Going up the Country
Canned Heat Lyrics

The lyrics of Canned Heat's song "Going Up the Country" reflect the desire for escape and freedom from the stresses of everyday life. The singer is yearning to leave the city behind and venture out to a new place where the water tastes like wine. The line "I'm goin' where the water tastes like wine" is a reference to a biblical story in which Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana, a miracle that signifies new beginnings and transformation. By leaving the city and going up the country, the singer hopes to find a new beginning, a fresh start in a place where the normal rules of society do not apply.

The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody have made it a popular tune throughout the years, often played at outdoor festivals and events. The lyrics celebrate the joys of living off the land and reveling in the simple pleasures of life. The line, "We can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time" speaks to the freedom and carefree lifestyle that the singer is seeking. The song is an anthem to those who desire to break free from the monotony of daily life and experience something new, a call to adventure and exploration.

"Going Up the Country" was released in 1968 as part of Canned Heat's second album, and quickly became a hit, reaching number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and used in various movies, commercials, and television shows. Its popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s can be attributed to its message of peace, love, and freedom, which resonated with the counterculture movement of the time.