Meaning of "Junk" by John Denver

John Denver's "Junk" delves into the theme of materialism versus emotional significance. The mention of motorcars, bicycles, parachutes, army boots, and sentimental items like candlesticks and building bricks illustrates a spectrum of possessions that can hold sentimental value for different reasons. The repetition of "Buy, Buy says the sign in the shop window, Why, why says the junk in the yard" emphasizes the conflict between commercialism pushing people to buy more things, while the objects they already possess hold deeper, personal meanings. The song ultimately reflects on how consumer culture can lead to an accumulation of things that may not necessarily bring happiness, highlighting the importance of cherishing sentimental items and memories over the constant need to acquire new possessions.