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
Three Roses
America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two lazy dogs sittin' watchin' your man
Three roses were bought with you in mind
Three roses were bought with you in mind
I gotta stop and see what I'm on about
Stop and feel what I want I gotta
Stop and see what I'm on about
Ah
Walking through a wonderland, I got you by the hand
Every move we made, just as if it were planned
Three roses were bought with you in mind
Three roses were bought with you in mind
I gotta stop and see what I'm on about
Stop and feel what I want I gotta
Stop and see what I'm on about
Stop and feel what I want with you
Ah
The lyrics of America's song "Three Roses" paints a picture of a calm and peaceful moment. The first stanza describes a scene where the persona is sitting by the fireside with a book, with his/her two dogs keeping watch over his/her partner. The lyrics, "Three roses were bought with you in mind" signify that the persona thought about his/her partner and bought these flowers for them. The second verse takes the listeners on a walk through wonderland with the partner by the persona's side. The move they make seems just as if it were planned. Again, the persona mentions that three roses were bought with his/her partner in mind.
The lyrics of "Three Roses" show that love is in the air - a perfect picture of a simple love story. The number '3' appearing a few times in the lyrics is symbolic; it signifies thresholds and new beginnings. It is a love tale of a couple that is content and happy with each other's company, despite their simple lifestyle. The words, 'stop and see what I'm on about, stop and feel what I want with you,' may signify that the persona needs to appreciate the slow-living moments with his/her partner and feel what they feel, connecting with them on a deeper level.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting by the fireside with a book in your hand
You are seated by the fire with a book in your hands.
Two lazy dogs sittin' watchin' your man
Your two relaxed dogs are watching your man.
Three roses were bought with you in mind
Someone purchased three roses with you in mind.
Three roses were bought with you in mind
The same person bought three roses with you in mind.
I gotta stop and see what I'm on about
I have to pause and reflect on my thoughts.
Stop and feel what I want I gotta
I need to take a moment to understand what I desire.
Stop and see what I'm on about
I must stop and comprehend my intentions.
Stop and feel what I want with you
I should stop and feel what I desire with you.
Ah
An exclamation used to express emotion or realization.
Walking through a wonderland, I got you by the hand
We are taking a delightful stroll together, and I am holding your hand.
Every move we made, just as if it were planned
Our every step seems calculated and propitious.
Three roses were bought with you in mind
Someone thought of you and bought three roses.
Three roses were bought with you in mind
The same person bought you three roses.
I gotta stop and see what I'm on about
I need to reassess my thoughts.
Stop and feel what I want I gotta
I should stop and comprehend what I want and need.
Stop and see what I'm on about
I have to halt and consider my intentions.
Stop and feel what I want with you
I ought to pause and recognize what I want with you.
Ah
An exclamation that expresses a moment of realization or emotion.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEWEY BUNNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind