Formed in 1961, the band was active for 60 years, almost non-stop. They had 56 years of studio output, starting in 1965, which made them the world's longest surviving rock band, formed a year before The Rolling Stones, until their tragic end on 5 February 2021, when guitarist founding member George Kooymans revealed that he had been diagnosed with the neuro-muscular disease, ALS.
The band's core line-up of four was unchanged from 1970 to 2021, although extra musicians had short stints in the band in the 1970s. Golden Earring was always touring, except in 2000 (their only sabbatical year) and the final year of their existence, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 1961 George Kooymans (age 13) and his neighbour Rinus Gerritsen (age 15) formed The Tornado's in the Zuiderpark district of their home town of The Hague, The Netherlands. The band's first line-up mainly played The Shadows and The Ventures covers, as well as other instrumental tunes, and played its first gigs at school parties.
In 1963, as the band found out that there already was a British band called The Tornados, they decided to change their name into The Golden Ear-rings (after a Peggy Lee song). The band now performed around The Hague, soon had a devoted local following and landed a record deal with Polydor. Their début single, 1965's Please Go, immediately landed in the Dutch Top 10.
Under the Golden Earrings moniker the band eventually recorded four albums and had twelve hit singles in the Netherlands between 1965 and 1969, ten of which reached the Dutch Top 10. Several of their records were released internationally in Europe and even North America, although they failed to make an impact there.
One of the band's sixties singles became their first Dutch #1 hit: 1968's somewhat carnavalesque Dong-Dong-Diki-Digi-Dong, although that tune is now frowned upon by the band and generally regarded as inferior to other sixties Earrings gems, such as That Day (1966, the first Dutch pop single to have been recorded in the U.K., at London's Pye Studios), Sound Of The Screaming Day (1966) and the epic Just A Little Bit Of Peace In My Heart (1969).
The band's lead singer during the early Golden Earrings years was Frans Krassenburg. He was replaced by Barry Hay (ex-The Haigs) in 1967. The band's drummer for much of the 1960s was Jaap Eggermont. His successors were Sieb Warner (1969) and, in 1970, Cesar Zuiderwijk (ex-Livin' Blues), Golden Earring's definitive drummer.
The band's international career modestly started to take off in 1969, the year of their psychedelic Eight Miles High album, their first haphazard tour of the United States and also the year in which the band name was slightly changed into The Golden Earring and finally (dropping the article within a year), Golden Earring. On their early U.S. tours, their long, wild cover version of The Byrds' classic Eight Miles High impressed audiences and press alike. Golden Earring's 19-minute album version, as well as the stand-alone 1969 single, Another 45 Miles, were the first Golden Earring recordings to get some North American airplay.
The arrival of drummer, Cesar Zuiderwijk, in 1970, completed what would turn out to be the group's definitive line-up: Barry Hay (lead vocals/guitar/flute), George Kooymans (guitar/vocals), Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums) and Rinus Gerritsen (bass/harmonica/keyboards).
1970 saw a dramatic shift in Golden Earring's musical style. After the melodic, often Beatle-esque sixties beat of The Golden Earrings and a brief phase of psychedelia and hippie rock in 1968 and 1969, the single Back Home marked the birth of Golden Earring's trademark heavy, riff-based brand of hard rock with catchy hooks. Back Home hit #1 in the Dutch charts and 'broke' Golden Earring in most of Europe, notably countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.
This marked the start of a decade of domestic and international glory. Between 1966 and 1976 seventeen consecutive Earring singles rocketed into the Dutch Top 10, while their international popularity increased, especially after their lengthy 1972 tour of Europe, supporting The Who. Buddy Joe (1972) achieved considerable chart success in the German-speaking countries of Europe, but 1973's Radar Love was their breakthrough smash hit worldwide: #13 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #1 in the U.S. Cashbox chart, #5 in Britain, #8 in Australia, #10 in Canada, #5 in Germany, #6 in Belgium, #1 in Spain and also #1 in (last but not least) Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), to name but a few.
