Lost Gem: "Don't Cross the River" - America (1972)


"She feels like leavin' and she don't know why."
~ America ~


America was a folk rock band with gorgeous three-part harmony. An acoustical trio from military families...Gerry Beckley,  Dewey Bunnell  and Dan Peek...fit together like brand new Legos.

The music was tight and warm and had found an audience...so when America released their 2nd album..."Homecoming" (1972)...like their first record, it soon went platinum.

It was to be their last platinum studio album.

Fans and critics alike recognize "Homecoming" as the band's finest moment...leading off with the driving "alligator lizards in the air" song..."Ventura Highway".

Dan Peek, Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley

Filled with flashes of country rock mixed with Kalifornia kool...America had their metaphorical..."Dark Side Of The Moon".

Lost Gem:--> "Don't Cross the River"...Even though added to their Greatest Hits package...this country-tinged beauty seems to always get lost in the shuffle somehow.  

Written and performed by Dan Peek (with his Randy Meisner'esque falsetto)...the wonderful note choices are powdered sugar to the ear. And, of course, Gerry and Dewey add their nailed-shut harmonies.

Have you heard this gem?


There's a little girl out lyin' on her own
She's got a broken heart
She's not the kind to take you down for long
She knows and plays it smart

And if she's comin' she's showed no mark
She's heard no whistle blowin' from the dark
She feels like leavin' and she don't know why
Without no bridges she's trapped, so I sigh

Don't cross the river if you can't swim the tide
Don't try denyin' livin' on the other side
All your life
You were on your own

If you want you can ride my train
And soon forget the reason that you're leaving
You'll lose yourself and then sometime
Maybe even save yourself some grievin'Don't cross the river if you can't swim the tide
Don't try denyin' livin' on the other side
Don't cross the river if you can't swim the tide
Don't try denyin' livin' on the other side.

Good stuff!

Casey Chambers
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