A Eulogy for Golden Days | Golden Country | Reo Speedwagon

Reo Speedwagon's "Golden Country" is a timeless classic that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. The song, released in 1984 on their album "Wheels Are Turnin'", is a poignant tribute to the American heartland.

The lyrics paint a picture of a idyllic rural landscape, where life moves at a slower pace and people know each other's names. The narrator waxes poetic about the golden fields of wheat, the sun-kissed hills, and the winding roads that crisscross this bucolic paradise. It's a place where love is genuine, relationships are strong, and community is paramount.

The song's narrator is drawn to this golden country like a moth to flame, seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. He longs to leave behind the noise and chaos, trading it in for the peace and quiet of small-town America. The lyrics are infused with a sense of wistfulness, as if the narrator knows he can never truly return to this bygone era.

Musically, "Golden Country" is a masterclass in storytelling through melody. Kevin Cronin's soaring vocals weave a narrative that's both intimate and expansive, conjuring images of a sun-drenched afternoon spent driving down country roads with the windows rolled down. The song's chorus, with its lilting guitar riffs and memorable hooks, is an earworm for the ages.

Despite being released over three decades ago, "Golden Country" remains a beloved anthem in Reo Speedwagon's discography. Its themes of nostalgia, longing, and small-town Americana continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless classic that will forever be etched in the annals of rock music history.