Oh my god. I've been looking for this song for sixteen years. My parents used to play this to help me sleep when I was a baby; it reminds me of them. ☺️❤️
When I was a 9 year old kid, my folks drove to Florida to take me to Disney World. I remember this song playing during the 3 day journey and my mum and I singing along to it. I'm now 54 and just bought a house in Florida this past June, moved halfway down the coast and am still singing along to this. Cheers mum and dad...until we meet again soon. Thanks for all you did for me. Love you both.
I get it brother. Only a young 28 here haha. NY/NJ native, this is the first song I remember hearing in the car with my parents as a young child... maybe 2 years old? Lol. My sister moved to Florida 2 months ago, parents following her later this year. Life is truly a gift, so thankful I have the old days to look back on.
Me & my friend, David Frank, drove to Miami in his deep blue TR-6 in June, 75 to visit his Grandma. We hooked up with 2 girls & went picking shrooms in the N Miami cowfields. This song kept playin’ my head cuz I truly was with “Sister Golden Hair” with green eyes! Crazy times yet still a great song for my memories! 😎✌️🎶🎸🪕
Summer of '75, America, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Earth, Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, ELO; what a great time to grow up with music like this. All on AM Radio! KYA and KFRC!
A couple years ago I was listening to the local oldies station on my late Grandmother's 1950s vintage AM vacuum tube radio. Was amazed at the bass I heard thru the 4 inch speaker - on AM! Grew up with this tune in my teens & decades later fell in love with the tune again 😊
This song never gets old. It just doesn't! I call my wife sister golden hair surprise every now and then. Yeah, now I'm 60 and she's 53 and there is more silver than gold in her hair, but I love her more now than ever. I got lucky!
My brother passed unexpectedly in 2016... Our relationship was rocky for some years, but thankfully we became close again in the months before his passing. He played me this early that year, and told me it was his song for me. ❤️ He really loved me- and I him. We both battled addictions and my sobriety/clean time is In honor of him and the daughters (my nieces) he left behind. Love you bud 😇
My brother and I were in a similar situation. We also had our demons and addictions. I was able to get sober, he never did. He passed in ‘22. We couldn’t stand to be in the same room together, but it wasn’t always that way. I miss that brother that I could also call friend. I’m happy you and your brother became close again
I am crying from your comment but that is sweet and beautiful he dedicated this song to you 😢 what a beautiful connection you has with your brother ❤️ God bless you and take care
My ex and I ran away to the mountains in Colorado, not everything was always good but when it was he played this song while we drove. I remember weaving in and out of the mountains. Whenever I play this song no matter how bad it was I will always think of you.
These guys met as military brats in England, I was a military brat in Germany at the time and I never realized they were big stars in the US as well. I thought they only made songs for the AFN stations in Europe
America came to a performance at my high school in Los Angeles, and me and 2 other friends of mine were selected from the guitar class to perform this song with them. I remember the 3 of us standing there on stage with big grins on our faces as we strummed along. The gave us cables to plug in our guitars, but they were not connected to anything on the other ends 😆 Although I wasn't too struck with the song in the beginning, because of the experience of performing with the band and my friends, it now always brings up a warm feeling and a grin to my face. Thanks for the oppertunity America.
A long time ago a woman I was very deeply in love with just adored this song. It was our song. It was to be ours for ever until cancer took her from me. Rest in peace Eileen. Love you still sweetheart.
My sister always called me sister golden hair. She passed in 2020 and I play this and think of her!! She was my best friend and I miss her so badly 4 years later!!❤
Damn I want to go back! See my parents when they were alive, see my old friends, ex wife, my old home town, the good vibes of that time. Just got home from the Army.
The soundtrack to your youth. Mine too. We'll always listen with affection and a little bit of wistfulness. Also great music which is hard to come by these days. We were lucky. I wish you all the best mate.
Been thinking of this song the past couple of weeks. Caught myself singing it to one of my dogs this morning and had to give it a listen. Don’t think I have heard this in at least 40 years. Well done, America!
America’s first single, “A Horse With No Name,” reached the #1 spot in 1972. In 1975, they scored another #1 with “Sister Golden Hair,” another enigmatic track full of harmony. It was penned and performed by Gerry Buckley, who says that it was based on a composite of different girls. The piece starts with this line : “Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed” Beckley stated : “I’d like to point out that you can have a #1 record with a line that enters that darkly. That’s kind of my thing : I try to mix these emotions and I think ‘Sister’ was a great example. Pretty good message in there. JOHN LENNON famously said, ‘WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THESE SONGS ARE ABOUT TILL PEOPLE TELL US.’ So all our songs, including ‘Horse,’ are open to interpretation. But ‘Sister’ was a relationship song and there is a variety of elements. We always combine them as songwriters so that they’re not verbatim, word for word, for a particular circumstance. Poetic license we call it.” George Martin, the fifth Beatle, produced “Sister Golden Hair” and the rest of the “Hearts” album (1975). It was Martin’s 20th US #1 as a producer, and his first one away from The Beatles‼️ 💛🎵💛
Thank you for this insight. I found it very informative and interesting. I will show it to my daughter who was 6 when it came out and is one of her favorites. Thanks again! 😊❤
I ‘ve been following America since day one. I recall that I was in College when this beautiful song struck the airwaves. It brings me sweet memories. I wish I could return to the golden age of the 70’s
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've been one poor correspondent And I've 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've been one poor correspondent And I've 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
Easily a melodic masterpiece that effortlessly captures the essence of longing and self-discovery. The lyrics evoke a longing for connection and a search for identity-a feeling all of us can relate to. The song's protagonist is in search of a love that feels genuine, authentic, and true-a love that will stand the test of time. To me, it's a quest for a connection that goes beyond the superficial, a desire to find that golden thread of understanding and kinship with another soul. As it plays on, it carries an irresistible blend of wistfulness and hopefulness. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar, the warm harmonies, and the infectious melody all come together to create a musical landscape that mirrors the emotions expressed in the lyrics. There's a certain vulnerability in the way the song is delivered, a vulnerability that resonates with me on a profound level. To me, "Sister Golden Hair" is a reminder of the universal longing we all share-to find someone who truly understands us, to feel a sense of belonging, and to discover our own place in the world. It speaks to the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of authentic connections that define our lives. It captures the bittersweet nature of searching for love, knowing that it may come with its own challenges and uncertainties. Listening to "Sister Golden Hair" is like taking a step back in time, enveloped in a warm embrace of nostalgia. It reminds me of the complexities of human relationships, the joy of self-discovery, and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies our quest for love and understanding. For me, "Sister Golden Hair" is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the deepest corners of our hearts. It serves as a gentle reminder that the journey of finding ourselves and meaningful connections is an ongoing one. It's a song that continues to resonate with me, capturing the timeless essence of human emotions and reminding me of the beauty and complexities of life. Defintely worth being on my playlist! 🙂
Agreed! A great commentary on this wonderful & timeless tune. Loved this tune when it first came out, when I was in my teens. Then, one evening, I'm going about the house, doing mundane cleaning chores...and while listening to the local oldies station on my Grandmother's old tube AM radio, they play this tune. Hadn't heard in in years. Suddenly, I'm pulled back in time but with the Wisdom of age & experience. Wow. Memories of a love long past & also happy with who am with now. Great masterpiece tune.
I've never heard a better description of any song. Thank you for your insight and TRUE words. You are a gifted writer. This is an incredible song on so many levels. It is a gift. It astounds me that a group of young men can put all of this beauty into one short, radio friendly song.... truly amazing.
I just looked up this song after seeing a guitar teacher play the intro and asking what song was he playing. I recognized the music but did not know the title. I looked at the comments where everyone else knew. Great song and no wonder it was so popular at the time. I have to thank you for this extensive and emotional analysis of this song! Little did I know that looking up Sister Golden Hair would be a whole new experience in itself!
I was in college. I had a friend who was a part-time DJ. He brought a tape of this and said, "This hasn't been released yet. The label is pushing it hard; I think it's going to be a hit." We listened and agreed- it would be a hit.
Every time I listen to this song it brings back memories of the road trips I went on as a kid with my parents. My mom made up a mixed CD of my dad’s favourite tunes and this was one of them.
The only 3 trio of guys who were all lead singers of their band America. You will never see this again. All very very unique voices apart and harmonizing together that produced the band America !!
I’m 52 and have great memories of this song and my childhood, my dad taking my brothers and i down to the beach, on a really hot day , we were so young, my parents always played the music. Good beautiful times . Bittersweet
Omg I kept having dreams about this song even though I was born in 81... It's a good song.dont need a life story attached to appreciate it. Thank you I'll be here all night.z
I good friend of mine and I will occasionally throw song lyrics into a text or a conversation. She's been taking care of her mother in her old age and declining health and so we haven't seen each other at all in the past couple years. I texted her the other night, apologizing for being one poor correspondent and too too hard to find, but it didn't mean she ain't been on my mind. Her reply back asked if I would her in the middle or in the air... I knew she would get the reference, especially from such a classic, great song...
Yes. That line.... I just can't live without you, can't you see it in my eyes.... Incredibly intense and vulnerable. The delivery is perfect and it touches me deeply
Waking up in a hangover haze in my buddies house that was old as dirt. Had radios playing all throughout the house and his people kept it on the oldies station. We’d have so much fun, listening to these old tracks and smoking cigs like “ old school kids “ 😂 man it’s crazy. To everyone starting high school, cherish those damn years man. Cause that’s when it’s really really good. I smile and also frown when I think of those days. That version of me wouldn’t have made it in adult life and everyone has to accept the fact that life happens. Hope everyone gets good memories from this song like I do
