Top Ten 1975 Songs: Sister Golden Hair (#3)

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Howdy from my third different Chuy’s in three days. Actually, this is what I call “the other one,” over the river in Clarksville, Indiana. As the crow flies, I think it’s actually closer to my house; however, there’s a big ugly toll bridge in the way. I’m checking up on my brother (who lives over here) and giving you another song from 1975 that has remained with me for 50 years. Here’s today’s song. #3: Sister Golden Hair - America Ah, didn’t we all wonder what this song was about back then. Love for your sister? Love for a nun? Love for your sister who’s a nun? Well, Gerry Beckley said he was inspired by Jackson Browne. “His lyrics often feel like he’s telling a story, like he’s talking directly to YOU,” Beckley explained to American Songwriter. So it’s basically a guy who wants to make a commitment but then doesn’t (“I ain’t ready for the altar”). Yes, there’s an element of Browne’s “Late for the Sky” in this song. The song was also inspired by “My Sweet Lord.” Listen to the opening of this song, then listen to the George Harrison hit. Same acoustic guitar and slide work! (Not to the extent that George could’ve sued him for plagiarism the way Harrison was over “My Sweet Lord” being a copy of “He’s So Fine,” but…) This was America’s second and final #1 hit (the first one was the oft-joked-about “Horse With No Name,” where they sounded like Neil Young and couldn’t come up with a name for the stinking horse after nine days! ). It’s a gem. It was then, and it is now. Sister Golden Hair Written by Gerry Beckley Recorded by America From Hearts, 1975 I’ve been too, too hard to find: