Meaning of "Forest Lawn" by John Denver

"Forest Lawn" by John Denver reflects on the commercialization and commodification of death and funerals in modern society. The narrator satirizes the extravagant and ostentatious nature of the funeral industry, portraying a stark contrast between the desire for a simple farewell and the reality of lavish and over-the-top funeral services. Through humorous and ironic descriptions of golden flowers, topless dancers, and souvenirs at the funeral store, Denver critiques the superficiality and excess associated with death culture. The repeated refrain of wanting to go simply when he goes underscores the narrator's longing for a genuine and meaningful farewell, stripped of the commercialized elements that have come to dominate the funeral industry. By parodying the elaborate funeral services offered by Forest Lawn, Denver highlights the absurdity of turning death into a spectacle and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and simplicity in honoring the departed.