About The Song
John Denver, a name deeply etched in the annals of folk music, has gifted us with countless timeless melodies. Among his vast repertoire, “The Little Engine That Could” stands as a unique and heartwarming tribute to the enduring power of positivity and perseverance. While the original tale is a beloved children’s story, Denver’s rendition transforms it into a poignant reflection on the human spirit, resonating with listeners of all ages.
Originally a children’s book by Watty Piper, “The Little Engine That Could” tells the tale of a small locomotive tasked with a daunting challenge: to deliver toys to children on the other side of a mountain. Despite being smaller and seemingly less capable than the other engines, the little engine perseveres, repeating the mantra, “I think I can, I think I can.” Denver’s version captures the essence of this classic tale, imbuing it with his signature warmth and sincerity.
Denver’s adaptation of “The Little Engine That Could” is more than just a children’s song; it’s a timeless anthem of hope and determination. Through his heartfelt vocals and the gentle strumming of his guitar, Denver invites listeners to reflect on their own challenges and to find inspiration in the little engine’s unwavering belief in itself.
The song’s simplicity belies its profound message. By focusing on the universal themes of perseverance, self-belief, and the power of a positive attitude, Denver ensures that his rendition of “The Little Engine That Could” will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come. The lyrics, while simple, carry a weight that is both comforting and inspiring. The repeated phrase, “I think I can,” serves as a powerful affirmation, reminding us that even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished with a little faith and determination.
John Denver’s “The Little Engine That Could” is more than just a children’s song. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a reminder that we all have the capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. Through his heartfelt rendition of this classic tale, Denver has created a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages.
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Lyric
There was a little railroad train with loads and loads of toysAll starting out to find a home with little girls and boysAnd as that little railroad train began to chug alongThe little engine up in front was heard to sing this songChoo, choo, choo, chooChoo, choo, choo, chooI feel so good todayOh hear the trackOh clickety clackI’ll go my merry wayThe little train went rousing on so fast it seemed to flyUntil it reached a mountain that went almost to the skyThe Little engine moaned and groaned and huffed and puffed awayBut halfway to the top it just gave up and seemed to sayI can’t goI can’t goI’m weary as can beI can’t goI can’t goThis job is not for meThe toys got out to push but all in vain alas alackAnd then a great big engine came a whistling down the trackThey asked if it would kindly pull them up the mountain sideBut with a high and mighty sneer it scornfully replied IDon’t bother meDon’t bother meTo pull the likes of youDon’t bother meDon’t bother meI’ve better things to doThe toys all started crying ’cause that engine was so meanAnd then there came another one, the smallest ever seenAnd though it seemed that she could hardly pull herself alongShe hitched on to the train and as she pulled she sang this songI think I canI think I canI think I have a planAnd I can do most anythingIf I only think I canThen up that great big mountain with the cars all full of toysAnd soon they reached the waiting arms of little girls and boyAnd though that ends the story it will do you lots of goodTo take a lesson from the little engine that couldJust think you canJust think you canJust have that understoodAnd very soon you’ll start to sayI always knew I couldI knew I couldI knew I couldI knew I couldI knew I couldI knew I couldI knew I could, yeah!