Since its release almost 50 years ago, “Country Roads” has become a global sensation: more than 150 artists have covered the song in at least 19 languages. It’s less a song and more a cultural phenomenon. Via Flickr.Īs any native of the Mountain State can attest, West Virginians really love John Denver’s classic song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Fans sing it after every West Virginia University football game, the state has included the song’s lyrics in its official slogan, and (as this author can attest) natives compulsively belt its chorus whenever driving across the state line. Caricature of John Denver for a Detroit area radio station.