Part 3
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Now, about that glass harmonica. If you watched the clip, you might have heard the host mention it. It's a quirky instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin, and it produces an eerie, ethereal sound. But here's the thing: it's not on 'After the Gold Rush.' The host probably brought it up because another guest on the show played it, or maybe it was just a random aside. Either way, it's a fun fact to pull out at parties. But don't let it distract you from the main event: three voices, one song, pure magic.
Let's dig a little deeper into the lyrics, because they're worth unpacking. The 'knights in armor' could represent a romanticized past, while 'peasants singing and drummers drumming' evoke a simpler time. Then the chorus slams you into the present: 'Look at mother nature in the 20th century.' It's a call to action, a lament for what we've lost. The burned-out basement is a metaphor for a world in ruins, and the 'full moon in my eyes' suggests a kind of madness or clarity. The 'replacement' could be a new beginning, a chance to start over. And the final verse with the silver spaceships and children crying—it's a vision of escape, but also of sorrow. The 'chosen ones' might be the ones who get to leave, while the rest are left behind. It's open to interpretation, which is why it's so enduring.
What makes Trio's version stand out is how they honor the song's ambiguity. They don't try to explain it or simplify it. They just sing it with such conviction that you feel every word. Dolly's verse is tinged with innocence, Linda's with world-weariness, and Emmylou's with a quiet wisdom. When they come together on the chorus, it's like a prayer. You can hear the influence of their country and folk roots, but also something more universal. This isn't just a country song; it's a human song.
If you're new to Trio, you might be wondering where to start. The first album, *Trio* (1987), is essential. It features classics like 'Telling Me Lies,' 'Those Memories of You,' and 'Wildflowers.' *Trio II* (1999) is equally strong, with 'After the Gold Rush,' 'Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,' and 'Feels Like Home.' Both albums showcase their incredible chemistry, but if you want to hear the song we're talking about, go straight to *Trio II*. And if you can find the live performance from the TV show, watch it. It's on YouTube, and it's worth every second.
One more thing: the song's title. 'After the Gold Rush' refers to the California Gold Rush, but also to a spiritual gold rush—a search for something more meaningful. Neil Young wrote it during a time of personal and political turmoil, and it's been covered by everyone from Thom Yorke to k.d. lang. But Trio's version is special because it brings a feminine perspective to a song that's often seen as a masculine lament. These three women aren't just singing about destruction; they're singing about survival. And that's what makes it so powerful.
So the next time you're driving alone at night, put on 'After the Gold Rush' by Trio. Let the harmonies wash over you. Think about the knights, the peasants, the burned-out basement, the silver spaceships. And when Dolly, Linda, and Emmylou sing 'Look at mother nature in the 20th century,' ask yourself what you're doing to change it. That's the mark of a great song—it makes you feel, and it makes you think. This one does both.
The Legacy of Trio and What to Watch Next
So you've just watched three of the greatest voices in American music — Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton — trade verses on 'After the Gold Rush' like they're passing a secret back and forth. And now you're asking the question every great performance provokes: what do I do with this feeling? Where do I go next?
First, let's talk about what you just witnessed. That wasn't a one-off. That was the culmination of a partnership that started in 1978 when the three of them first tried to make an album together. It took nine years to get it right. Trio finally landed in 1987, and it didn't just succeed — it changed what people thought country music could be.
The album sold over four million copies. It won a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It spawned hit singles like 'To Know Him Is to Love Him,' 'Telling Me Lies,' and 'Those Memories of You.' And more importantly, it revitalized all three careers at a moment when each of them needed it. Dolly was transitioning from country to pop. Linda was exploring Mexican folk music. Emmylou was already a critical darling but hadn't had a commercial smash in years. Trio gave them all a second wind.
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Then they waited twelve years. Trio II arrived in 1999, and while it didn't sell quite as many copies, it was still a critical success. It earned Grammy nominations and won for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for 'After the Gold Rush' — the very song you just heard them perform. That's the version that lives on. That's the one people come back to.
If you're new to Trio, start with the first album. Put on 'To Know Him Is to Love Him' and listen to how their voices braid together. Dolly takes the lead, Linda harmonizes high, Emmylou comes in low and warm. It's like watching three rivers merge. Then go to 'Those Memories of You' — a song that feels like it's been around for a hundred years even though it hadn't. And then 'Wildflowers,' which is maybe the most underrated track on the record. It's Dolly's song, but Linda and Emmylou turn it into something that sounds like a prayer.
