“Going Up the Country” – A Hippie Anthem Rooted in Blues Tradition
Released in late 1968, “Going Up the Country” by Canned Heat became a defining song of the late 1960s counterculture movement. Dubbed a “rural hippie anthem,” the track encapsulated the era’s yearning for simplicity, freedom, and a return to nature. Sung by the band’s lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alan Wilson, it remains one of Canned Heat’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Drawing from the deep well of blues history, “Going Up the Country” is an adaptation of the 1928 song “Bull Doze Blues” by Texas bluesman Henry Thomas. Canned Heat reimagined the original tune with a modern sensibility, adding Wilson’s high-pitched, haunting vocals and a distinctive flute melody played by studio musician Jim Horn, which gives the track its pastoral charm. The result is a seamless blend of traditional blues and contemporary rock that resonates with both authenticity and innovation.
The song’s lyrics reflect a longing to escape the chaos and materialism of modern life, a sentiment that resonated strongly during the late 1960s. The imagery of heading to the country symbolizes a desire for peace and a simpler existence, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the burgeoning back-to-the-land movement. Its optimistic tone and breezy melody made it an anthem for those seeking refuge from societal pressures.
“Going Up the Country” was a commercial success, reaching #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and further establishing Canned Heat as a leading force in the blues rock genre. The band’s performance of the song at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969 solidified its cultural significance, as it became synonymous with the spirit of the festival and the ideals of the hippie generation.
Musically, the track is deceptively simple yet highly effective. The gentle acoustic guitar riff and the lilting flute melody create an atmosphere of serenity and optimism. Wilson’s plaintive vocal delivery, combined with the band’s tight rhythm section, evokes a timeless quality that continues to captivate listeners.
Over the years, “Going Up the Country” has remained a touchstone of 1960s music, frequently appearing in films, television shows, and documentaries that explore the era. Its message of escape and renewal transcends its time, offering a universal reminder of the restorative power of nature and the enduring human desire for freedom.
For Canned Heat, the song stands as a pinnacle of their career, showcasing their ability to honor the blues tradition while creating something wholly original. Decades later, “Going Up the Country” continues to inspire, a testament to its timeless appeal and the vision of a band that brought the past into harmony with the present.