Today, Explained – Episode: "Almost Heaven"

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Sean Ramford and Noel King
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction: The Global Phenomenon of "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

In this episode of Today, Explained, hosts Sean Ramford and Noel King delve into the enduring global popularity of John Denver's iconic song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The discussion explores how a regionally specific anthem transcended its American roots to become a beloved tune worldwide, particularly in Asia and among West Virginians.

Unraveling the Mystery: How Did a West Virginia Anthem Go Global?

Sean Ramford begins by recounting his surprise at witnessing a Scottish band performing "Country Roads," highlighting the song's unexpected international reach. This curiosity leads to an investigation into how such a region-specific song became a global favorite.

Professor Sarah Morris, an assistant professor of English at West Virginia University, provides scholarly insight into the song's widespread appeal. She emphasizes the strategic distribution by John Denver's label, RCA, which propelled the song to diverse international markets early in its release.

"When RCA realized how popular the song was gonna be and it was actually shared outside of the United States first, they really started sharing it with different artists and that caused its global popularity to move pretty quickly."
— Emma Chamberlain (02:11)

The RCA Strategy: A Game of Musical Telephone

Sarah Morris explains that RCA employed a "game of telephone" approach by distributing "Country Roads" to various artists across different genres and regions. This tactic resulted in multiple versions of the song, each resonating with diverse audiences:

• Olivia Newton-John's Country Pop Version: Disseminated throughout Europe.
• West Virginia Mountain Momo: Gained traction in West Virginia.
• Ray Charles' R&B Cover: Targeted African American markets.

This multifaceted distribution strategy ensured that "Country Roads" appealed to a broad spectrum of listeners, fostering its global ubiquity.

Musical Anatomy: Why "Country Roads" Resonates

Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched On Pop and a professor of music at NYU, breaks down the song's structural genius. He attributes its success to adherence to Irving Berlin's fundamental songwriting principles:

1. Singable Range: The song's melody is accessible, allowing virtually anyone to sing along.
2. Memorable Title: The phrase "Country Roads" is prominently featured, making it unforgettable.
3. Simple Composition: Its straightforward melody and structure facilitate widespread appeal.

Harding further highlights the song's melody, described as "Mi re do," a fundamental sequence underpinning much of Western music, which ingrains it deeply in listeners' memories.

"Country Roads contains the most fundamental, most memorable melody, Mi re do. That is the whole structure of the chorus melody."
— Charlie Harding (04:14)

Eastward Bound: "Country Roads" in Asia

Jason Jung, a writer based in Brooklyn, shares fascinating insights from his Atlantic article on the song's impact in Asia. He references a 2009 study by sociologists Grant Blank and Heidi Ruppke, which found "Country Roads" to be the favorite American song among Chinese college students. The song served as a cultural symbol, representing an idealized vision of America during a time of shifting US-China relations.

The historical context underscores the song's role in soft diplomacy. Following Deng Xiaoping's visit to the US in 1979, efforts to bridge cultural gaps included inviting American artists like John Denver to tour China, further cementing the song's place in Asian pop culture.

Armed Forces Radio: The Untold Catalyst

Harding and Jung discuss the role of the US military presence in Asia during the 20th century as a pivotal factor in disseminating American pop culture. Through Armed Forces Radio, "Country Roads" was introduced to millions in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The song's innocent and universally appealing nature made it an ideal choice for broadcast, bypassing stricter content regulations of the time.

"Country Roads was innocuous, but it was also a crowd pleaser. No matter the crowd, 100%."
— Charlie Harding (12:32)

Cultural Integration: More Than Just a Song

The episode explores how "Country Roads" became intertwined with West Virginian identity despite being penned by outsiders. Sarah Morris notes that the proximity of the songwriters to West Virginia and John Denver's active engagement with the state helped bridge the gap between the song's origins and its adopted home.

However, some West Virginians critique the song for its geographical inaccuracies, such as references to the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which only marginally pertain to the state. Nonetheless, the song remains a cultural staple, used in various communal settings like weddings, funerals, protests, and even political rallies.

The Political Dimension: A Neutral Anthem in a Divided Landscape

While "Country Roads" primarily evokes emotional resonance, it inevitably intersects with political narratives. Emma Chamberlain discusses instances where political figures, including President Trump, have used the song to foster a sense of unity and belonging among supporters. This usage underscores the song's versatile role in both personal and political spheres.

"Our emotions are tied up in politics. So when a candidate plays Country Roads at a rally, we think he's on our side."
— Emma Chamberlain (23:37)

Transcending Boundaries: The Song's Timeless Appeal

The hosts reflect on the song's ability to transcend stereotypes and biases. "Country Roads" serves as a unifying force, appealing to a wide range of listeners regardless of their background or political leanings. Its themes of longing for home and belonging strike a universal chord, allowing the song to remain relevant across generations and cultures.

Emma Chamberlain introduces the concept of "horiath," a Welsh term denoting a deep longing for a place that may never have existed. This existential yearning is at the heart of "Country Roads," enabling it to resonate with listeners worldwide, even those who have never visited West Virginia.

"Country Roads creates an imaginary landscape that's flexible and can be applied to any home. It taps into a deep-seated, universal feeling of wanting to belong."
— Emma Chamberlain (26:36)

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of "Country Roads"

As the episode wraps up, Sean Ramford summarizes the multifaceted impact of "Country Roads." From its strategic international distribution to its deep emotional resonance, the song exemplifies how music can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. It remains a beloved anthem, not just for West Virginians, but for millions around the globe who find solace and connection in its melody and lyrics.

Key Takeaways:

• Global Reach: "Country Roads" achieved international fame through strategic distribution and cultural integration.
• Musical Simplicity: Its accessible melody and structure make it universally singable.
• Cultural Symbolism: The song serves as a beacon of American culture, particularly in Asia.
• Emotional Resonance: Themes of home and belonging create a timeless appeal.
• Political Utilization: The song's versatility allows it to be used in various political and social contexts.

Produced by Victoria Chamberlain. Edited by Matthew Collette. Fact-Checked by Laura Bullard. Mixed by Andrea Christensdotter and Patrick Boyd.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "When RCA realized how popular the song was gonna be and it was actually shared outside of the United States first, they really started sharing it with different artists and that caused its global popularity to move pretty quickly."
  — Emma Chamberlain (02:11)

• "Country Roads contains the most fundamental, most memorable melody, Mi re do. That is the whole structure of the chorus melody."
  — Charlie Harding (04:14)

• "Our emotions are tied up in politics. So when a candidate plays Country Roads at a rally, we think he's on our side."
  — Emma Chamberlain (23:37)

• "Country Roads creates an imaginary landscape that's flexible and can be applied to any home. It taps into a deep-seated, universal feeling of wanting to belong."
  — Emma Chamberlain (26:36)

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