About the song
John Denver’s “Shanghai Breezes”: A Nostalgic Look at Love and Loss
“Shanghai Breezes” is a song by American singer-songwriter John Denver. It was released in 1982 as the second single from his album Seasons of the Heart. The song is a soft, reflective ballad about love, loss, and longing.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is reminiscing about a lost love. He remembers the time they spent together in Shanghai, and he sings about how much he misses her. The song ends with the man expressing his hope that he will see her again someday.
“Shanghai Breezes” is a beautiful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a song about the power of love and the pain of loss. It is also a song about hope and the possibility of new beginnings.
Analysis
“Shanghai Breezes” is a well-crafted song that showcases John Denver’s songwriting skills. The melody is simple and haunting, and the lyrics are poetic and evocative. Denver’s vocals are warm and expressive, and he delivers the song with a sense of sincerity and emotion.
The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, it is a very relatable song. The themes of love, loss, and longing are universal, and listeners can easily connect with the song’s emotional message. Second, the song is beautifully written and performed. Denver’s songwriting and vocals are both top-notch, and the song is a pleasure to listen to. Finally, the song has a timeless quality. It is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is sure to continue to resonate with listeners for many years to come.
Video
Lyrics
“Shanghai Breezes”
It’s funny how you sound as if you’re right next door when you’re really half a world away.
I just can’t seem to find the words I’m looking for to say the things that I want to say.
I can’t remember when I felt so close to you, it’s almost more than I can bear.
And though I seem a half a million miles from you, you are in my heart and living there.
And the moon and the stars are the same ones you see, it’s the same old sun up in the sky.
And your voice in my ear is like heaven to me like the breezes here in old Shanghai.
There are lovers who walk hand in hand in the park and lovers who walk all alone.
There are lovers who lie unafraid in the dark and lovers who long for home.
Oh, I couldn’t leave you even if I wanted to, you’re in my dreams and always near.
And especially when I sing the songs I wrote for you, you are in my heart and living there.
And the moon and the stars are the same ones you see, it’s the same old sun up in the sky.
And your face in my dreams is like heaven to me just like the breezes here in old Shanghai.
Shanghai breezes, cool and clearing, evening’s sweet caress.
Shanghai breezes, soft and gentle, remind me of your tenderness.
And the moon and the stars are the same ones you see, it’s the same old sun up in the sky.
And your love in my life is like heaven to me, like the breezes here in old Shanghai.
And the moon and the stars are the same ones you see, it’s the same old sun up in the sky.
And your love in my life is like heaven to me, like the breezes here in old Shanghai.
Just like the breezes here in old Shanghai