Sister Golden Hair by America

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Sister Golden Hair by America

Sister Golden Hair by America

Folk Rock Music

Some guys are just not ready for marriage, and this song might be a good explanation (or excuse) for a fella to deliver to his girlfriend. America was formed in England in 1970 with members Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek. Beckley wrote this song for America’s 1975 album “Hearts.” The album was produced by Beatles producer George Martin, and we can hear that right off the bat–the song opens with a lyrical, double-tracked, George Harrison-style slide guitar lick and a very British sounding tambourine backing the classic opening verse.

Even though the singer has cold feet about marriage, he certainly gives a message of love and warmth in a melodic, folk-rock sort of way. The haunting verses are written in the aeolian mode, or natural minor scale, and give way to a standard rock chorus where the singer asks his girlfriend “Will you meet me in the middle?” After the final chorus, the group sings a round of “wop, doo-wop” signaling a happy ending.

Gerry Beckley said the inspiration for the title came from the band: all three of their moms were blondes. Later, America recorded a version in Spanish called “Hermana de Cabellos Dorados.” Gerry Beckley doesn’t speak Spanish, so he learned to sing it phonetically.

“Sister Golden Hair” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1975 but fell off after a week. It remains a classic anthem for all guys who are just a bit queasy about making the Big Commitment.

America formed in London in 1970. Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek met as sons of U.S. Air Force personnel, who were stationed in London.  Dan Peek died in 2011. America with numerous touring musicians continue to perform.

Here are the lyrics to “Sister Golden Hair” by America:

Well I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed.
I ain’t ready for the altar but I do agree there’s times
When a woman sure can be a friend of mine.

Well, I keep on thinkin’ ’bout you, sister golden hair surprise
And I just can’t live without you, can’t you see it in my eyes?
I been one poor correspondent, and I been too, too hard to find
But it doesn’t mean you ain’t been on my mind.

Will you meet me in the middle, will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little, just enough to show you care?
Well I tried to fake it, I don’t mind sayin’, I just can’t make it.

Well, I keep on thinkin’ ’bout you, sister golden hair surprise
And I just can’t live without you, can’t you see it in my eyes?
Now I been one poor correspondent, and I been too, too hard to find
But it doesn’t mean you ain’t been on my mind.

Will you meet me in the middle, will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little, just enough to show you care?
Well I tried to fake it, I don’t mind sayin’, I just can’t make it

Doo wop, wop doo wop…

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Sister Golden Hair” by America.

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