13 Songs About Colorado

As a Coloradan, I can tell you there’s something truly magical about our state that inspires musicians across genres to put pen to paper and craft songs celebrating its beauty. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant culture of Denver, Colorado has captured the hearts and imaginations of artists for decades.

In this playlist, we’ll explore 20 songs that pay homage to the Centennial State. These tracks aren’t just catchy tunes; they’re love letters to our snow-capped peaks, endless blue skies, and the unique spirit that makes Colorado home. Whether you’re a native, a transplant, or just passing through, these songs will make you feel the essence of Colorado in your soul.

1. “Where The Columbines Grow” by Arthur John Flynn

“Where The Columbines Grow” holds a special place in Colorado’s history as the state’s official song. Written by Dr. Arthur John Flynn, it was formally adopted in 1915. The song pays tribute to Colorado’s state flower, the Rocky Mountain columbine, which is endemic to the state’s Rocky Mountain region.

The columbine flower holds significant importance in Colorado. It’s not only the state flower but also protected by law. Harvesting too many of these flowers or handling them too harshly is considered a misdemeanor in Colorado. This legal protection underscores the flower’s cultural and ecological significance to the state.

2. “Colorado” by Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line, an American country music duo formed in 2010 by Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, released “Colorado” as part of their album “Dig Your Roots”. The song, released in 2018, is a rowdy anthem about getting over a breakup.

The lyrics of “Colorado” cleverly play on the state’s reputation for legalized marijuana, using it as a metaphor for numbing the pain of heartbreak. The song mentions having “friends from Colorado” and “friends from Tennessee,” implying a contrast between substances used for coping – likely referencing Colorado’s cannabis and Tennessee’s whiskey.

Musically, “Colorado” leans more towards country than pop compared to some of Florida Georgia Line’s earlier releases. It features a woozy, staggering barroom feel with a bar-band vibe, perfectly complementing the song’s theme of drowning sorrows.

3. “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World

“Lucky Denver Mint” is a song by the American rock band Jimmy Eat World, released in 1999 as part of their third studio album “Clarity”. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about Denver or Colorado. According to vocalist and lyricist Jim Adkins, the song is about “getting drunk in Las Vegas”.

The song gained popularity when it was added to the rotation of KROQ, a major modern rock radio station in Los Angeles, even before the album’s official release. This unexpected success helped convince their label, Capitol Records, to formally release both the song and the album.

Interestingly, despite its title, “Lucky Denver Mint” didn’t receive much airplay in Denver, Colorado. The song’s popularity led to its inclusion in the soundtrack of the movie “Never Been Kissed,” starring Drew Barrymore, which helped introduce Jimmy Eat World to an international audience.

Musically, “Lucky Denver Mint” features droning and ambient guitar tones and drum loops under the band’s alt-pop-rock sound. It has since become an emo standard, contributing to Jimmy Eat World’s status as trailblazers in the genre.

4. “I-70 Westbound” by The Railbenders

“I-70 Westbound” by The Railbenders is a song that captures the excitement and anticipation of traveling west on Interstate 70 towards the Colorado mountains. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the journey, with Jim Dalton singing, “There’s a road I know that will take you up to heaven.”

This song resonates strongly with Front Range residents who are familiar with the experience of driving west on I-70. It encapsulates the growing excitement as travelers near their mountain destinations, whether for adventure or peaceful retreats. The lyrics likely describe the changing landscape, from the urban areas near Denver to the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Musically, The Railbenders probably incorporate elements of country and rock, reflecting the energy of the journey and the rugged Colorado landscape. The song likely features strong guitar work and driving rhythms to mirror the experience of cruising down the interstate.

“I-70 Westbound” serves as an anthem for Colorado residents and visitors alike, celebrating the unique experience of traveling through the state and the anticipation of reaching the beloved mountain areas. It captures a quintessential Colorado experience, making it a fitting addition to the canon of songs about the Centennial State.

5. “O.D.’d In Denver” By Hank Williams Jr.

“O.D.’d In Denver” is a song by Hank Williams Jr., released in 1979 as part of his album “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound”. This track explores themes of love, drug abuse, and the consequences of excessive and destructive behavior. The song’s title is a play on words, using the acronym “O.D.” which typically stands for “overdose,” combined with the location of Denver, Colorado.

