Denver wrote the song in early 1981 while separated from his wife, Annie Martell. The lyrics use natural metaphors—ocean, fire, thunder—to describe love as both a place of shelter and a source of conflict. Annie Martell later stated this was her favorite song written by Denver.
: Despite initial skepticism from promoters, the song gained traction after a major Philadelphia radio station began playing it every hour. Buying Guide: Finding the 1981 Recording Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Denver wrote the song in early 1981 while
The recording of is a landmark crossover collaboration between American folk singer John Denver and Spanish operatic tenor Plácido Domingo . Originally written by Denver as a personal reflection on his failing marriage to Annie Martell, the song became the title track of Domingo's gold-certified crossover album. Production & Studio Background : Despite initial skepticism from promoters, the song