Radar Love remains an enduring 'car classic' and radio anthem of global fame to this day. Between 1969 and 1985 Golden Earring completed ten major tours of North America, building a considerable North American fanbase, as well as five headlining tours of Great Britain in 1973 and 1974 alone. Golden Earring toured as 'special guests' of The Who, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, .38 Special, Rush and many more, whereas bands like Aerosmith, KISS, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd opened for Golden Earring. The album that spawned Radar Love, 1973's Moontan, was certified 'Gold' by North America's RIAA in 1974 and sold millions of copies worldwide.
The band failed to achieve similar chart success in the years after Radar Love: the progressive Switch (1975) and To The Hilt (1976) charted in Billboard's album charts, but yielded no major U.S. hits. The singles were clearly not what North American audiences wanted from the 'Radar Love guys'.
Golden Earring was forgotten by many outside of The Netherland and by 1980 even Dutch audiences started to lose interest: albums such as No Promises, No Debts (1979) and Prisoner Of The Night (1980) were commercial flops, leading to the band's decision (in 1981) to record a 'final LP and then call it quits.
The lead single from 1982's 'farewell album', Cut, a Kooymans-penned tune called Twilight Zone, surprisingly became an even bigger hit in the U.S. than Radar Love: #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, thanks to heavy MTV rotation of the Dick Maas-directed video. The song (#1 in The Netherlands) revived Golden Earring's stateside career overnight. The Cut LP was certified 'gold' in Canada, with Twilight Zone hitting #3 in the Canadian charts.
In their native Netherlands the band did manage to extend their creative and commercial peak this time: the single When The Lady Smiles and the album N.E.W.S. ('NorthEastWestSouth'), both released in 1984, repeated the success of Twilight Zone and Cut. 'Lady' peaked at #3 in Canada, but fared disappointingly in the U.S. as MTV and even radio stations banned the track because of its controversial video, once again directed by Dick Maas, in which the rape of a nun was suggested.
After 1985 things rapidly went downhill for Golden Earring internationally (they would not tour the U.S. again), but - after a creative and financial crisis that lasted throughout the second half of the 1980s - the band wrote one of their most enduring Dutch hits in 1991 (the power-ballad, Going To The Run, which fared partially well in Russia) and discovered a new gold mine in their home country a year later: acoustic concerts in theatres, the concept of MTV Unplugged.
To everybody's surprise, the band's acoustic live album, The Naked Truth, slowly became their all-time biggest selling album in The Netherlands. Its sequels, Naked II (1997) and Naked III (2005) also went platinum at least once in The Netherlands.
Golden Earring's by far most succesful album internationally remains 1973's Moontan, which sold well over 3.5 million copies outside of The Netherlands and was certified 'gold' in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom (and platinum in the U.S. in later years).
Golden Earring released 25 studio albums, 9 live albums and countless succesful compilations. Almost all of these records were certified gold, often platinum, in The Netherlands. More than anything else, though, the band remained a live force of legendary status in their home country and beyond. They toured throughout each year until the very end, almost exclusively in the Netherlands, although there are still occasional live appearances in Belgium and Germany. 2009 saw Golden Earring's long overdue return to the United Kingdom: their sold out shows in Ipswich and London's Shepherd's Bush Empire were their first live appearances in England since 1978.
In 2011 the band recorded their first album of new material since 2003's Millbrook U.S.A.: Tits 'n Ass - studio album #25 for the Dutch legends - was released on 11 May 2012 on Universal Music and hit #1 in the Dutch album charts one week after its release to become Golden Earring's 8th #1 album in their home country. Certified 'gold' in The Netherlands, the album was generally believed to be Golden Earring's final studio outing, but December 2015 saw the release of a five-track mini album entitled The Hague, released more than fifty years after their début single and just before the band's sold out 'Five Zero' anniversary concert at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome in front of a 17,000-strong crowd. 2019 saw the release of a stand-alone single, Say When: Golden Earring's final studio recording.
Nobody was aware of it at the time, but the band's 16 November 2019 performance at the Rotterdam Ahoy would turn out to be their final concert. After a year of Covid-19 lockdowns, guitarist George Kooymans announced his ALS diagnosis on 5 February 2021, the disease rendering him unfit to perform. Within hours, the band admitted that carrying on without Kooymans was unthinkable. In the words of lead singer, Barry Hay: "This is the end of the line for the band. It's a death blow. We always said: we'll keep going until the first one of us goes down. I never expected it to be George."
