Going Up The Country

Canned Heat's 'Going Up The Country' is a quintessential anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement, capturing the spirit of escapism and the longing for a simpler, more natural way of life. The song's lyrics reflect a desire to leave behind the chaos and conflict of urban life in favor of a peaceful, idyllic existence in the countryside. The repeated invitation to 'go up the country' suggests a journey not just of physical relocation but also of spiritual and emotional renewal.

The imagery of 'going where the water tastes like wine' evokes a utopian vision of a place where life is easy and pleasures are simple. This metaphorical language suggests a longing for a return to nature and a rejection of the materialism and strife that characterized much of urban living during the era. The idea of staying 'drunk all the time' can be interpreted as a desire to remain in a state of blissful ignorance or perpetual happiness, free from the burdens of modern life.

The urgency in the lyrics, with lines like 'we've got to leave today' and 'all this fussing and fighting, man, you know I sure can't stay,' underscores a sense of desperation and the need for immediate change. This reflects the broader social and political unrest of the 1960s, a time when many young people were seeking alternatives to the mainstream culture. The song's closing lines, 'you've got a home as long as I've got mine,' offer a reassuring promise of companionship and mutual support, emphasizing the communal values that were central to the counterculture movement.