Originally, the band thought "A Horse With No Name" was too corny and it actually took some convincing to get them to play it. The song had its public debut at the Harrogate Music Festival to a great audience response. After several performances and a TV show, "Desert Song" was officially retitled "A Horse With No Name." It was released in March of 1972, became a #1 hit, and stayed at the top of the charts for three weeks. The debut album America was re-released to include the song and quickly went platinum.
The song was actually banned on some U.S. radio stations because of its title and lyrics. "Horse" is a common street term for heroin. Dewey Bunnell and the other members of America completely denied any drug reference connected with the lyrics.
