Title: Canned Heat’s Musical Odyssey: The Making of ‘Going Up The Country’
Introduction
In the late 1960s, the world was in the midst of a cultural revolution—one where music became the soundtrack for the counterculture movement. One of the standout songs of that era was “Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat, a band whose blues-inspired rock sound helped define the period. Released in 1968, “Going Up The Country” became an anthem for the free-spirited, peace-loving vibe of the 1969 Woodstock festival, and remains one of the most recognizable songs from the late ’60s. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the making of this iconic track, its cultural significance, and the lasting impact Canned Heat left on the music world.
The Origins of Canned Heat
Canned Heat was formed in Los Angeles in 1965, largely driven by a shared passion for blues and boogie music. The band’s founding members, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, were introduced to each other through their mutual love of the genre, particularly the Delta blues. Their music quickly caught the attention of the underground music scene, and they became known for their energetic live performances and their ability to blend traditional blues with psychedelic rock.
The name “Canned Heat” was a playful reference to “canned heat” stoves, often used by travelers and those in remote areas. It reflected the band’s down-to-earth, rebellious spirit, and their desire to evoke the raw energy of the blues in a modern setting. Their music was about authenticity and pushing boundaries, and they were soon to become one of the key players in the burgeoning blues-rock movement of the late 1960s.
The Making of ‘Going Up The Country’
“Going Up The Country” was released as a single in 1968 and quickly became Canned Heat’s biggest hit. The song was written by band member Alan Wilson, who was both a gifted musician and a skilled songwriter. Wilson, often referred to as “Blind Owl” due to his love for the blues and his distinctive high-pitched voice, was the driving force behind much of the band’s most memorable music.
The song’s creation was rooted in Wilson’s love of rural life and the blues, particularly the music of early bluesmen like Henry Thomas, whose song “Bull Doze Blues” inspired the melody of “Going Up The Country.” Wilson adapted the traditional song into a modern context, melding it with the rising folk and hippie movements that were taking over the American counterculture scene. The result was a song that perfectly encapsulated the feeling of the time—a yearning for simplicity, freedom, and a return to nature.
Musically, “Going Up The Country” was driven by its catchy, upbeat melody and the distinctive use of the flute. Wilson played the flute on the track, adding a unique texture that made the song stand out from other rock tunes of the time. The song also featured a strong rhythm section, with the bass and drums providing a steady, infectious groove that kept the energy high.
The lyrics themselves speak to the desire to escape the pressures of modern life and return to a simpler, more peaceful existence. The opening line, “I’m going up the country, baby, don’t you wanna go?” became an invitation to join in the journey to escape urban chaos for a life of freedom and natural beauty. The song was an anthem for the free-spirited youth of the era who sought a break from societal norms and the complexities of modern living.
The Song’s Impact and Cultural Significance
“Going Up The Country” quickly became a hit, reaching #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most recognizable songs associated with the Woodstock festival in 1969. The song’s upbeat, celebratory vibe and its connection to the rural lifestyle made it a perfect fit for the counterculture movement, which was all about rejecting the conventional and embracing freedom, peace, and love.
The track’s impact went beyond just being a chart-topper. It symbolized the growing desire to leave behind the industrialized world and live in harmony with nature, a sentiment that was particularly strong among the youth during the late ’60s. The song echoed the ideals of the hippie movement and became a rallying cry for those who attended festivals like Woodstock, where freedom, self-expression, and a return to nature were central themes.
“Going Up The Country” also helped to solidify Canned Heat’s place in rock history. Their blend of blues, boogie, and psychedelic rock was a defining sound of the late ’60s, and the band’s influence continued to resonate in the years that followed. As one of the few bands that successfully bridged the gap between the blues and the emerging rock scene, Canned Heat played a key role in the evolution of the genre.
The Legacy of Canned Heat and ‘Going Up The Country’
Though Canned Heat had many other successful songs and albums throughout the 1970s, “Going Up The Country” remains their signature track. Its infectious melody, positive message, and connection to the Woodstock generation have made it a song that continues to resonate with audiences today. The track has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, ensuring that its legacy endures.
Canned Heat’s contribution to rock and blues music, particularly through songs like “Going Up The Country,” helped to shape the sound of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The band’s ability to blend traditional blues with the energy of rock music, all while maintaining a commitment to the authenticity of the genre, ensured that their influence would last for decades.
The song’s legacy is also tied to its association with the cultural upheavals of the 1960s. It serves as a time capsule of the era’s longing for change, freedom, and a deeper connection to nature. In this way, “Going Up The Country” continues to be more than just a song—it’s a symbol of the idealism and optimism of a generation that believed in the power of music to change the world.
Conclusion: A Musical Odyssey That Continues to Inspire
“Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat remains one of the most iconic songs of the late 1960s, capturing the spirit of the time and the desire for peace and freedom. The song’s unique blend of blues and rock, along with its simple yet powerful lyrics, made it an anthem for the counterculture movement and an enduring classic in the world of music.
As we look back on the making of this timeless track, it’s clear that “Going Up The Country” was not just a reflection of the music scene, but of the cultural shift that was taking place. It remains a song that continues to inspire listeners, inviting them to embrace the freedom of the open road and the serenity of nature. Canned Heat’s musical odyssey, embodied by this track, is one that will continue to echo through the annals of rock history for generations to come.
Lyrics: Going Up The Country
I’m going up the country, babe, don’t you wanna go?
I’m going up the country, babe, don’t you wanna go?I’m going to some place where I’ve never been before.
I’m going, I’m going where the water tastes like wine.
Well, I’m going where the water tastes like wine.
We can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time.I’m gonna leave this city, got to get away.
I’m gonna leave this city, got to get away.
All this fussing and fighting, man, you know I sure can’t stay.Now baby, pack your leaving trunk, you know we’ve got to leave today,
Just exactly where we’re going I cannot say, but
We might even leave the USA,
‘Cause there’s a brand new game that I want to play.No use of you running, or screaming and crying,
‘Cause you’ve got a home as long as I’ve got mine.
