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
Political Poachers
America Lyrics
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Someone told me to stand in the rear
Keep on searchin' for kings in the street
Keep on cryin' for something that's clear
You are one more posse to pass in the night
One more con to conceal
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
One more player to deal
Past pacified places
Concerned citizens cry crude conduct
'Cause Captain Command
Don't do dreams
Do dreary drivel drive
Doctor, daddy divine
Prize shipment tonight, tomorrow tame tempers
To touch tender time
You are one more posse to pass in the night
One more con to conceal
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
One more player to deal
You are one more posse to pass in the night
One more con to conceal
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
One more player to deal
It takes one more moment of time in your life
One more light to reveal
One more place in the sun to turn ripe
One more kingdom to feel
You are one more posse to pass in the night
One more con to conceal
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
One more player to deal
It takes one more moment of time in your life
One more light to reveal
One more place in the sun to turn ripe
One more kingdom to feel
The lyrics of the song "Political Poachers" by America speak to the idea of political corruption and the search for true leadership in a society that seems to value shallow appearances over genuine substance. The opening lines express the idea that freedom is important, but it is not always easy to attain. The next line encourages the listener to stand their ground and not merely follow the crowd. The lyrics continue with a metaphor comparing the search for leadership to searching for kings in the streets. This implies that leadership is not always easy to find and that those who claim to be leaders may not be worth following.
The chorus of the song refers to political poachers who offer empty promises delivered in plump packages to pacify the people. Although some may cry out against them and their methods, they continue to be successful because they do not deal with dreams but rather dull and unimportant matters. The bridge of the song takes on a more positive tone by stating that it only takes one light, one moment, to reveal a better path, one that leads to a ripe and fulfilling life in the sun.
The lyrics of "Political Poachers" are a commentary on the state of politics and leadership in America during the time it was written. The song was released in 1975, a time when political corruption was rampant and many people were disillusioned with politicians and their inability to effect positive change. The song is still relevant today and can be interpreted as a call for genuine leadership and a commitment to finding solutions to the problems that face us as a society.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone told me you got to be free
Someone advised me to enjoy my freedom.
Someone told me to stand in the rear
Someone suggested me to stay away from trouble and not get involved.
Keep on searchin' for kings in the street
Continue seeking leaders who truly represent the people.
Keep on cryin' for something that's clear
Keep on demanding transparency and clarity from politicians.
You are one more posse to pass in the night
You are just another group of people passing by unnoticed.
One more con to conceal
Another deception to hide.
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
Another challenge to tackle.
One more player to deal
Another person to negotiate with.
Political poachers push plump packages
Politicians offer attractive but superficial promises.
Past pacified places
Past efforts to quell rebellion.
Concerned citizens cry crude conduct
People are speaking out against unethical behavior.
'Cause Captain Command
Because those in positions of power
Don't do dreams
Do not pursue lofty and visionary ideas.
Do dreary drivel drive
Instead, promote mundane and unimpressive policies.
Doctor, daddy divine
Referencing authority figures within society.
Prize shipment tonight, tomorrow tame tempers
Offering temporary solutions in exchange for long-term security.
To touch tender time
To create a better future.
It takes one more moment of time in your life
All it takes is a single moment in your life.
One more light to reveal
One more moment of clarity to understand the truth.
One more place in the sun to turn ripe
One more place to succeed and prosper.
One more kingdom to feel
One more realm to explore and conquer.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEWEY BUNNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind