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
Mad Dog
America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch my temperature rise
Can't believe my eyes, don't tell me
I've had way too much tonight
Drank the potion stronger than me
Got me all confused
Why you so amused, don't tell me
Please don't tell me no
God, I miss you so
One thing you should know
God, I love you so, oh
Had way too much tonight
I'm a mad dog at times like these
Don't know where to turn
Ain't the time to learn my lesson
I've had way too much tonight
Ain't the time to learn my lesson
I've had way too much to-
Really too much to-
I've had way too much tonight
Alright
I've had way too much to-
Really too much to-
I've had way too much tonight
The lyrics to "Mad Dog" by America speak to the singer's state of mind after having "way too much tonight." The darkness seems to close in around them, and they see someone they miss (presumably a romantic interest) and their feelings for them intensify, causing their temperature to rise. The singer is overwhelmed by the effects of a potion they've consumed, which has left them confused and disoriented. Despite their state of mind, they plead with the object of their affection not to tell them no, as they love them very much.
The chorus contains the title of the song and reveals the singer's feelings of helplessness and desperation. They compare themselves to a "mad dog," suggesting that they are unpredictable and out of control. They are aware that they need to learn a lesson, but in their current state, it is not the appropriate time. Ultimately, the song paints a vivid picture of a person who has lost their sense of direction and is consumed by their emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the darkness I see you again
In a difficult time, I am reminded of you
Watch my temperature rise
I am becoming more and more intense
Can't believe my eyes, don't tell me
I am shocked and hoping for a different truth
I've had way too much tonight
I have consumed too much alcohol and cannot handle it
Drank the potion stronger than me
I have consumed a drink that is overpowering me
Got me all confused
I am feeling disoriented
Why are you so amused, don't tell me
I am hoping you are not laughing at me
Please don't tell me no
I am hoping for a positive response from you
God, I miss you so
I am missing you deeply
One thing you should know
I have something important to convey to you
God, I love you so, oh
I am expressing my deep love for you
I'm a mad dog at times like these
I am feeling wild and unpredictable
Don't know where to turn
I am feeling lost and uncertain
Ain't the time to learn my lesson
I am not ready or willing to learn from my mistakes
Alright
I am accepting the current situation
I've had way too much to-
I have consumed too much and cannot continue
Really too much to-
The amount I have consumed is excessively overwhelming
I've had way too much tonight
I am unable to handle the amount I have consumed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GERALD LINDFORD BECKLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind