20 Songs About Denver

Denver is the capital of Colorado and the largest city in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. The Mile High City has a rich musical history, and many artists have written songs about Denver over the years. Here are just a few of our favorites.

1. “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World

First on the list is this song by Jimmy Eat World, which was released in 1998. The song is about the city of Denver and the author’s love for it.

It was featured in the movie Never Been Kissed, where it was used as Drew Barrymore’s character’s love song for her hometown. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.

2. “Gone to Denver” by Waylon Jennings

The next song on our list is “Gone to Denver” by Waylon Jennings. This song is about a man who has left his home and gone to Denver in search of a better life.

The song was released in 1973 as part of the Lonesome, On’ry and Mean album. This bluesy track now has over 17k views on Youtube so go check it out.

3. “40 Miles From Denver” by Yonder Mountain String Band

Yonder Mountain String Band is a bluegrass band from Colorado, so it’s no surprise that they have a song about Denver.

This track is from their 1999 album Elevation and it tells the story of a man who is trying to get away from his problems by heading west. You can find this song on all major streaming platforms.

4. “Colorado Girl” by Steve Earle

“Colorado Girl” was originally released by Townes Van Zandt in 1969. This version of the song was recorded by Steve Earle in 2009 as part of the Townes album and it quickly became a fan favorite. The song is about a man who is in awe of a certain Colorado girl.

5. “Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger

The next song is about leaving the city of Denver. In “Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger, the narrator is ready to leave the city and start anew elsewhere. He’s had enough of the city and is ready to get out. It was released in 1974 as part of his Seven album.

6. “Denver” by Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band

“Denver” is a song about a man who is trying to get over a lost love. He recalls all of the happy memories he had with her in the city of Denver.

Even though she is gone, he still loves her and misses her. The song was released in 1984 by Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band. You can find it on their Houston to Denver (Expanded Edition) album.

7. “Denver” by Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is a country music legend and he has a song about Denver as well. In “Denver”, the narrator is homesick for the city. The song was released in 1975 as part of his Red Headed Stranger album. It amassed over 200k views when it was uploaded on Youtube in 2011.

8. “Back to Denver” by Billy D’Vette

This next song is a more recent one and it’s called “Back to Denver” by Billy D’Vette. In the song, the narrator is reminiscing about his time in Denver.

He’s thinking about all of the good memories he had and how much he misses the city. The song was released in 2020 and you can find it on his album of the same title.

9. “Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady

Next up is a song about a man getting a haircut before meeting with his girl at the airport. The Hold Steady are a Brooklyn-based band, but they’ve got a lot of love for Colorado (and its beer).

This song is off their 2019 album Thrashing Thru the Passion which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

10. “I’ll Always Have Denver” by Steve Wariner

Another song about leaving someone you love behind, this time it’s a woman that Steve Wariner is saying goodbye to.

He swears he’ll always remember the good memories they had in Denver though, no matter what happens in their relationship. This song was released in 1999 as part of Wariner’s album Two Teardrops.

11. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

John Denver is a Colorado icon and this song, released in 1972, is one of his most well-known. It’s a celebration of all the things that make the Rocky Mountains such a special place. If you’ve ever felt the urge to pack up and move to Colorado after hearing this song, you’re not alone.

12. “A Mile High in Denver” by Jimmy Buffett

“A Mile High in Denver” is a song about, you guessed it, flying into Denver. Jimmy Buffett sings about how he’s looking forward to the mile-high city and all the good times he’s going to have there.

This song was released on Buffett’s 1970 album Down to Earth which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

13. “Boulder to Birmingham” by Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris’ “Boulder to Birmingham” was released in 1975 for her Pieces of the Sky album. This is one of her most iconic tracks which was also covered by various artists like Dolly Parton and The Fray over the years.

It’s about a woman who is having a hard time to get over the loss of her lover and the happy memories they shared together.

14. “Last Night in Denver” by The Lowdown Drifters

Next on the list is a song about a man who is leaving Denver for the last time. He’s looking back on all the good times he had in the city and wondering if he’ll ever come back again.

The Lowdown Drifters are a Colorado-based band and this song was released in 2019 as part of their Last Call for Dreamers album.

15. “O.D.’d in Denver” by Hank Williams, Jr.

“O.D.’d in Denver” is a song about a man who died of a drug overdose in the city. Hank Williams, Jr. sings about how he regrets not being there for his friend when he needed him the most.

This song was released in 1989 as part of Williams’ Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound album.  It now has over 5 million views on Youtube and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

16. “Colorado Girl” by Townes Van Zandt

This next song is the original version of the previous song on this list by Steve Earle, “Colorado Girl” by Townes Van Zandt.

This song was released in 1969 as part of his self-titled album and is about a man who is trying to find his way back to the girl he loves in Colorado. It’s a beautiful and heartwarming track that’s definitely worth a listen.

17. “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band

Next on the list is “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band. This song is about a man who is missing the girl he loves who is now living in Colorado. He’s hoping that someday she’ll come back to him and they can be together again.

This track was released in 2010 as part of the band’s Pass the Jar: Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

18. “The Salesman, Denver Max” by Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is a Denver-based band and this song is about one of their hometown’s most famous residents, “Denver Max.” He was a salesman who was known for his fast talking and always being on the go.

This song was released in 2003 as part of the band’s …Burn, Piano Island, Burn album and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

19. “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” by Warren Zevon

Another song about a person leaving Denver, this time it’s because the narrator is going to die. This morbid tune was written by Warren Zevon and released in 1991 on his album Mr. Bad Example. It’s a classic Zevon song, filled with dark humor and biting wit.

20. “Denver” by Parker Eidle

Finishing up our list is “Denver” by Parker Eidle. This song is a love letter to the city, with Eidle singing about all the things he loves about Denver.

It’s a beautiful and peaceful tune, with a perfect message for anyone who’s fallen in love with the city. You can find it on his album of the same title released in 2022.

Final Thoughts

That’s our list of our favorite songs about Denver! These songs perfectly capture the feeling of this great city, from the Rocky Mountains to the thriving nightlife. We hope you enjoyed our picks and maybe found a new favorite song about Denver yourself. Thanks for reading!