John Denver's song "Blow Up Your TV" tells the story of a chance encounter between the narrator and a levelheaded dancer. The setting is a bar or club, where the jukebox breaks, and the dancer approaches the soldier. She gives him a peck on the back of the neck and proceeds to share some advice. The dancer suggests that they should avoid the distractions and negative influences of modern media. She encourages the soldier to "blow up your TV, throw away your paper," indicating a desire to disconnect from the constant barrage of information and entertainment. Instead, she urges him to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life in the country. The dancer's suggestion includes building a home, planting a garden, and indulging in the simple pleasures of life, like eating peaches. Additionally, she suggests seeking spiritual enlightenment by trying to find Jesus on one's own, rather than relying on external sources or institutions. The narrator portrays himself as somewhat naive during this encounter, recognizing the dancer's hidden agenda but going along with it anyway. He is captivated by her dancing and her song, which seems to dictate his actions. As the story progresses, the dancer's influence continues to impact the soldier's life. He eventually decides to leave his current situation, and before departing, the dancer admits that she does not have all the answers but is willing to give it a try. This implies that she may not have all the solutions to life's questions but is also on a journey of self-discovery. The final verse reveals the outcome of their newfound way of life. They follow the dancer's advice and "blow up" their TV, disconnecting from mainstream media. They leave behind the distractions of the city and move to the countryside, where they build a home and raise a family. They feed their children on peaches, symbolizing the simplicity and naturalness of their lifestyle. The line "they all found Jesus on their own" suggests that their pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment led each person to discover their own unique path to finding faith. Overall, "Blow Up Your TV" is a song about rejecting the avid consumption of media and embracing a more simple and fulfilling existence. It highlights the importance of self-reliance and personal discovery in finding meaning and purpose in life.
