John Denver：Meaning of Berkeley Woman Songmeaning

The song "Berkeley Woman" by John Denver tells the story of a man who is captivated by a free-spirited woman he sees sitting in a rocking chair. The woman, described as a "natural mama," exudes an authentic beauty with her red cheeks and lack of makeup. The man is drawn to her and feels a strong connection while watching her sway and sing. However, the man is in a relationship with another woman who witnesses his longing gaze towards the Berkeley woman. She becomes hurt and angry, expressing her feelings through scratching, clawing, screaming, and crying. She accuses him of not giving her the love she deserves while being ready to be with someone else. Although the man acknowledges his partner's accusations may be valid and considers trying to mend their relationship, he recognizes his restless nature, or "wanderlust," which would likely lead him to repeat the same mistakes and cause his partner more pain. Overall, the song reflects on the conflict between the man's desire for freedom and his commitment to his partner. It also suggests that love and attraction are not limited to one specific type of person, comparing it to enjoying various types of wine.