The lyrics of “O.D.’d In Denver” tell a story of a person who experiences a drug-related incident in Denver. The song deals with the darker aspects of substance abuse and its impact on relationships.

Hank Williams Jr., known for his blend of country, rock, and blues, often incorporates personal experiences and social commentary into his music. This song likely reflects the hard-living, outlaw country image that Williams cultivated throughout his career.

6. “Forty Miles From Denver” By Yonder Mountain String Band

“Forty Miles From Denver” is a bluegrass-infused song by Yonder Mountain String Band. The track showcases the band’s energetic playing style and tight harmonies, featuring fast-paced mandolin and banjo playing, driving bass lines, and powerful vocals.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man stuck in a small town 40 miles from Denver, dreaming of the adventures and excitement to be had in the city. This narrative captures the restlessness and desire for new experiences that often accompany life in small towns near larger urban centers.

With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, “Forty Miles From Denver” serves as an anthem for those seeking adventure and new horizons. The song’s bluegrass roots and high-energy performance make it a standout track for fans of the genre and those who appreciate tight musicianship.

7. “Rocky Mountain Way” By Joe Walsh

“Rocky Mountain Way” is a classic rock song written and performed by Joe Walsh, originally released in 1973 on the album “The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get”. The song was inspired by Walsh’s move from Cleveland to Boulder, Colorado, after leaving his previous band, The James Gang.

Walsh recounts that the lyrics came to him while he was mowing his lawn in Colorado. Looking up at the Rocky Mountains, he was struck by their beauty and the realization that his decision to move had been the right one. The opening lines, “Spent the last year Rocky Mountain way / Couldn’t get much higher,” reflect this epiphany.

Musically, “Rocky Mountain Way” features a dense, layered guitar sound, with Walsh playing “six or seven” guitars on the rhythm part. The song is also notable for its use of the talk box, a device that creates a distinctive robotic vocal effect, which Walsh borrowed from steel guitar player Pete Drake.

Despite only reaching #23 on the charts upon its release, “Rocky Mountain Way” has become a classic rock staple and a signature song for Walsh. It has been adopted by Colorado sports teams, with the Colorado Rockies baseball team playing it after every home win since 1995, and the Denver Broncos football team using it during their home games.

The song’s enduring popularity is attributed to its authentic, live-band sound and its celebration of the natural beauty and freedom associated with the Rocky Mountains. It has become an anthem for Colorado and continues to resonate with listeners decades after its initial release.

8. “Get Out Of Denver” By Bob Seger

“Get Out Of Denver” is a high-energy rock song released by Bob Seger in 1974 as part of his album “Seven”. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually based on any real experiences in Denver. Seger wrote it as a Chuck Berry-inspired rocker, specifically crafted to be an exciting live performance piece.

The song’s lyrics tell a fictional story of a wild road trip, featuring Cadillacs speeding through Nebraska, encounters with state troopers, and all-night driving. Its fast-paced rhythm and catchy chorus make it an ideal opening track, which is how it was positioned on the “Seven” album.

Although “Get Out Of Denver” only reached No. 80 on the Billboard chart, it has become a classic over time. The song has been covered by various artists and has shown remarkable staying power. It’s often recognized as the first song many fans heard from Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, as “Seven” was the debut album for this iconic lineup.

Interestingly, Bruce Springsteen, a friend and admirer of Seger, has occasionally covered the song in concert, particularly when performing in Denver. Springsteen first performed it live in 2002 and has used it as a show opener in Denver concerts in 2003 and 2012.

9. “Boulder To Birmingham” By Emmylou Harris

“Boulder To Birmingham” is a poignant and deeply personal song by Emmylou Harris. It’s known to be one of Harris’s most beloved and emotionally charged compositions.

The song’s title references two locations: Boulder, Colorado, and Birmingham, Alabama, suggesting a journey or connection between these two places. It’s often interpreted as a tribute to Gram Parsons, Harris’s mentor and close friend who died in 1973.

Harris’s emotive vocals and the song’s introspective lyrics have made it a standout in her extensive catalog. The track showcases her ability to blend country, folk, and rock influences, a hallmark of her distinctive style.

“Boulder To Birmingham” has been covered by various artists over the years, testament to its enduring appeal and the respect Harris commands in the music industry.

