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
Saturn Nights
America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel the fantasy in the air
(Ah)
Filled the room with flowers from Norway
Sensed her majesty in the air
Made a sign above your doorway, to show I care
I've been waiting every morning
Just to help you find your way
I've been standing on your corner
(Don't go away) Don't go away
One more song about movin' along the highway
Feel the fantasy in the air
I've been waiting every morning
Just to help you find your way
I've been waiting every morning
Help me make it through the day
I've been waiting every morning
Just to help you find your way
I've been waiting every morning
Help me make it through the day
I've been waiting every morning
The lyrics of "Saturn Nights" by America depict a sense of longing and yearning for someone special who is traveling along the highway. The song is about a person who is deeply in love with someone who is always on the move, and they long to be by their side. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that captivates the senses, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The listener can feel the fantasy in the air and the beauty of the flowers from Norway. The singer demonstrates his love with a sign above her doorway, showing her that he cares.
Despite the pain of separation, the singer doesn't give up hope of being reunited with his lover. He patiently waits every morning, eager to help her find her way, and asking her not to go away. The repetition of this refrain emphasizes the magnitude of his feelings and his devotion. The lyrics suggest that the person he loves is his guiding star, and he is willing to wait for her because she gives him hope and purpose.
Overall, "Saturn Nights" is a melancholic yet hopeful love song that speaks to anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet feeling of missing someone who is constantly on the move. The lyrics create a sense of yearning and longing for that special someone who makes life meaningful and beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
One more song about movin' along the highway
This song is about traveling along the highway.
Feel the fantasy in the air
There is a dreamy feeling in the atmosphere.
(Ah)
Interjection expressing a feeling of contentment.
Filled the room with flowers from Norway
The room was decorated with flowers from Norway.
Sensed her majesty in the air
There was a sense of royalty in the atmosphere.
Made a sign above your doorway, to show I care
To express affection, a sign was created and hung above the doorway.
I've been waiting every morning
Every day I wake up and wait.
Just to help you find your way
My intention is to guide you.
I've been standing on your corner
I have been waiting in your proximity.
(Don't go away) Don't go away
Plea to not leave my presence.
Help me make it through the day
Assistance is required to endure the day.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL M. PEEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind