Toots & The Maytals — Take Me Home, Country Roads
Album: Toots In MemphisAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2025
Length: 3:14
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Almost heaven, West Jamaica
True ridge mountains, shining down the river
All my friends there, older than those ridge
Younger than the mountains, blowin' like a breeze
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
I heard her voice, in the mornin' hour she calls me
Said "Son you remind me of my home far away"
And drivin' down the road I feel a sickness
I should have been home yesterday, yesterday
All my memories, all gathered 'round her
My my lady swingin' through the water, water
Dark and dusty painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, tears gone from my eyes
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place
True ridge mountains, shining down the river
All my friends there, older than those ridge
Younger than the mountains, blowin' like a breeze
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
I heard her voice, in the mornin' hour she calls me
Said "Son you remind me of my home far away"
And drivin' down the road I feel a sickness
I should have been home yesterday, yesterday
All my memories, all gathered 'round her
My my lady swingin' through the water, water
Dark and dusty painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, tears gone from my eyes
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place I belong
West Jamaica, my ol' momma
Take me home country roads
Country roads take me home
To the place
Comments (296)add comment
RP is determined to play everything there is.
This is a really fun enjoyable take. I love the original and I love this version.
He doesn't even know the works. If you are going to cover a song, at least learn it. I've heard better drunk karaoke.
If Willie Nelson can do reggae songs, I think it only fair that Toots does their transformation of country. And I, for one, actually like it much more than John Denver's original.
Hodgie wrote:
It shouldn't be. I really wish RP would play him.
Possibly John Denver's only avenue to RP's playlist.
Really liked John Denver's work in the mid 70's (his hits, anyway) when I was an adolescent and not-yet weened from Top 40 radio. I think I still like many of those hits. How confused all this makes me.
It shouldn't be. I really wish RP would play him.
treatment_bound wrote:
If this came out in 1988 JD had to have heard it. I expect he appreciated this version. I do.
Too bad Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. isn't around today to hear this.
If this came out in 1988 JD had to have heard it. I expect he appreciated this version. I do.
k3rmit wrote:
I also don't like this uninspired and dull cover. The original is so much richer and nuanced. It's not about taste but about quality and respect, and this ripoff (yes, not even a cover) just spits in the face of JD.
This version takes away everything that makes the original special but has nothing to add but a watered down reggae rhythm - any AI can do better nowadays.
The chord change is wrong on "place". Yes, I said wrong, not "different". Makes my brain hurt to hear (or not hear, as is the case).
I also don't like this uninspired and dull cover. The original is so much richer and nuanced. It's not about taste but about quality and respect, and this ripoff (yes, not even a cover) just spits in the face of JD.
This version takes away everything that makes the original special but has nothing to add but a watered down reggae rhythm - any AI can do better nowadays.
Jelani wrote:
It's good that you two get along so well 😅
That would be AWESOME , indeed!
Edit: I replied to my own post without realizing it!!
Edit: I replied to my own post without realizing it!!
It's good that you two get along so well 😅
Have i said this before?
This is the first version of this song I ever knew. My dad played this a LOT in the 1970s and I didn't realize this wasn't the original until I was a teen in the 80s.
I love this version.
This is the first version of this song I ever knew. My dad played this a LOT in the 1970s and I didn't realize this wasn't the original until I was a teen in the 80s.
I love this version.
Just a perfect cover...of a perfect song. Just beautiful.
HA how did I never notice the lyric is "West Jamaica"! LOL
maggierob wrote:
Fascinating?! I love reggae, can't say I'm a Denver fan, and really do not like this. And so the musical wheel keeps turning!
I like neither John Denver nor reggae, yet somehow I like this.
Fascinating?! I love reggae, can't say I'm a Denver fan, and really do not like this. And so the musical wheel keeps turning!
I like this song, brings a big smile to this aging but happy face. Free feel to guess why this connects. Peace and thanks so much to Radio Paradise, the music of my life. 
CWKeeney wrote:
Great story! Thanks!
I once picked up Toots at the airport for a concert that a friend had arranged. I had a strict rider and it specified all sorts of red stripe, etc for the busride. I dutifully got the Red Stripe, picked him and the band and family up. We got to the bus and i pointed out the Red Stripe. He looked at it, then at me and said "I don' want no Red Stripe, man. I want Red Wine! When we gonna drink some red wine?!" We went and found Red Wine. I will never forget it.
