Sister Golden Hair
America Lyrics


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Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed
I ain't ready for the altar but I do agree there's times
When a woman sure can be a friend of mine

Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can't live without you
Can't you see it in my eyes?
I've been one poor correspondent
And I've been too, too hard to find
But it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind

Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Well, I tried to fake it
I don't mind sayin', I just can't make it

Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can't live without you
Can't you see it in my eyes?
Now I've been one poor correspondent
And I've been too, too hard to find
But it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind

Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Well, I tried to fake it
I don't mind sayin', I just can't make it





(One, two, three, four)

Overall Meaning

The song "Sister Golden Hair" by America talks about a complicated relationship between the songwriter and a woman he refers to as "Sister Golden Hair." The song begins with the songwriter expressing his depression and disappointment on Sunday, and how he set his sights on Monday with no intention of getting married yet. He admits to having a tough time finding the right woman but mentions that a woman can still be a friend of his. Throughout the song, he keeps thinking about Sister Golden Hair, and he can't seem to live without her; he tells her that she can see it in his eyes.


The songwriter acknowledges that he hasn't been the best correspondent, but it doesn't mean he hasn't been thinking about her. In the chorus, he pleads to meet her halfway, either in the middle or in the air, and asks her to love him just a little bit and show that she cares. He confesses that he tried to fake it, but he couldn't make it, implying that he cannot pretend to be someone he's not.


Overall, the song talks about love, longing, and the difficulties one can face when in a complicated relationship. The songwriter is aware of his flaws and shortcomings but still hopes that Sister Golden Hair will realize his sincere intentions.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
I tried to enjoy my leisure time, but my mind is heavy with sadness.


That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed
I focused on the next day and shed my clothing, revealing vulnerability.


I ain't ready for the altar but I do agree there's times
I am not prepared for marriage, but I acknowledge the benefits of companionship.


When a woman sure can be a friend of mine
Women can make great platonic friends, providing support and camaraderie.


Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
You are often on my mind.


Sister Golden Hair surprise
Your unique and beautiful qualities, Sister Golden Hair.


And I just can't live without you
Your absence would make my life unbearable.


Can't you see it in my eyes?
My eyes reveal the depth of my feelings for you.


I've been one poor correspondent
I have not been a great communicator or letter-writer.


And I've been too, too hard to find
It has been difficult to track me down or get in touch with me.


But it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind
I still think of you, despite my lack of communication.


Will you meet me in the middle?
Can we compromise and meet each other halfway?


Will you meet me in the air?
Can we both take a leap of faith and come together?


Will you love me just a little?
Can you show me some affection and care?


Just enough to show you care?
Even a small amount of love and attention would mean a lot to me.


Well, I tried to fake it
I attempted to pretend that I don't need you or care about you.


I don't mind sayin', I just can't make it
However, the truth is that I cannot continue without you in my life.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gerry Beckley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@marieblue

America’s first single, “A Horse With No Name,” reached the #1 spot in 1972. In 1975, they scored another #1 with “Sister Golden Hair,” another enigmatic track full of harmony. It was penned and performed by Gerry Buckley, who says that it was based on a composite of different girls.

The piece starts with this line :

“Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed”

Beckley stated : “I’d like to point out that you can have a #1 record with a line that enters that darkly. That’s kind of my thing : I try to mix these emotions and I think ‘Sister’ was a great example. Pretty good message in there. JOHN LENNON famously said, ‘WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THESE SONGS ARE ABOUT TILL PEOPLE TELL US.’ So all our songs, including ‘Horse,’ are open to interpretation. But ‘Sister’ was a relationship song and there is a variety of elements. We always combine them as songwriters so that they’re not verbatim, word for word, for a particular circumstance. Poetic license we call it.”

George Martin, the fifth Beatle, produced “Sister Golden Hair” and the rest of the “Hearts” album (1975). It was Martin’s 20th US #1 as a producer, and his first one away from The Beatles‼️ 💛🎵💛



@houstonfirefox

Easily a melodic masterpiece that effortlessly captures the essence of longing and self-discovery. The lyrics evoke a longing for connection and a search for identity—a feeling all of us can relate to. The song's protagonist is in search of a love that feels genuine, authentic, and true—a love that will stand the test of time. To me, it's a quest for a connection that goes beyond the superficial, a desire to find that golden thread of understanding and kinship with another soul.

As it plays on, it carries an irresistible blend of wistfulness and hopefulness. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar, the warm harmonies, and the infectious melody all come together to create a musical landscape that mirrors the emotions expressed in the lyrics. There's a certain vulnerability in the way the song is delivered, a vulnerability that resonates with me on a profound level.

To me, "Sister Golden Hair" is a reminder of the universal longing we all share—to find someone who truly understands us, to feel a sense of belonging, and to discover our own place in the world. It speaks to the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of authentic connections that define our lives. It captures the bittersweet nature of searching for love, knowing that it may come with its own challenges and uncertainties.

Listening to "Sister Golden Hair" is like taking a step back in time, enveloped in a warm embrace of nostalgia. It reminds me of the complexities of human relationships, the joy of self-discovery, and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies our quest for love and understanding.

For me, "Sister Golden Hair" is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the deepest corners of our hearts. It serves as a gentle reminder that the journey of finding ourselves and meaningful connections is an ongoing one. It's a song that continues to resonate with me, capturing the timeless essence of human emotions and reminding me of the beauty and complexities of life.

Defintely worth being on my playlist! 🙂



@junglisan

Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed
I ain't ready for the altar but I do agree there's times
When a woman sure can be a friend of mine

Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can't live without you
Can't you see it in my eyes?
I've been one poor correspondent
And I've been too, too hard to find
But it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind

Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Well, I tried to fake it
I don't mind sayin', I just can't make it

Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can't live without you
Can't you see it in my eyes?
Now I've been one poor correspondent
And I've been too, too hard to find
But it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind

Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Well, I tried to fake it
I don't mind sayin', I just can't make it



All comments from YouTube:

@Coasterdude02149

When I was a 9 year old kid, my folks drove to Florida to take me to Disney World. I remember this song playing during the 3 day journey and my mum and I singing along to it. I'm now 54 and just bought a house in Florida this past June, moved halfway down the coast and am still singing along to this. Cheers mum and dad...until we meet again soon. Thanks for all you did for me. Love you both.

@chip9649

Your parents sounded awesome

@justing5842

I get it brother. Only a young 28 here haha. NY/NJ native, this is the first song I remember hearing in the car with my parents as a young child... maybe 2 years old? Lol. My sister moved to Florida 2 months ago, parents following her later this year. Life is truly a gift, so thankful I have the old days to look back on.

@sarahshouse1890

Nice.🫠

@robdog0606

Me & my friend, David Frank, drove to Miami in his deep blue TR-6 in June, 75 to visit his Grandma. We hooked up with 2 girls & went picking shrooms in the N Miami cowfields. This song kept playin’ my head cuz I truly was with “Sister Golden Hair” with green eyes! Crazy times yet still a great song for my memories! 😎✌️🎶🎸🪕

@cynthiabradley4237

​@@robdog0606😢 bring back memories

11 More Replies...

@llawliet7118

Oh my god. I've been looking for this song for sixteen years. My parents used to play this to help me sleep when I was a baby; it reminds me of them. ☺️❤️

@walterharrell4717

Me 2

@barbarahernandez8700

Aawhhh Super Sweet !!!!

@JessJoanne

Very sweet. Reminds me of my childhood. Born in 79

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