Farewell Andromeda is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter John Denver, released in June 1973. The LP made Billboard's Top 20, reaching No. 16, with three singles subsequently released: "I'd Rather Be a Cowboy" [#62 POP, #25 AC], "Farewell Andromeda" [#89 POP, No. 20 AC] and "Please, Daddy" [#69 POP, No. 69 C&W].
Record World called the title track a "bright and positive ditty in the same vein as 'Rocky Mountain High.'"
Background Farewell Andromeda was released as a follow-up to Denver's commercially successful album Rocky Mountain High (1972). At the time, Denver had established himself as one of the leading folk pop artists in the United States, and the album continued his exploration of themes such as nature, humanity, family, and spirituality.
The album's title is believed to have been inspired by a line from the poem A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The title track, "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)", combines cosmic imagery with spiritual themes, reflecting Denver's expanding songwriting approach, which moved beyond personal experience and nature-focused storytelling toward more philosophical and abstract ideas.
The album was produced in collaboration with producer Milt Okun and features a soft acoustic sound rooted in folk music, country, and pop music. Its songs continue Denver's recurring themes, including reverence for nature, nostalgia for the American West, family values, and spiritual reflection.
The album includes tracks such as "I'd Rather Be a Cowboy", "Please, Daddy", and "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)", all of which were also released as singles. In particular, "I'd Rather Be a Cowboy" reflects romanticized imagery of the American frontier and is often regarded as a strong example of Denver's blend of country and folk influences.
Track listing
Personnel John Denver – guitar, vocals Eric Weissberg – banjo, steel guitar Jan Camp Garrett – mandolin, vocals Victor Garrett – bass, vocals Lawrence Gottlieb – steel guitar, vocals Lee Holdridge – string arrangements Michael Holmes – piano Dick Kniss – bass Herbie Lovelle – drums George Marge – woodwind Frank Owens – piano Paul Prestopino – guitar, autoharp John Sommers – banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocals Toots Thielemans – harmonica Don Wardell – Executive Producer Bryan Bowers – autoharp Chip Taylor, Steve Chapin, Bill Danoff, Taffy Danoff, Steve Mandell, Martine Habib, Campden Street Choir – vocals Technical Kris O'Connor – assistant producer Acy R. Lehman – art director Mark English – cover art
References