Great story! Thanks!
michaelc wrote:
Hahaha!
you have not heard this song until you hear it sung by 100's of drunk germans at octoberfest.
Hahaha!
Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
Hahaha!
Toots *is* roots!! Play mooooooooooooooore!!!!
HATERS GONNA HATE
Pack up your lack of musical diversity and close minded corporate FM radio brainwashed self and GTFO out.
kthxbai
Hahaha!
Sorry, no. The original just holds too many memories for me.
you have not heard this song until you hear it sung by 100's of drunk germans at octoberfest.
Cosmic symmetry: Willie Nelson sings The Harder They Come while Toots sings Take Me Home, Country Roads....
of course this is an exquisite song as written and performed by John Denver but the love and joy in Toots' version brings it to a whole different level. What a tribute
beautiful version play loud sing along...
Too bad Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. isn't around today to hear this.
Not a big fan of "ska" or "rock steady" or even covers, but I'm enjoying this.
Really nicely done.
Really nicely done.
Jelani wrote:
Neither is Toots now.
I love this version. Too bad JD's not around to sing along with it. That would be super fun!
Neither is Toots now.
justin4kick wrote:
I have checked but there is no John Denver in the RP-playlist. 
Jelani wrote:
That would be AWESOME , indeed!
Edit: I replied to my own post without realizing it!!
I love this version. Too bad JD's not around to sing along with it. That would be super fun!
Edit: I replied to my own post without realizing it!!
Toots!
I love this version. Too bad JD's not around to sing along with it. That would be super fun!
FUN!
Well, it's considerably better than the original . . . pxd
I loved the John Denver version when I was a kid, but this ads an extra jolt of joy.
I once picked up Toots at the airport for a concert that a friend had arranged. I had a strict rider and it specified all sorts of red stripe, etc for the busride. I dutifully got the Red Stripe, picked him and the band and family up. We got to the bus and i pointed out the Red Stripe. He looked at it, then at me and said "I don' want no Red Stripe, man. I want Red Wine! When we gonna drink some red wine?!" We went and found Red Wine. I will never forget it.
Smiling here, any song that lifts up my spirits like this - automatic 8. 
Love this album, but this song is not on it. Find it on the much earlier "Funky Kingston".
Give me John Denver's pop classic any day 
....sorry
....sorryMy guess is John Deutschendorf would have like this.
Smiling here, always nice 
Such a warm, resonant voice. The original was great, but I like this more.
"West Jamaica, my ol' momma "
Further testimony to what a great songwriter John Denver was. This remake is outstanding. Toots soars here
SinisterDexter wrote:
This is the best remake of a John Denver song EVER.
Hodgie wrote:
I also have a very soft spot in my heart for John Denver
most likely because I heard his music as a pre-teen/early teen
don't we all get mushy and nostalgic for the music we heard as youngsters?
and don't we all think our generation's music was the best, the peak, and it's all gone downhill since then?
Possibly John Denver's only avenue to RP's playlist.
Really liked John Denver's work in the mid 70's (his hits, anyway) when I was an adolescent and not-yet weened from Top 40 radio. I think I still like many of those hits. How confused all this makes me.
Really liked John Denver's work in the mid 70's (his hits, anyway) when I was an adolescent and not-yet weened from Top 40 radio. I think I still like many of those hits. How confused all this makes me.
I also have a very soft spot in my heart for John Denver
most likely because I heard his music as a pre-teen/early teen
don't we all get mushy and nostalgic for the music we heard as youngsters?
and don't we all think our generation's music was the best, the peak, and it's all gone downhill since then?
I like neither John Denver nor reggae, yet somehow I like this.
my soul is soaring
Toots is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, soul singer ever. Period. So under-rated. He turns this vapid top 40 filler into a celebration!
Oh, here's to John Denver.
The chord change is wrong on "place". Yes, I said wrong, not "different". Makes my brain hurt to hear (or not hear, as is the case).
gosvimmink wrote:
Wow. You gotta broaden your horuzons a little. There's a whole world of music out there you'd probably hate more. My first recommendation: Nickelback.
this is the worst song i've ever heard
Wow. You gotta broaden your horuzons a little. There's a whole world of music out there you'd probably hate more. My first recommendation: Nickelback.
