Some songs come easily, while others have a price. For Joe Walsh, “Rocky Mountain Way” was one of the most expensive songs he ever wrote—literally. What started as a moment of inspiration in his backyard quickly turned into an unexpected expense. But in the end, the song became one of his most iconic hits.
In 1971, Walsh left the James Gang and embarked on a new musical journey. Settling in Colorado, he formed Barnstorm and began working on what would become The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get. The album was a defining moment for Walsh, setting the stage for his solo career.
However, “Rocky Mountain Way” had an unusual origin story. As Walsh mowed his lawn, the lyrics came to him in a flash. But in his excitement to write them down, he left the mower running, causing damage that would cost him a hefty sum. Despite the financial setback, the song became a breakthrough hit, proving that inspiration sometimes comes at a price.
Leaving James Gang and Starting Fresh
In 1971, Joe Walsh made the bold decision to leave the James Gang and move to Colorado. Seeking a fresh start, he formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli. While Barnstorm was technically a band, Walsh’s name was prominently used for their work, and their breakthrough album, The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get, solidified his reputation as a solo artist.
The move was risky, but Walsh felt the need to explore new creative avenues and step out of the confines of his previous band. The change allowed him to experiment more freely with his music and create something that felt more personal and reflective of his evolving style. Reflecting on this period, Walsh said: “I had left the James Gang, left Cleveland, and gone to Colorado because Bill Szymczyk was there, and so were a whole bunch of other people I knew.”
The transition wasn’t easy, and there were moments of doubt. Walsh wasn’t entirely sure if leaving a successful band was the right move, but he trusted his instincts. As he worked on the album, he realized that his decision had opened doors to a new chapter of his career, one that would eventually define him as a legendary musician.
The Birth of “Rocky Mountain Way”
One of the most iconic tracks from the album was “Rocky Mountain Way”. However, writing the lyrics came with an unexpected cost. According to Walsh, the inspiration struck him in the most unusual way. He was in his backyard, mowing the lawn, reflecting on his career choices and the uncertainty of his future.
At that moment, he looked up and saw the majestic Rocky Mountains. The view was breathtaking, a reminder of why he had moved to Colorado in the first place. It was a moment of clarity that sparked the lyrics for what would become one of his most memorable songs.
As he pondered his future, he looked up and saw the Rocky Mountains. The view struck him, and suddenly, the lyrics came to him in a flash. “And that was it – the words came: ‘Spent the last year Rocky Mountain way/Couldn’t get much higher.’”
This realization cemented his belief that he had made the right choice. The words captured the essence of his journey, the highs and uncertainties of starting anew. He felt an overwhelming sense of confidence, and he knew he had to get the lyrics down immediately.
A Pricey Songwriting Session
As soon as the lyrics hit him, Walsh ran into the house to write them down before they slipped away. However, in his rush, he forgot to turn off the lawnmower. The unattended machine continued moving and ended up wrecking his neighbor’s rose bushes. What started as a moment of creative brilliance quickly turned into an expensive mishap. His neighbor was furious, and Walsh soon realized that this burst of inspiration would come with a price tag.
The damage wasn’t cheap. “So those lyrics wound up costing me, I don’t know, maybe 1,500 bucks. But it was well worth it. The neighbor, though, was pissed. I said to her, ‘You don’t understand! I got the words!’ But she just looked at me.”
To Walsh, the expense was a small price to pay for what would become a defining song in his career. The humor of the situation wasn’t lost on him either. He often recounted the story, laughing at how his artistic process sometimes had unintended consequences. But in the end, the song was worth every penny.
The Legacy of “Rocky Mountain Way”
Despite the hefty price tag, Rocky Mountain Way became a major success, getting extensive radio play and cementing Walsh’s place in rock history. The song was more than just a hit; it was a defining moment in his career. Its infectious groove and powerful lyrics resonated with listeners, becoming a staple of classic rock radio. The song embodied Walsh’s journey—leaving behind the familiar, taking a risk, and finding something even greater.
Even decades later, the song remains one of Walsh’s most beloved tracks. Its legacy extends beyond just being a fan favorite; it represents the power of taking risks and embracing change. For Walsh, Rocky Mountain Way was more than just a song—it was a symbol of artistic freedom and the rewards of following one’s instincts. His costly lawnmower mishap became a legendary story, a testament to the unpredictable nature of creativity.
In the end, Walsh’s costly moment of inspiration paid off. Rocky Mountain Way remains a beloved rock anthem, proving that sometimes, great music comes at an unexpected price.