John Denver's song "Whose Garden Was This?" is a reflection on the beauty of nature and the world that humans have inherited. The lyrics pose questions about the origins and ownership of the various elements of nature, such as gardens, rivers, skies, and breezes, and express a longing to experience and connect with them. The song begins with the narrator wondering about the identity of the garden and if it was filled with lovely flowers. They mention that they have only seen pictures of flowers and have never had the opportunity to smell one, implying a sense of longing and deprivation. The narrator then moves on to question the ownership of the river and its color. They express a desire to be present in a place where blue rivers flow freely, as they have only seen such scenes in pictures and long to experience it firsthand. As the song progresses, the narrator repeatedly asks to be told again about the beauty of nature, emphasizing their need to believe in the existence of forests with green meadows, blue oceans, and birds flying freely. They seek reassurance and a reaffirmation of the truthfulness of these images. The song also touches upon contrasting colors, like the question of whether the sky was gray or blue. The narrator mentions having heard records of breezes but has yet to experience them personally, indicating a disconnect between their world and the natural wonders both seen and heard of. Overall, "Whose Garden Was This?" conveys a yearning for a deeper connection with nature and suggests that the beauty and harmony of the natural world should be cherished and protected. It invites listeners to appreciate and take responsibility for the environment, reminding them of the wonders they might be missing out on if they don't engage with and preserve nature.