The band's final performance was released as a live CD and DVD in April 2022, named after Barry Hay's final words at the end of countless Golden Earring shows: You Know We Love You!.
Studio albums (released as Golden Earring, unless noted otherwise)
Just Ear-rings (1965, as The Golden Earrings or The Golden Ear-rings)
Winter-Harvest (1967, as Golden Earrings, sometimes spelled as Winter Harvest)
Miracle Mirror (1968, as Golden Earrings)
On The Double (1969, as Golden Earrings)
Eight Miles High (1969, as The Golden Earring)
Golden Earring (1970, colloquially known as 'Wall Of Dolls')
Seven Tears (1971)
Together (1972)
Moontan (1973)
Switch (1975)
To The Hilt (1976)
Contraband (1976, U.S. title: Mad Love)
Grab It For A Second (1978)
No Promises... No Debts (1979, spelled as No Promises, No Debts on most online platforms)
Prisoner Of The Night (1980)
Cut (1982)
N.E.W.S. (1984)
The Hole (1986)
Keeper Of The Flame (1989)
Bloody Buccaneers (1991)
Face It (1994)
Love Sweat (1995, covers album)
Paradise In Distress (1999)
Millbrook U.S.A. (2003)
Tits 'n Ass (2012)
The Hague (EP, 2015)
Live albums
Live (1977)
2nd Live (1981)
Something Heavy Going Down (1984, includes one new studio track)
The Naked Truth (1992, acoustic)
Naked II (1997, acoustic)
Last Blast Of The Century (2000)
Naked III (2005, acoustic, incorrectly listed as Naked Truth III on some streaming platforms)
Live In Ahoy 2006 (2006, live DVD + CD set)
You Know We Love You! (2022, live DVD + CD set)
Additional information:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Earring
Official website: https://www.golden-earring.nl
She Flies On Strange Wings
Golden Earring Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as lonely as the shepherd without sheep
And where flies the falcon,
In the high sweet air
Without hunting this Sprane Valleys deer
She wears softness as a gown
She spreads magic all around
She takes but nothing and she gives so much
She flies on strange wings
She flies on strange winds
She brings strange things
She flies on strange wings
She takes off when she desires
Silence grows on her lips
She can bring you so much higher
She spreads love on all her trips, yeah
She flies on strange wings
She flies on strange winds
She brings strange things
She flies on strange wings
Woke up this morning
And this feeling came to my head
To fly with her from sky to sky
'Cause my mind seemed to be dead
So I floated up towards her
On my mutilated wings
But all the blackness sings against me now
It's the lady of the strange wings
Yeah, it's the lady of the strange wings
Ooh, it's the lady of the strange wings
Ooh, it's the lady, it's the lady, lady of the strange wings
Ooh oh
She wears softness as a gown
She spreads magic all around
Her feathers still untouched
She takes but nothing and she gives so much
She flies on strange wings
She flies on strange winds
She brings strange things
She flies on strange wings
The lyrics to Golden Earring's song "She Flies On Strange Wings" tell the story of a strange and mystical woman who has the ability to fly on strange wings and winds. The singer compares his loneliness to that of a shepherd without sheep, but recognizes the beauty and mystery of the woman who can fly freely in the sky like a falcon. She wears softness as a gown and spreads magic all around her, taking nothing and giving so much. The singer is drawn to her and wants to fly with her to escape the blackness and emptiness in his mind.
The woman is portrayed as someone who is above the mundane world, able to take off and fly whenever she desires. She brings strange things with her and spreads love on her trips, making her a figure of wonder and enchantment. The singer is entranced by her and wants to join her in flight, but his mutilated wings and the darkness that surrounds him seem to hold him back. Ultimately, he recognizes that she is the lady of the strange wings and surrenders to her otherworldly presence.
The lyrics to "She Flies On Strange Wings" are open to interpretation and could be interpreted in many ways. They may be about the desire for freedom and adventure or the search for a higher meaning or purpose in life. The strange woman with the ability to fly could represent the unknown and mysterious forces of the universe or the search for transcendence beyond the limits of the physical world. The song is a tribute to the beauty and mystery of the unknown and the desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life.
