Calypso

John Denver

About Calypso

"Calypso" is a song written by John Denver in 1975 as a tribute to Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his research ship, the Calypso. The song was featured on Denver's 1975 album Windsong. Released as the B-side of "I'm Sorry", "Calypso" received substantial airplay, enabling it to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. After "I'm Sorry" fell out of the #1 position, "Calypso" began receiving more airplay than "I'm Sorry," thus causing Billboard to list "Calypso" as the new A-side. Hence, "Calypso" is itself considered a #2 hit on the Hot 100. John Denver was a close friend of Cousteau. Calypso was the name of Cousteau's research boat that sailed around the world for ocean conservation. 


Year:
1990
68 
#1

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To sail on a dream on a crystal clear ocean
To ride on the crest of a wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and living
In search of the answers to the questions unknown
To be part of the movement and part of the growing
Part of beginning to understand

Aye Calypso the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you so long and so well

Like the dolphin who guides you, you bring us beside you
To light up the darkness and show us the way
For though we are strangers in your silent world
To live on the land we must learn from the sea
To be true as the tide and free as a wind swell
Joyful and loving in letting it be

Aye Calypso the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you so long and so well

Aye Calypso the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you so long and so well

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John Denver

Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success was as a solo singer. Throughout his life, Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed. He performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his enthusiasm for music, and relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country and western, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him 1… more »

20 fans

Written by: John Denver

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Writing Inspiration
"Calypso" by John Denver was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's marine conservation research ship, the Calypso. Denver's fascination with underwater exploration and conservation led to such a sentimental composition.
Album Feature
The song appears on John Denver's fifteenth studio album, "Windsong", released in 1975. The album reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the USA for multiple weeks.
Musical Style
"Calypso" is a folk music style ballad that incorporates orchestra elements and a choir, marrying Denver's folk roots with more intricate musical arrangements.
Instrumentation
The song's lighting-quick strumming pattern on the 12-string acoustic guitar is one of the significant highlights of its instrumentation, creating a vibrant and energetic momentum.
Chart Success
Despite not being the first single released off the "Windsong" album, "Calypso" climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1975.
Double-sided Single
"Calypso" was released as a 'B-side' to the single "I'm Sorry." Despite being a B-side, it still managed to achieve commercial success.
Tribute Element
The lyrics of the song reflect Denver's admiration for Cousteau's work, singing about the freedom of the ocean and honoring Cousteau's dedication to marine preservation.
Shared Passion
John Denver was an environmental activist. His passion for nature preservation mirrored Jacques Cousteau's, thereby making "Calypso" a heartfelt homage to a shared commitment.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Calypso" has been covered by several other artists, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence in music.
Live Performances
"Calypso" was regularly featured in Denver's live performances and was a favorite among audiences at concerts.
Posthumous Recognition
After John Denver's untimely death in a private plane crash, the song grew in popularity and is often used to memorialize and honor him.

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