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
Glad to See You
America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Voices I hear
Whispering daily to me
Love in your fire
High on a wire
When I know you're near me
God, I'm glad to see you
I wouldn't give much to be you
But I want you to know I feel this way
All over the world
Flags are being unfurled
Waving before the dawning
I'm watching the show
The last one to know
Which way that things are going
God, I'm glad to know you
I thought you'd left me far away
I wouldn't give much to be you
But I want you to know I feel this way
Cars fighting their way
Out of L.A.
On a Sunday morning
I'm watching the show
The last one to know
Which way that things are going
God, I'm glad to see you
I thought you'd left me far away
I wouldn't give much to be you
But I want you to know I feel this way
God, I'm glad to know you
The lyrics of America's song "Glad to See You" seem to be about feeling lost or uncertain in the world, but finding solace and comfort in the presence of someone they love. The mention of bells ringing and whispering voices could represent the noise and confusion of everyday life, while the love and safety they feel in the presence of their loved one is represented by the image of being "high on a wire". The chorus of the song, where the singer repeats "God, I'm glad to see you, I thought you'd left me far away" seems to reinforce the idea of finding comfort and reassurance in the presence of a higher power or in the presence of someone special when feeling lost or uncertain.
The second verse of the song adds a more global perspective to the lyrics, with the image of flags being unfurled all over the world, a symbol of national pride and unity. However, the singer is still watching the show as the last one to know which way things are going. This could represent a sense of uncertainty or confusion about the state of the world and their place in it. The third verse has an image of cars fighting their way out of LA on a Sunday morning, suggesting some kind of mass exodus or escape. Once again, the singer is watching the show, not quite sure where they are heading or what the future holds. The last line of the song, "God, I'm glad to know you" seems to be a reaffirmation of the comfort and reassurance that the singer finds in a higher power or in the presence of a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Bells ring in in my ear
I am surrounded by the sounds of the world
Voices I hear
I am aware of the people around me
Whispering daily to me
They are constantly communicating with me in small ways
Love in your fire
I feel warmth and passion when I am close to you
High on a wire
Emotionally vulnerable and exposed
When I know you're near me
I feel safe and comforted by your presence
God, I'm glad to see you
I am grateful for your presence and guidance
I thought you'd left me far away
I once believed that you had abandoned me
I wouldn't give much to be you
I do not necessarily want to be in your position, only to feel your support and love
But I want you to know I feel this way
I want you to understand the depth of my gratitude and affection
Flags are being unfurled
Symbolic representations of national pride and identity are rising everywhere
Waving before the dawning
Evident before the light of day, bright and hopeful
The last one to know
I am late to perceive the direction of the world and its changes
Which way that things are going
It is difficult to discern the trajectory of global events or circumstances
Cars fighting their way
People are struggling and striving to navigate the complexity of life
Out of L.A.
Specifically in a large, bustling city
On a Sunday morning
Even on the day of rest and peace, people are jostling frantically
God, I'm glad to know you
Once again expressing gratitude and devotion
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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