About The Song
John Denver, a name synonymous with heartfelt folk music and beautiful melodies, has gifted us with countless songs that have resonated deeply with audiences. Among his vast repertoire, “The Box” stands out as a profound exploration of human nature and societal issues. This evocative piece, while seemingly simple, carries a complex message that continues to be relevant today.
Originally a poem by Kendrew Lascelles, “The Box” was brought to life through Denver’s heartfelt rendition. The song presents a powerful allegory, using the image of a mysterious box to symbolize various societal ills. Denver’s folksy style and introspective lyrics invite listeners to ponder the implications of their actions and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The central image of the box, “bound up with chains and locked with locks,” represents the constraints and limitations that humans impose upon themselves and others. The lyrics, “It didn’t really seem to care much who it bumped, or why, or what, or for,” highlight the impersonal nature of these constraints, suggesting that systems and structures often prioritize power and control over compassion and empathy.
Denver’s performance of “The Box” is both haunting and thought-provoking. His emotive vocals and the song’s minimalist arrangement create a sense of unease, urging listeners to confront the darker aspects of the human condition.
“The Box” is more than just a song; it’s a call to action. By inviting listeners to question the status quo and to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality, Denver ensures that this song remains relevant and impactful. Whether you’re a longtime fan of John Denver or simply appreciate thought-provoking music, “The Box” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyric
Once upon a time in the land of HushabyeAround about the wondrous days of yoreI came across a sort of boxBound up with chains and locked with locksAnd labeled kindly do not touch; it’s warDecree was issued ’round aboutAll with a flourish and a shoutAnd a gaily colored mascot tripping lightly on beforeDon’t fiddle with this deadly box, or break the chains, or pick the locksAnd please, don’t ever play about with warWell, the children understoodChildren happen to be goodThey were just as good around the time of yoreThey didn’t try to pick the locks, or break into that deadly boxThey never tried to play about with warMummies didn’t eitherSisters, aunts, grannies neitherCause they were quiet, and sweet, and pretty in those wondrous days of yoreWell, very much the same as now, not the ones to blame somehowFor opening up that deadly box of warBut someone didSomeone battered in the lidAnd spilled the insides out across the floorA sort of bouncy, bumpy ball made up of guns and flagsAnd all the tears, and horror, and the death that goes with warIt bounced right outAnd went bashing all aboutAnd bumping into everything and storedAnd what was sad and most unfair is that it didn’t seem to care who much it bumpedOr why, or what, or forIt bumped the children mainlyAnd I’ll tell you this quite plainlyIt bumps them every day, and more and more, and leaves them dead and burned and dyingThousands of them sick and cryingCause when it bumps, it’s really very soreNow, there’s a way to stop the ballIt isn’t difficult at allAll it takes is wisdom; I’m absolutely sure that we could get it back into the boxAnd bind the chains and lock the locksNo one seems to want to save the children any moreWell, that’s the way it all appearsCause it’s been bouncing ’round for years and yearsIn spite of all the wisdom since those wondrous days of yoreAnd the time they came across the boxBound up with chains and locked with locksAnd labeled “kindly do not touch, it’s war”