John Denver's song "Late Nite Radio" is about finding comfort and companionship through listening to the radio during the late hours of the night when one may feel lonely. The lyrics depict the different people and experiences that can be heard on late-night radio broadcasts. The song highlights the presence of lonely hearts in Arkansas and truckers in Des Moines, emphasizing that people from all walks of life turn to the radio in the early morning hours for solace. The singer describes this time as a "world unknown to daytime" that continues to exist on the airwaves between midnight and dawn. Late-night radio becomes a metaphorical friend that keeps the singer company during their lonely moments. The singer reminisces about tuning into the radio, catching the news, and listening to old songs that bring back nostalgic memories. The lyrics suggest that the radio provides a sense of comfort and familiarity, helping the singer imagine what life was like in the past and how things could have been different. The song also touches on the singer's interest in UFOs, indicating that late-night radio allows them to explore different topics and escape the mundane aspects of daily life. The lyrics express a desire to call a talk show but lacking the courage to do so. In the end, the singer acknowledges their faith but expresses a preference for late-night radio over religious programming during these late hours. They find solace in the radio's ability to provide a lullaby to help them fall asleep. Overall, "Late Nite Radio" is a tribute to the comfort and companionship that late-night radio can offer during moments of isolation and loneliness. It highlights the singer's reliance on the radio as a source of entertainment, connection, and solace during the late hours of the night.
