"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley. It was their second single to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, remaining in the top position for one week.
Background Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Gold Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented: Corbett, John (May 29, 2004). America Revisited - Part 3, AccessBackstage.com.
Beckley adds that "Sister Golden Hair" "was one of the first times I used 'ain't' in a song, but I wasn't making an effort to. I was just putting myself in that frame of mind and I got those kind of lyrics out of it."
Record World said it is "the story of a guy who's found love at last but doesn't necessarily want to marry her."
Instrumentation Gerry Beckley said he played the 12-string guitar, and overdubbed the prominent slide guitar. "I had a lovely lap steel that David Lindley had picked out."
Music video The music video for the song shows the band performing the song on The Midnight Special.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1975) Peakpositionscope="row" Canada RPM Top Singles11Canada RPM Adult Contemporary3scope="row" scope="row" US Easy Listening (Billboard)5US Cash Box Top 100 2US Record World 1US Radio & Records1
Year-end charts Chart (1975)RankCanada80U.S. Billboard Hot 10034U.S. Cash Box61
Certifications
References
External links