CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It's been more than 40 years since John Denver recorded "Take Me Home, Country Roads." West Virginians naturally took the words to heart and rare is the resident who doesn't know the lyrics.

But its popularity extends well beyond the state line. Mention West Virginia nearly anywhere in the world, and someone will break into a chorus of "Country Roads."

Bands play it, karaoke machines stock it and bar crowds sing it. "County Roads" is popular with people who have never set foot in the West Virginia. When my family visited Rome, we stepped into an elevator with an elderly Italian gentleman, who looked at the West Virginia logo on my brother's shirt and said in a heavy accent, "Ah, West Virginia. Country Roads."

In what unexpected place have you heard the song? What does it mean to you? We want to know. Email jul...@wvgazette.com or call 304-348-1230 to share your story.