"San Francisco Mabel Joy" is not a song by John Denver. It is actually a song written by country singer Mickey Newbury and recorded by various artists, including Tom T. Hall and Mickey Newbury himself. The lyrics tell the story of a young man from Waycross, Georgia, who leaves his rural life behind to seek adventure in Los Angeles. The protagonist's parents were simple farmers, and his mother died at a young age. Feeling a strong desire to explore the world, he hops on a freight train and arrives in Los Angeles. However, life in the big city is far from glamorous, and he faces poverty and hunger. While in L.A., he meets a girl named Mabel Joy, who is known for her presence on the Strip (possibly referring to Sunset Strip). They fall in love, and she brings joy and meaning to his life. However, one night before their planned departure, a violent encounter occurs, leaving him beaten and abandoned. The story then takes a dark turn when the protagonist turns 21 and ends up in prison. The judge shows no mercy for the country boy, and while in jail, he longs for a way to escape and reunite with Mabel Joy. Eventually, he is wounded and, in search of Mabel Joy, finds out she left the house they planned to live in shortly before. The song ends with the suggestion that she may still be looking for her "Georgia farm boy." Overall, "San Francisco Mabel Joy" tells a somber tale of a young man's journey from a simple life in Georgia to the harsh realities of city life in Los Angeles. It explores themes of love, loss, longing, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.
