Sons of American fathers and British mothers, their fathers being military personnel stationed at the West Ruislip USAF base in London, all three attended London Central High in Bushey, Hertfordshire in the mid-60s where they met while playing in two different bands.
They eventually got together and formed the rock band America, honoring the name of the homeland they had hardly even seen during their several travels around the world. They played their first gigs in pubs and clubs in the London area, including some highlights at the Roundhouse, where Pink Floyd had been playing at the beginning of their own career.
Their first LP was recorded at Trident and Morgan studios in London and produced by Ian "Sammy" Samwell, who was known for the hits he had written for Cliff Richard, with the assistance of Jeff Dexter.
The album was initially released in Europe with only moderate success and without the breakout hit "A Horse With No Name." Samwell helped the group to record and persuaded the Warner Brothers label to release the new song on an EP which was highly popular in the United States as well as in Europe.
America the album was re-released with "Horse", and quickly went platinum with the other favorites "I Need You," "Sandman," and "Riverside." Their second album, appropriately named Homecoming, saw the band moving back to the United States to record. The most notable song was "Ventura Highway."
The group's fourth album Holiday had them with George Martin (former producer for The Beatles), who worked with them through Silent Letter in 1979 with much success. The next album, Hearts, featured "Sister Golden Hair" and "Daisy Jane."
Peek left the group after recording Harbor in 1977. The remaining duo produced many more albums and had one more significant radio hit, "You Can Do Magic," reaching #8 on the pop charts in 1982. Their last top-40 hit was "The Border," which went to #33 on the pop charts (and #4 on the adult contemporary charts) the next year.
America continued with consistent live work and sporadic recordings following their departure from Capitol Records in the mid-80s.
In 1982 America provided the soundtrack for the magical anime film The Last Unicorn. Although officially produced by an American company, the film is an important transitional work in the development of Japanese anime, since most of its animation was subcontracted to the Japanese company Topcraft. The music was composed by Jimmy Webb, though performed by America, and the title song was covered many times later on. The tone is wistful and the themes are of loss.
Beckley released a solo set - "Van Go Gan" - in 1999.
Later, in his post-America career, Peek became a born-again Christian and released some highly-successful Contemporary Christian albums. His autobiography "An American Band" chronicles America's most successful period and his own spiritual journey.
Members include:
Gerry Beckley (1970-present) - lead and backing vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass, harmonica
Dewey Bunnell (1970-present) - lead and backing vocals, guitars
Dan Peek (1970-1977) - lead and backing vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, harmonica
California Revisited
America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're lookin' for Eden in the sky
On your waters I see a strange reflection
Rumor has it I'll see you when I die
Everyone I meet is from California
There's dancin' in the streets in California
In California you watch the shadow dancer
Floating gently, gently on the sea
Come and see me when the world has set you free
Everyone I meet is from California
There's dancin' in the streets in California
Everyone I meet is from California
There's dancin' in the streets in California
The lyrics of America's song California Revisited capture the essence of the state's magic and charm. The notion of "Heaven" being an answer suggests that California is a paradise on earth, where people can find the joy and happiness they seek. The mention of "Eden in the sky" refers to the Californian dream and the hope that one can find perfection in the Golden State. The lyrics also mention that you can see a strange reflection on the waters, which could be interpreted as a person's reflection or the reflection of their dreams. This might suggest that the state's allure is in the eyes of the dreamer, and the promise of success lies within the self.
The lyrics also mention the rumor that one can see loved ones when they die, further enforcing this idea of heaven being on earth. The mention of everyone being from California and the dancing in the streets suggest that the state is a melting pot of diverse cultures, yet people come together to celebrate and enjoy life. The shadow dancer floating gently on the sea creates a poetic image of the beauty of California's landscapes, where individuality and creativity are encouraged. The lyrics suggest that California is a place where one can embrace their uniqueness and find a sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven may be an answer
Heaven is viewed as a possible solution
If you're lookin' for Eden in the sky
If you are searching for paradise in the heavens
On your waters I see a strange reflection
I observe an unusual reflection on the surface of the water
Rumor has it I'll see you when I die
Word has spread that I will encounter you after my passing
Everyone I meet is from California
All the individuals I come across are originally from California.
There's dancin' in the streets in California
California streets are filled with people joyously dancing.
In California you watch the shadow dancer
Observing an individual in California who looks like they are dancing in the shadows.
Floating gently, gently on the sea
Effortlessly drifting atop the ocean waves
In California you're such a strange romancer
In California, you are a peculiar charmer
Come and see me when the world has set you free
Visit me once you feel liberated from the world's constraints
Everyone I meet is from California
All the individuals I come across are originally from California.
There's dancin' in the streets in California
California streets are filled with people joyously dancing.
Everyone I meet is from California
All the individuals I come across are originally from California.
There's dancin' in the streets in California
California streets are filled with people joyously dancing.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL M. PEEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind