Golden Country
REO Speedwagon · Live/you Get What You Play For [2008]
With all of your money your poor can be fed
You strut around and you flirt with disaster
Never really carin' just what comes after
Well your blacks are dyin' but your back is still turned
And your freaks are cryin' but your back is still turned
You better stop your hidin 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 blacks are cryin' but your back is still turned
And your freaks are dyin' but your back is still turned
You better stop your hidin 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, oh yeah......
[Solo]
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 carin' just what comes after
Well your blacks are dyin' but your back is still turned
And your freaks are cryin' but your back is still turned
You better stop your hidin 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
[Repeat]
Golden Country
Golden Country stands as a defining track from REO Speedwagon's early discography, originally appearing on their 1972 debut album R.E.O. / T.W.O. The song captures the band's formative rock sound before they achieved mainstream commercial success. It showcases the group's initial musical identity, characterized by energetic instrumentation and the developing vocal style that would later define their career. While the band is often associated with their polished 1980s hits, this recording offers insight into their roots and the raw energy of their first recordings. The track remains a significant part of their catalogue, illustrating the evolution of their songwriting and performance style during their initial years as a professional rock act.