Sister Golden Hair, America 1975

[Rene Asologuitar]

"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley.
Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Golden Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented, "[Jackson Browne] has a knack, an ability to put words to music. I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, 'Sister Golden Hair'."

I dedicate this song to all our sisters with silver hair!!!
My hair is turning silver, and a lot of our family members are getting up there in age and wisdom.
Respect and love goes to our elderly and our loving family members who we tend to forget and take for granted!


Feedback is much appreciated.

 

[T-U-R-B-O]

It's great to hear you do such an uptempo song as well, Rene. I have to say that out of all the music I've heard from you so far, this style really suits you, very naturally. It feels like you have an especially strong connection to it. Your rhythm playing is engaging. I could listen to an entire album with you playing that music.

 

[Mjark]

I like your more uptempo stuff best. This is very nice.

 

[GGardner]

Thanks! That's one my all-time favorite pop songs despite the fact that I could never really connect to the lyrics. Go figure.

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

It's great to hear you do such an uptempo song as well, Rene. I have to say that out of all the music I've heard from you so far, this style really suits you, very naturally. It feels like you have an especially strong connection to it. Your rhythm playing is engaging. I could listen to an entire album with you playing that music.

Hi @T-U-R-B-O ,
Really thankful for your wonderful response!!!
The songs I cover are the songs I grew up with, and I have plenty of practice done with friends and family through the years.
Thank you for the support and love!!!
Respectfully,
Rene

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Good job!
This is a song we did ( or attempted) in my first College rock band, 1978.

We had a very good and good-looking frontman lead singer (and my roommate) played an Ovation.
I tried to play the slide guitar hook in the song ( my '76 Les Paul Signature, in Standard tuning).
Fun song- girls loved it!
Memories... so long ago!

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

I like your more uptempo stuff best. This is very nice.

Hi Mjark,
You are so awesome, and much appreciAted.
Your support is so loved!!!
Thank you so much, my friend!!!
Uptempo songs are so fun to do, and this one is personal fav!!!
Warm regards,
Rene

 

[Blackmore Fan]

Its my opinion that America is one of music's most under-appreciated bands. And that's a tall statement since they had at least a half dozen "hits". I've taken a deep dive with them recently, and they released some amazing material.

 

[drewg]

Fun song! Thanks Rene.

I had the opportunity to talk briefly with Gerry Beckley after a concert on the Oregon coast. He was very friendly and down to earth. Concert was amazing. I really hadn’t realized how many good songs they have. More than a half- dozen, for sure!

Sister Golden Hair was the second-to last song they sang, Beckley singing that one, obviously, before Dewey Bunnell sang lead on Horse With No Name. Really a fun concert.

Really nice singing and playing version, Rene!

 

[drewg]

Thanks! That's one my all-time favorite pop songs despite the fact that I could never really connect to the lyrics. Go figure.

For days after the concert, I listened closer to a lot of their lyrics and Sister Golden Hair was the most mysterious.

With “while I tried to make it Sunday”, “I ain’t ready for the alter”, “Will you meet me in the middle” and “I tried to fake it… I just can’t make it”, I interpreted it that she’s a Catholic Sister he liked, but he wasn’t a believer (rather than any girl “sister” with blonde hair.)

I have no inside scoop, but the Catholic Sister/ non-believer angle seems to make more sense through the whole song. It’s a good song, makes me think

 

[yegbert]

Nice!

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

Thanks! That's one my all-time favorite pop songs despite the fact that I could never really connect to the lyrics. Go figure.

Gi @GGardner ,
Love your comments!
I am so grateful for your support and love!!!
This song is also my all-time fav from America!!!
Thank you so much!!!
Respectfully,
Rene

 

[Riffraff12571]

"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley.
Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Golden Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented, "[Jackson Browne] has a knack, an ability to put words to music. I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, 'Sister Golden Hair'."

I dedicate this song to all our sisters with silver hair!!!
My hair is turning silver, and a lot of our family members are getting up there in age and wisdom.
Respect and love goes to our elderly and our loving family members who we tend to forget and take for granted!


Feedback is much appreciated.

Nice work Rene. Great so song. I clicked this one and my wife Liz guessed the tune in the first chord, remarkable!
She is still fighting the silver.

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

Good job!
This is a song we did ( or attempted) in my first College rock band, 1978.
We had a very good and good-looking frontman lead singer (and my roommate) played an Ovation.
I tried to play the slide guitar hook in the song ( my '76 Les Paul Signature, in Standard tuning).
Fun song- girls loved it!
Memories... so long ago!

Hi @Chiogtr4x ,
I am so happy to hear about your trek with your roomy.
I am sure that your fun times were filled with happy memories and joyous music playing!
And, of course, the beautiful times with the girls, especially with your good-looking frontman!!!
Thanks for your wonderful response!
Respectfully,
Rene

 

[chulaivet1966]

I like your more uptempo stuff best. This is very nice.

I agree.

Well done Rene.

Carry on....

 

[HaWE]

I like that song since the day I first heard it back in the 70`s

 

[Nicodemus1]

I remember that song. I bet there was a golden-haired babe involved. The power of pudding always inspires a good song.
Good Job man!

 

[Tele 19355]

First time I've seen/heard you play. Thought I was going to click off but I stayed around till the very end. Nicely done.

 

[Tweeker]

"Sister Golden Hair"...largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne...Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty...

I agree that Jackson can depress. Cause, let's face it, honesty is depressing.

And almost 50 years after Beckley sang it, I also "agree there's times when a woman sure can be a friend of mine".

 

[DaveG_NJ]

Like Rick Beato, America’s tunes were the focus of my first guitar songs. But you were spot on about Jackson. A classmate brought Late for the Sky to a senior retreat and I played that album straight through for years and til this day.