John Denver's song "Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio" tells the story of a seemingly mundane and uneventful Saturday night in Toledo, Ohio. The lyrics paint a picture of a town where time passes slowly, as people sit in the park and watch the grass die. However, as the sun sets and darkness falls, the atmosphere changes. The sidewalks are rolled back, indicating that the town is shutting down for the night, and the people who call Toledo home disappear from sight. The song then introduces three individuals who find themselves in downtown Toledo, seeking companionship on this lonely night. Two truckers from Great Falls, Montana, and a salesman from an unknown place come together, united in their solitude. The lyrics also express the singer's personal experience in Toledo, Ohio. He mentions spending a week there that felt like just a day. He humorously mentions the city's entertainment, highlighting a bakery where one can watch the buns rise. Additionally, the song acknowledges Toledo's contribution to society, specifically referencing the Toledo Scale. The city became known for producing accurate weighing scales, promising honest weight. The lyrics suggest being grateful for this invention and encouraging people to smile and be thankful when getting weighed. The song concludes with the phrase "wive and wet wive," which could be interpreted as a playful pun on "live and let live." It encourages letting sleeping dogs lie, suggesting that it's best not to stir up unnecessary trouble. Finally, the song bids farewell to the dogs of Toledo, Ohio, indicating a departure from the town and the end of the song. Overall, the song highlights the quiet and uneventful nature of Toledo, Ohio, while also touching on the unique characteristics and contributions of the city.
