Almost Heaven: The Song, The Singer, and a Swing in Gassaway

 

🎶 Almost Heaven: The Song, The Singer, and a Swing in Gassaway

You know that moment when a song starts playing, and before you even realize it, you’re singing along, word for word, heart wide open?

That’s Take Me Home, Country Roads, or as most of us lovingly call it, Almost Heaven.

What many people don’t know is that the man who made the song famous, John Denver, wasn’t born anywhere near West Virginia.

In fact, his real name was Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., and he came into the world on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico.

Yes, that Roswell, the one with the UFO stories! 👽

His dad was an Air Force pilot, which meant young John moved constantly, from state to state, even to Japan. Maybe that’s why so many of his songs carry a longing for home, for roots, for the peace of open skies and winding roads.

 The Song That Found Its State

In 1970, two songwriters, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, were driving through the countryside, working on a tune they hoped to pitch to Johnny Cash.

They had never been to West Virginia either! They were actually thinking of western Maryland, but “West Virginia” just sang better.

When John Denver heard the rough version, he loved it, joined in to finish the lyrics, and recorded it soon after.

And just like that, a man who had never set foot in the state gave it one of its proudest anthems.

“Almost heaven, West Virginia…” became a phrase that still makes hearts swell.

Released in 1971, the song shot up the charts and straight into the soul of the Mountain State.

By 2014, it was officially declared one of West Virginia’s state songs, and it’s now impossible to imagine a WV celebration without it.

 From Music to Memory: The “Almost Heaven Swing”

Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find that Almost Heaven isn’t just a song, it’s a whole vibe.

All across the state, there are giant Almost Heaven Swings, wooden swings with the words carved above them, placed in some of the prettiest scenic spots around.

One of my favorites?

The Almost Heaven Swing at the historic Gassaway Depot, right here in Gassaway, West Virginia.

Perched near the Elk River Trail, it’s the perfect place to sit, sway, and hum those familiar lyrics while the evening light turns golden.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s impossible not to smile as you realize, yes, this really does feel a little like heaven.

 So, Next Time You’re Here…

Find the swing, take a seat, and let your feet dangle over the moment.

Whisper a quiet “thank you” to Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., the boy from Roswell who somehow captured the soul of a state he’d never seen.

And when you do, don’t forget to hum along:

“Country roads, take me home,

To the place I belong…”