A reggae version of this song ? Never thought I'd see the day ... It's actually pretty cool :-)
Fun version! We like reggae though so enjoying it!
jbunniii wrote:
I once heard this song performed by a Karaoke singer in a hotel in Thailand, who clearly did not speak any English and was simply doing her best to imitate the syllables. It breathed new life into the song for me.
I'd rather hear that than this.
I once heard this song performed by a Karaoke singer in a hotel in Thailand, who clearly did not speak any English and was simply doing her best to imitate the syllables. It breathed new life into the song for me.
I'd rather hear that than this.
The John Denver version is so terrible that any other version must be better.
Hated this version. Just play John Denver if you want to hear this song.
gosvimmink wrote:
I once heard this song performed by a Karaoke singer in a hotel in Thailand, who clearly did not speak any English and was simply doing her best to imitate the syllables. It breathed new life into the song for me.
this is the worst song i've ever heard
I once heard this song performed by a Karaoke singer in a hotel in Thailand, who clearly did not speak any English and was simply doing her best to imitate the syllables. It breathed new life into the song for me.
love Toots....wanna singalong....
Even though better than mr. Denver's, it doesn't work for me. My suggestion, remove it from playlist.
Gotta agree with you man... Toots does it up right.
unclemrbig wrote:
unclemrbig wrote:
I love this song for some very odd reason. It may be that although sappy it is lightyears ahead of Denver's version.
hiss to the haters here - this is a bunch of fun. it might be in bad taste to diss a dead denver, but let's cut it with the wholesome, shall we ?
Five years on (you can look it up!), this still bites.
Not bad, but it's still reggae. I give it a 2.
My 13-year-old loves this version, and that's saying something, since kids at that age are notoriously too cool for almost everything their parents like...
Possibly John Denver's only avenue to RP's playlist.
Really liked John Denver's work in the mid 70's (his hits, anyway) when I was an adolescent and not-yet weened from Top 40 radio. I think I still like many of those hits. How confused all this makes me.
Really liked John Denver's work in the mid 70's (his hits, anyway) when I was an adolescent and not-yet weened from Top 40 radio. I think I still like many of those hits. How confused all this makes me.
this is the worst song i've ever heard
Love the Toots. What a voice!
I love this song for some very odd reason. It may be that although sappy it is lightyears ahead of Denver's version.
This is just so...odd. And yet, it makes me smile and bounce a little. Yep, it's a solid 6.
Dave_Mack wrote:
Hey! You live 5.7 miles from Chipotle?
Hey, I heard this song in Chipotle the other day too. Right after the Violent Femmes.
Hey! You live 5.7 miles from Chipotle?
I hate this song. Just hate it. Unreasonably so. Not the version, the song itself. Hate it. No further comment necessary.
Caribbean karaoke.
vaughn wrote:
You know what? I am with you, I have always loved this song!
Just too fun and strange not to give it a most excellent rating!
You know what? I am with you, I have always loved this song!
jlind wrote:
I think there's worse, but they're probably all also reggae.
2 —> 5
Please stop it! 
Just too fun and strange not to give it a most excellent rating!
Art_Carnage wrote:
What heart-of-Texas are you from? John Denver was a Dallas boy and Toots has an amazing voice and is our ocean-neighbor. The 'worst' designation belongs to that Euro-synth-pop-crap (Belle and Sebastian, Portishead, Bjork - I could go on).
Hands-down, absolutely the worst song played on RP.
What heart-of-Texas are you from? John Denver was a Dallas boy and Toots has an amazing voice and is our ocean-neighbor. The 'worst' designation belongs to that Euro-synth-pop-crap (Belle and Sebastian, Portishead, Bjork - I could go on).
Hey, I heard this song in Chipotle the other day too. Right after the Violent Femmes.
Art_Carnage wrote:
I think there's worse, but they're probably all also reggae.
Hands-down, absolutely the worst song played on RP.
I think there's worse, but they're probably all also reggae.
Hands-down, absolutely the worst song played on RP.
Yea, this is a fun song!
Take me home, West Jamaica! Too Funny!!
It really makes me wonder why something like this gets played here and why not John Denver's rendition. Perhaps because John Denver is too country?
