Although he wrote a number of hit songs for other artists, Johns is best remembered for the one he recorded himself, "Chevy Van", a song about a loose-loving man who picks up a woman while he's on the road, struck a chord with listeners in the sexually liberated 1970s when Johns released it mid-decade. His mellow and easy style made love that was free and easy seem natural when he sang, "We made love in my Chevy van, and that's all right with me." The singer/songwriter sold more than three million copies in 1975, and the single climbed to #5 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
After his eponymous debut album on the GRC record label (General Recording Corporation), which included "Chevy Van," the singer inked a deal in 1976 with Warner-Curb, which resulted in Johns working on the soundtrack to The Van, the first film to feature Danny DeVito. The 1982 New World Records single "Falling for You" caught the eye of Elektra, and the company took Johns on board and issued "Love Me off the Road" and "Common Man." When country artist John Conlee covered "Common Man," the single went gold and topped the charts. Conlee made the song his theme, and Johns was on his way writing songs for others.
Among those who have recorded Johns' songs are Waylon Jennings, Sammy Kershaw, and Conway Twitty. In 1985, Jennings serenaded the Statue of Liberty with Johns' "America" on a nationally broadcast event to mark the statue's restoration. The performance helped take the single gold and "America" was nominated for song of the year in country music circles. Johns' "Desperado Love" brought Twitty his final gold record. Kershaw covered the song that started it all for Johns, "Chevy Van," on his Politics Religion, and Her album in 1996.
America
Sammy Johns Lyrics
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If you last it's a mystery
But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
From the mountains down to the sea
You've become such a habit with me
America, America
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
And the men, who fell on the plains
And lived, through hardship and pain
America, America
And the men who could not fight
In a war that didn't seem right
You let them come home, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
But the people in California
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America
America, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
It's home sweet home, Amer-ica
America, America
The song, "America" by Sammy Johns, is a heartfelt tribute to his home country. The song speaks to the idea that America is a place of unity and belonging for all people, regardless of race or background. Throughout the song, Johns reflects on the beauty of the country, the kindness of its people, and the sacrifices made by those who fought for its freedom.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. Johns acknowledges that some people don't believe America can last, but he knows that isn't true. To him, America has become a part of him--from the mountains to the sea, it is his home. He sings of the many different people who call America home, including himself, and how they all feel a sense of belonging in this country.
In the second verse, Johns specifically references his own background, coming from Tennessee. He notes that no matter where he goes, America always feels like home. He reiterates the idea that America is a place where people of all races can find belonging, calling for promises to be made and followed through on.
Overall, "America" is a song that speaks to the unity and diversity of the country. Through his words, Johns conveys a deep sense of gratitude and pride in his home country.
Line by Line Meaning
Some have said, down through history
Throughout history, some people have stated
If you last it's a mystery
It's unknown how one can endure and last
But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
It seems like those people don't have a clear understanding of the topic they're discussing
From the mountains down to the sea
From the highest peaks to the shores of the oceans
You've become such a habit with me
You've become familiar and comforting to me
America, America
Referring to the United States of America
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
I originate from the region near Tennessee
But the people in California
However, the people living in California
Are nice to me, America
Have been friendly towards me, representing America
It don't matter where I may roam
It's irrelevant where I may travel to or reside in temporarily
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
Informing the audience that it's a place that one feels comfortable and safe in
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
My siblings consist of various races, including Black, White, and Asian
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
The Native Americans have the right to expect fair treatment
Promise and then follow through, America
Make a commitment and honor it, United States of America
And the men, who fell on the plains
And the soldiers who died on the plains
And lived, through hardship and pain
Yet lived through difficult and painful times
America, America
The United States of America
And the men who could not fight
Also, the soldiers who were unable to fight
In a war that didn't seem right
In a conflict that did not seem justifiable
You let them come home, America
Allowed them to return home, United States of America
It's home sweet home, Amer-ica
Emphasizing once again that America is a welcoming and warm place to be
America, America
Referring to the United States of America
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SAMMY JOHNS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind