salesman, Denver Max” is a visceral and intense song that showcases the Blood Brothers’ talent for creating music that is both challenging and exhilarating.

19. “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” by Warren Zevon

“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” by Warren Zevon is a gritty and darkly humorous song that tells the story of a group of low-level criminals in Denver who are struggling to survive in a violent and unforgiving world. The song features Zevon’s raspy vocals, driving drums, and bluesy guitar riffs, giving it a sense of urgency and danger. The lyrics are full of black humor and vivid descriptions of the criminal underworld, with Zevon singing about hitmen, drug dealers, and prostitutes, as well as the various ways they try to escape their troubles. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Zevon repeating the line “Just don’t let your feet drag, little doggy, don’t you tag along,” as a way of expressing the dark and nihilistic worldview of the song. Overall, “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” is a gritty and unforgettable song that showcases Zevon’s talent for crafting music that is both clever and poignant.

20. “Denver” by Parker Eidle

“Denver” by Parker Eidle is a mellow and introspective song that captures the feeling of longing and nostalgia for a place that one has left behind. The song features Eidle’s soft and plaintive vocals, acoustic guitar, and subtle drums and bass, giving it a sense of wistfulness and melancholy. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of Denver’s landmarks and streets, with Eidle singing about his memories of the city and his desire to return there someday. The chorus is dreamy and atmospheric, with Eidle repeating the line “Oh Denver, you’ve got me” as a way of expressing his emotional connection to the city. Overall, “Denver” is a poignant and heartfelt song that showcases Eidle’s talent for creating music that is both gentle and evocative.

Simon Robinson

Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.