Line by Line Meaning
Lonely is the night without you
The absence of you makes the night and its darkness unbearable, and one's longing for you is as intense as a shepherd's yearning for his sheep.
Just as lonely as the shepherd without sheep
The loneliness experienced without you is like the solitude felt by a shepherd who has lost his flock.
And where flies the falcon,
In the high sweet air
Without hunting this Sprane Valleys deer
The falcon soars into the sweet-scented heavens, not to hunt the Sprane Valleys deer, but for the sheer pleasure of flying.
She wears softness as a gown
She has a gentle and delicate demeanor that is akin to soft fabric draped around her body.
She spreads magic all around
She has a powerful and inimitable presence that inspires awe and wonder in all those near her.
Her feathers still untouched
She takes but nothing and she gives so much
Despite her pure beauty and allure, she remains uncorrupted, taking nothing while giving so much love and wonder in return.
She flies on strange wings
She's unpredictable and operates according to her unique rules and instincts, which is both mysterious and fascinating.
She flies on strange winds
She glides through unfamiliar paths, relying solely on faith and instinct, undeterred by external obstacles or danger.
She brings strange things
Her presence brings unexpected surprises and novelty, enriching the lives of those who encounter her.
She takes off when she desires
Silence grows on her lips
She can bring you so much higher
She spreads love on all her trips, yeah
She's independent and free-spirited, subject to her whims and desires. Her silence often speaks louder than words, and her actions demonstrate her unparalleled ability to elevate people's spirits and hearts with her boundless love and kindness.
Woke up this morning
And this feeling came to my head
To fly with her from sky to sky
'Cause my mind seemed to be dead
A strong desire to escape from the world's sadness and monotony and soar the skies with her came over the singer, whose mind was idle and bored.
So I floated up towards her
On my mutilated wings
But all the blackness sings against me now
It's the lady of the strange wings
Despite his wounded wings and the pessimistic thoughts haunting him, he soared towards her. But the darkness within him rebelled against the woman of the bizarre wings, preventing him from reaching her fully.
Yeah, it's the lady of the strange wings
Ooh, it's the lady of the strange wings
Ooh, it's the lady, it's the lady, lady of the strange wings
She is the ultimate enigma, a woman of odd wings that even the singer can't explain fully. Her mystery and allure leave him enchanted and captivated to her whimsical spirit.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GEORGE KOOYMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joekraft5913
Im a 29 year old white American farmer from Idaho, how you guys arent in the rock n roll hall of fame is an injustice, more like then hall of LAME! Cause you guy's fuckin rock, love you all, cheers from America this next beer is for you George
@kozagong
Rock n roll hall of fame is a popculture bullshit from the business by the business, who cares
@user-lk7oy8hp2u
I have loved Golden Earring since 1984. Theyre criminally underrated😢
@victorvandenbelt2179
I remember buying this single back in the day. We played it with our band in school. We called our band Golden Sea, because we loved Earring and lived in a town by the sea. Hands down the best Dutch rockband ever.
@jring3058
I saw Golden Earring at the Roxy Theater in Northampton, PA in 1974. I still remember it in detail today at 66. One of the best bands I have ever seen. Their encore was Radar Love. I was standing by the stage in this small venue and took home a souvenir "drum stick" thrown into the crowd. A wonderful night to remember.
@sweetfaith2011
George Kooymans has a hell of a voice and this is such a great song. Love and prayers for George from America.
@henrico7niente
George...I hope you will not suffer. Poor guy! (A.L.S.) I appreciated your voice and guitar playing so much!!!
@RB-tl8cf
Today, I heard the best song of Golden Earring... First time I’ve heard it... and I’m Dutch. A little ashamed I am indeed. Radar love was my all time best... until today that is. Wow. Blown away!
@edzedeboer9230
First time you hear this?? What's your age?
@chiamo60
This song will always remind me of my dear friend, Denise DeJulio. It is still hard for me to comprehend that she passed away three years ago and taken from those of us who loved her much too soon and I just know she is still flying on strange wings on the other side. She is the one who turned me on to Golden Earring in 1974 and I will be forever grateful to her for so many things. She loved Gold Earring more than anyone I ever knew and we all loved her.