Out in the Country - Three Dog Night (1970) 7/12/21

Paul Williams composed a number of "Great Songs" during his long career, including several for the Carpenters ("We've Only Just Begun, "Rainy Days & Mondays," "For All We Know"), Barbra Streisand ("Evergreen"), and even Kermit the Frog ("Rainbow Connection").

He also wrote a few for Three Dog Night, including today's "Great Song of 1970:" "Out in the Country."

The song was released just after the very first Earth Day celebration, and is significant for being one of the first hit records to deal with environmental advocacy. The lyrics were a gentle warning about the ecological issues we're facing today--51 years later--and finding solace in the beauty of the country, "before the breathing air is gone, and the sun is just a bright spot in the night time."

The song charted at #11 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart and #15 on the Hot 100. In Canada, it reached #7 on the Top 40.

It most likely would have been a bigger hit if released today...since the subject matter was so ahead of its time. The fact that it's become more relevant with each passing year (and it's such a nice tune) makes "Out in the Country" more of a "Great Song of the '70s" than ever before!

Three Dog Night (1970):