You think I'm running round in circles
But I know I'm homeward bound
Like a ghost in my nightgown
I'm heading out of town

I don't want to wake up
Everything I dream up
Is running wild
I love you but love's grown out

Hell knows where I'm gonna land
A small town girl no gold in my hands
Gypsy I know you understand
I'd die to be free no gold in my hands
Sorry if you never ever see me again
And I'm sorry if I never call
Hell knows where I'm gonna land
A small town girl
No gold in my hands

I'll be gone in a heartbeat
Leaving kisses in mid air
Through the cemetery bare feet
You're my favorite nightmare
Don't try to make me stay
'Cause it's never going to work
If you're holding on too fast
Then it's gonna make you hurt

Hell knows where I'm gonna land
A small town girl no gold in my hands
Gypsy I know you understand
I'd die to be free no gold in my hands
Sorry if you never ever see me again
And I'm sorry if I never call
Hell knows where I'm gonna land
A small town girl
No gold in my hands

Where'd you go
Wandering child?
Gonna throw myself
Out to the wild
I'm gone
I'm walking out the door
I wont be coming back at all
I'd run for miles un til I finally
Get that gold in my hands

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Norma Jean Martine's song No Gold are about a woman who is leaving her current situation in order to pursue freedom and chase her own dreams. She is aware that people may judge her as being lost and wandering aimlessly, but to her, she is homeward bound. Despite her love for someone, she feels that her dreams are bigger and fitting this current situation is not it. She is taking a risk in leaving as she is a small-town girl with no money but she is determined to make her way. Leaving behind the ones she loves and starting anew is tough, but she knows this is what she wants. The songwriter portrays a message of pursuing your dreams at all costs, to live authentically and true to oneself, even if it means leaving behind everything familiar and comfortable.

The line "Hell knows where I'm gonna land" embodies the uncertainty that comes with leaving behind everything that was once known. It's also evident that the songwriter desires to be free and live a life that is authentic and true to her.

The use of the word "gold" may represent money, success, or happiness. The songwriter cannot find any ‘gold’ in her current situation, so she feels the need to search for it in other places to live a fulfilling life. This further emphasizes the idea that "No gold in my hands" conveys being unable to attain what truly satisfies her.

Overall, No Gold by Norma Jean Martine speaks to the idea of chasing your dreams and being authentic even if it means leaving behind loved ones and your comfort zone. It encourages the listener to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams even if the journey is uncertain.

Line by Line Meaning

You think I'm running round in circles
You may see me as lost, but I know where I'm headed

But I know I'm homeward bound
I'm going back to where I truly belong

Like a ghost in my nightgown
I'm uncertain and wandering in the night

I'm heading out of town
I need to escape and start anew

I don't want to wake up
I don't want to face reality

Everything I dream up
All of my aspirations and hopes

Is running wild
Are out of control

I love you but love's grown out
I still love you, but our relationship has ended

Hell knows where I'm gonna land
I have no clue where I'll end up

A small town girl no gold in my hands
I'm a simple girl with nothing to my name

Gypsy I know you understand
I believe you know what it's like to be me