Wait, too country? What's that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or-D0wanAK8
I know Country isn't really welcome here (unfortunately) but please, why not trash this crap where it BE-loHHONGs, the dumpster...
Wait, too country? What's that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or-D0wanAK8
I know Country isn't really welcome here (unfortunately) but please, why not trash this crap where it BE-loHHONGs, the dumpster...
Is it April 1st? Perhaps two of the worst songs back to back this evening. Bedouin Crapolla and this nonsense. Holy smokes, Bill, I just logged in. And now I'm logging out.
(10 seconds pass ...)
Okay, you rascal - I see McCartney's cool little ditty is next.
"...meh-nom-meh-nom-wee-nimbeo-bow ... meh-nom-meh-nom-wee-nimbeo-bow- ..." or something like that.
(10 seconds pass ...)
Okay, you rascal - I see McCartney's cool little ditty is next.
"...meh-nom-meh-nom-wee-nimbeo-bow ... meh-nom-meh-nom-wee-nimbeo-bow- ..." or something like that.
tryallmusic wrote:
What's more ridiculous - Toots singing about his home in West Virginia or John Denver getting back to his reggae roots? We'll never know, and fortunately that's a good thing.
Agree with general consensus.
Toots = goodness.
Toots + Denver ≠ goodness.
Toots = goodness.
Toots + Denver ≠ goodness.
What's more ridiculous - Toots singing about his home in West Virginia or John Denver getting back to his reggae roots? We'll never know, and fortunately that's a good thing.
Agree with general consensus.
Toots = goodness.
Toots + Denver ≠ goodness.
Toots = goodness.
Toots + Denver ≠ goodness.
pk53 wrote:
I love to tell you: this one's so much funnier than Denver's version.
Hate to say it, but Denver's original is better than this.
I love to tell you: this one's so much funnier than Denver's version.
ziggytrix wrote:
same thing today... i have to agree that, although this is actually the first version i ever heard (my dad had the vinyl of Toots' Funky Kingston and played it to death in the 70's) i like Denver's version more... maybe i'm just less sick of it.
Two Toots covers in an hour! Madness!
same thing today... i have to agree that, although this is actually the first version i ever heard (my dad had the vinyl of Toots' Funky Kingston and played it to death in the 70's) i like Denver's version more... maybe i'm just less sick of it.
The original is wonderful, but this isn't half-bad.
Good to hear Toots on the RP in any form.
Good to hear Toots on the RP in any form.
Hate to say it, but Denver's original is better than this.
Two Toots covers in an hour! Madness!
I've never heard of Toots, but I think it's not half bad. A lot more soul than the original.
I'm a huge fan of Toots, but this song, there's just no redemption. It's awful.
I adore his voice and energy
More Toots please!
A very unexpected cover of a JD song, but strangely, it works. I loves me my reggae...
This is the best remake of a John Denver song EVER.
treatment_bound wrote:
I guess when you do it in reggae style, it's "Jah" Denver!
Wasn't this guy on the last season of The Brady Bunch?
I guess when you do it in reggae style, it's "Jah" Denver!
rdo wrote:
I'll take you a step further, the very fact that there even exists a "best of Toots" is beyond comprehension to me.
I love RP, and I would not change a thing about it, but this is something I have to mute and wait for the next song.
You both exhibit a level of ignorance that defies comprehension. I understand the concept of "to each, their own" but Toots is as important a figure to reggae (and music as a whole) as Marley, Tosh or King Tubby. Of course you've probably never heard of them either.
I'll take you a step further, the very fact that there even exists a "best of Toots" is beyond comprehension to me.
I love RP, and I would not change a thing about it, but this is something I have to mute and wait for the next song.
You both exhibit a level of ignorance that defies comprehension. I understand the concept of "to each, their own" but Toots is as important a figure to reggae (and music as a whole) as Marley, Tosh or King Tubby. Of course you've probably never heard of them either.
Why?
I do like the ? after the Release date, as if no one could believe it actually got released.
Wasn't this guy on the last season of The Brady Bunch?
Toots *is* roots!! Play mooooooooooooooore!!!!
