SISTER GOLDEN HAIR

"'Sister Golden Hair'" is a popular song written by Gerry Beckley and recorded by the band America for their fifth album ''Hearts'' (1975). It was their second single to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, remaining in the top position for just one week.
The song is about a man trying to get up the courage to take his girlfriend to the altar to marry, however he is plagued by self-doubts. He pleads for her understanding and re-affirms his love and affection for her, but he says he is not yet ready for the altar. She is only identified as "Sister Golden Hair". He asks her to meet him half-way, which is taken to be a proposal that they live together.
The song, while immensely popular, was criticized in conservative circles as a plea for common law marriage and living in sin. This may also have been why the song was so popular with the younger generation.
As the second number one single from the group America, this song cemented their popularity and the song continues to turn up on oldies program, and is a popular request. It has timely appeal signifying a rite of passage for young men who find themselves committing to a woman.
There were no reports of this song being banned or formally objected to, as was the first song from the first album, "A Horse with No Name." (Younger generation DJs appear to be totally unfamiliar with the supposed drug references in that song, and are heard musing on what the horse's name is, should be, or truly was.)