sometimes, it is great being old. in the past, there were great singer/songwriters. my childhood was blessed seeing them perform. one of these artists was john denver. he penned a song about finding happiness in the experience of the little things in life that we all can share in. the song is “sunshine on my shoulders.” (click on the song time if you want to see a music video of his performance.)
the lyrics are
“sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
sunshine on the water looks so lovely
sunshine almost always makes me high
if I had a day that I could give you
i’d give to you the day just like today
if I had a song that I could sing for you
i’d sing a song to make you feel this way
sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
sunshine on the water looks so lovely
sunshine almost always makes me high
if I had a tale that I could tell you
i’d tell a tale sure to make you smile
if I had a wish that I could wish for you
i’d make a wish for sunshine for all the while
sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
sunshine on the water looks so lovely
sunshine almost always makes me high
sunshine almost all the time makes me high
sunshine almost always.” genius.com
john denver is quoted that “i wrote the song in minnesota at the time i call ‘late winter, early spring.’ it was a dreary day, gray and slushy. the snow was melting and it was too cold to go outside and have fun, but god, you’re ready for spring. you want to get outdoors again and you’re waiting for that sun to shine, and you remember how sometimes the sun itself can make you feel good. and in that very melancholy frame of mind, i wrote ‘sunshine on my shoulders’. genius.com
the creator of the universe has little ways to provide us inspiration and joy. the simple rays of the sun, to john denver, was a reason to be happy. it provided him good feelings and hope for the future. no matter our station in life, rich or poor, old or young, race, religion, or nationality, we can all share and enjoy the experience of the warmth from a ray of sun.
john denver, during his time of popularity had a close fictional relationship with god. he starred in a hit comedy film “oh god!” in which he portrays a modern messenger of god. john denver personally loved nature and supported causes relating to it.
if you are feeling down in this time of lockdowns, pop outside and catch a few rays, feel the warmth, and find a little happiness.
this blog likes to be difficult, however. it should be noted that this little ray of sunshine is an awesome event which involved a ray of light travelled 93 million miles at speed of 186,287 miles per second to reach you on earth. cite and per nasa. the magnitude of these rays journey to touch you should be an additional source of joy.
be well!
The Ten Commandments Project 