Golden Country

I'm pleased so many people enjoyed "Monster" by Steppenwolf. For those who think that sort of hell-raising song was rare or a fluke during the 70s, let me assure you, it wasn't.

Below, a fantastic, must-see video set to still another 70s revolution-oriented staple of FM rock radio, Golden Country, by REO Speedwagon. (Their very popular song Ridin the storm out was probably the first hippie-survivalist rock song, or at least the first to start with an air raid siren.) Golden Country likewise starts off like major gangbusters--I used to leap over furniture to turn up the radio when I heard those first few distinctive wah-wah notes. Kevin Cronin wasn't always the best singer, but what he lacked in talent, he made up for in sheer verve. This song was written by lead guitarist Gary Richrath and originally released in 1972. Richrath's guitar work is blazing and obviously heartfelt.

No, you don't have to listen to all 8:27 of this either. Lyrics below. Various lefties of my acquaintance used to make fun of the line "and your freaks are crying"--but hey, it rhymes with "dying," okay? (And yes, despite the bad rhyme, us freaks were crying, then as now.) We could also argue that a COUNTRY's face can't actually be red, but well, I suppose that's quibbling.

Enjoy, you counterculture maniacs! The visuals on this one are exemplary! (Even the late Iron Eyes Cody makes it into the video!)



Golden country your face is so red
With all of your money your poor can be fed
You strut around and you flirt with disaster
Never really caring just what comes after
Well your blacks are dying but your back is still turned
And your freaks are crying but your back is still turned
You better stop your hiding or your country will burn
The time has come for you, my friend
To all this ugliness we must put an end
Before we leave we must make a stand

Mortgage people you crawl to your homes
Your security lies in your bed of white foam
You act concerned but then why turn away
When a lady was raped on your doorstep today
Well your red man's dying but your back is still turned
And your freaks are crying but your back is still turned
You better stop your hiding or your country will burn
The time has come for you, my friend
To all this ugliness we must put an end
Before we leave we must make a stand

Golden country your face is so red
With all of your money your poor can be fed
You strut around and you flirt with disaster
Never really caring just what comes after
Well your blacks are dying but your back is still turned
And your freaks are crying but your back is still turned
You better stop your hiding or your country will burn
Now you don't wanna see it burn

The time has come for you, my friend
To all this ugliness we must put an end
Before we leave we must make a stand

Oh people, doncha know, we must make a stand