10. “Rocky Mountain High” By John Denver

“Rocky Mountain High” is one of John Denver’s signature songs, released in 1972. The song is an ode to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, inspired by Denver’s experiences after moving to Aspen, Colorado in the late 1960s.

The lyrics celebrate the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies and the sense of peace and belonging Denver found there. The song describes the awe-inspiring landscapes, from “cathedral mountains” to “silver clouds,” and the profound effect these surroundings had on Denver’s life and outlook.

“Rocky Mountain High” became a massive hit, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity helped cement Denver’s status as one of the leading folk and country-pop artists of the 1970s.

The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success. In 2007, it was adopted as one of Colorado’s two official state songs, recognizing its cultural significance and its role in promoting the state’s natural beauty to a global audience.

Despite some controversy over misinterpretations of the lyrics (some thought “high” referred to drug use, which Denver denied), “Rocky Mountain High” remains a beloved anthem for Colorado and a testament to the inspirational power of nature.

11. “Colorado Girl” By Townes Van Zandt

“Colorado Girl” is a poignant folk song by the legendary singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Known for his ability to craft deeply emotional and introspective lyrics, Van Zandt showcases his songwriting prowess in this tender ballad about love and loss.

The song features Van Zandt’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style, which provides a gentle, melodic backdrop to his raw and emotive vocals. This musical arrangement perfectly complements the melancholic tone of the lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.

At its core, “Colorado Girl” tells the story of a man who has lost touch with a woman who once captured his heart. The lyrics, while simple, are incredibly powerful in their ability to convey the universal themes of nostalgia and heartache. Van Zandt’s storytelling paints a vivid picture of longing, with the Colorado setting serving as both a literal place and a metaphor for lost love.

The timeless quality of “Colorado Girl” is one of its most striking features. The song has an ageless feel, as if it could have been written centuries ago, yet it remains relevant and touching to modern listeners. This timelessness is a hallmark of Van Zandt’s work and contributes to the song’s enduring appeal among folk music enthusiasts.

12. “A Mile High In Denver” By Jimmy Buffett

“A Mile High In Denver” is a reflective and introspective song by Jimmy Buffett, featured on his album “Down to Earth”. The song paints a vivid picture of a traveler’s experience in Denver, Colorado, blending personal narrative with the city’s unique characteristics.

The lyrics begin with the narrator sitting “on a pocket full of hard-earned wages,” suggesting a journey fueled by work and determination. Buffett’s storytelling takes us through the changing seasons in Colorado, from winter’s frost to the naked trees, capturing the state’s dynamic climate.

The chorus, “I’m about a mile high in Denver, where the rock meets timberline,” serves as an anchor point, emphasizing the city’s elevation and its proximity to nature. This imagery reinforces the sense of being at a crossroads, both geographically and metaphorically.

Throughout the song, Buffett weaves themes of personal growth and self-discovery. Lines like “Need a little love to try some givin'” and “Try a little love and then start livin'” suggest a transformative experience, with Denver serving as the backdrop for this personal evolution.

13. “I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” By John Denver

“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” is a heartfelt folk song by John Denver, released in April 1971 as part of his album “Poems, Prayers, and Promises”. While not as famous as some of his other works, this song is a beautiful, understated ode to the state of Colorado.

The song’s arrangement is intentionally simple, featuring Denver’s acoustic guitar and vocals. This minimalist approach allows the lyrics and Denver’s emotive delivery to take center stage, creating an intimate listening experience. The simplicity of the music also evokes a sense of the vast, open spaces of Colorado.

Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who longs to be in Colorado, despite living in New York City. Denver paints vivid images of Colorado’s natural beauty, describing the sky as looking “like a pearl after the rain”. The contrast between the bustling city life and the serene mountain landscape is a central theme, highlighting the pull of nature on the human spirit.

The chorus, “I guess he’d rather be in Colorado,” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the protagonist’s yearning for the state. Denver’s lyrics touch on various aspects of Colorado life, from playing banjo in the morning to spending time in Boulder Canyon, creating a multifaceted portrait of the state.

Interestingly, while John Denver is closely associated with Colorado (even taking his stage name from the state’s capital), this song was actually written by Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. Nevertheless, Denver’s delivery makes the song his own, infusing it with his deep love for the state.

“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” showcases John Denver’s ability to capture the essence of a place through music, creating a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt a deep connection to a particular landscape or location.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.