HATERS GONNA HATE
Pack up your lack of musical diversity and close minded corporate FM radio brainwashed self and GTFO out.
kthxbai
HATERS GONNA HATE
Pack up your lack of musical diversity and close minded corporate FM radio brainwashed self and GTFO out.
kthxbai
Never thought I'd say this cause I was "too cool" back in his day but John Denver was an incredibly gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice and apparently, a hell of a genuine nice guy.
I smile whnever I hear "West Jamaica."
Art_Carnage wrote:
I'll take you a step further, the very fact that there even exists a "best of Toots" is beyond comprehension to me.
I love RP, and I would not change a thing about it, but this is something I have to mute and wait for the next song.
This is on a "very best" collection? Oh, the irony!!!
Possibly the worst song on RP.
Possibly the worst song on RP.
I'll take you a step further, the very fact that there even exists a "best of Toots" is beyond comprehension to me.
I love RP, and I would not change a thing about it, but this is something I have to mute and wait for the next song.
not too shabby, a foot tapper at least. I'm actually a close relative of John's - my oldest stepbrother's first wife was his first cousin. No, really.
My first time hearing this one, right when it started, I thought, Ray Charles? Then I went 
this version is a 9 ~ but I likes my reggae
This is on a "very best" collection? Oh, the irony!!!
Possibly the worst song on RP.
Possibly the worst song on RP.
akaike wrote:
Akaike You offer wonderful information and observation about this version of the song. I'm not a big John Denver fan but the three songs that I do like by him transport me. "...Country Road" is one of them and Toots' version takes me to another dimension. Thank you Bill and Rebecca!
All West Virginia University Mountaineers are required to/will learn this song by the end of their first semester. Personally, that training has paid off numerous times with spontaneous eruptions of this song occuring whenever I've met fellow Mounties around the country. It's almost like a secret handshake that identifies that you're in the club of people that know about the great "secret" beauty of the people and place that is West Virginia. This version goes beyond that singular world and highlights the universal desire we all have for country roads to take us home.
Akaike You offer wonderful information and observation about this version of the song. I'm not a big John Denver fan but the three songs that I do like by him transport me. "...Country Road" is one of them and Toots' version takes me to another dimension. Thank you Bill and Rebecca!
akaike wrote:
You should be slapped upside the head by kinfolk for not using the proper reference - West by God! Dammit boy, git it right.
All West Virginia University Mountaineers are required to/will learn this song by the end of their first semester. Personally, that training has paid off numerous times with spontaneous eruptions of this song occuring whenever I've met fellow Mounties around the country. It's almost like a secret handshake that identifies that you're in the club of people that know about the great "secret" beauty of the people and place that is West Virginia. This version goes beyond that singular world and highlights the universal desire we all have for country roads to take us home.
You should be slapped upside the head by kinfolk for not using the proper reference - West by God! Dammit boy, git it right.
is it cover day?
OMG, I love the mangled lyrics. Go Toots! :-)
All West Virginia University Mountaineers are required to/will learn this song by the end of their first semester. Personally, that training has paid off numerous times with spontaneous eruptions of this song occuring whenever I've met fellow Mounties around the country. It's almost like a secret handshake that identifies that you're in the club of people that know about the great "secret" beauty of the people and place that is West Virginia. This version goes beyond that singular world and highlights the universal desire we all have for country roads to take us home.
Cool.. never heard this version before.. fun .. 
akmegan wrote:
It worky for me! I dig! Refreshing reprieve from boring ass John Denver (not that Bill or Rebecca would ever play that version here!)
I heard some John Denver recently. It was surprisingly good after having avoided it for 30 years. I read up on his wikipedia entry because I had this vague remembrance that he was some psychotic racist. I guess that's not the case. He actually kicked some serious humanitarian and environmental ass. Anyway, I have new respect for him. Must be getting old.
It worky for me! I dig! Refreshing reprieve from boring ass John Denver (not that Bill or Rebecca would ever play that version here!)
I heard some John Denver recently. It was surprisingly good after having avoided it for 30 years. I read up on his wikipedia entry because I had this vague remembrance that he was some psychotic racist. I guess that's not the case. He actually kicked some serious humanitarian and environmental ass. Anyway, I have new respect for him. Must be getting old.
Bizarre.
Wow. Best cover EVER. 
RP is determined to play everything there is.
Please tell me you think this is a Good Thing!