I've never wanted wealth untold
My life has one design
A simple little band of gold
To prove that you are mine

Don't want the world to have and hold
For fame is not my line
Just want a little band of gold
To prove that you are mine

Some sail away to Araby and other lands of mystery
But all the wonders that they see will never tempt me

Their memories will soon grow cold
But 'til the end of time
There'll be a little band of gold
To prove that you are mine

Don't want the world to have and hold
For fame is not my line
Just want a little band of gold
To prove that you are mine

(Band of gold)

Overall Meaning

Don Cherry's "Band of Gold" is a love song that expresses sentiments of contentment with a modest life. The singer explains through the lyrics that he does not covet material wealth and is happy to live a simple life as long as he has a little band of gold to signify his love for his partner. The song highlights the importance of love and the commitment that a wedding ring represents. The singer emphasizes that the little band is enough to prove that his partner is his for life. The singer rejects the glamour and passion of travel and the wonders they encompass because the allure of having a partner is enough to satisfy him.

The song captures the essence of true love by showing that material possession is not essential to prove one's love. The simplicity of the lyrics resonates with people from all cultures and backgrounds. The song emphasizes the importance of love and commitment in relationships as opposed to material possessions. It is a testament to the fact that the ultimate symbol of love is the commitment to stand by one another despite all odds.

Line by Line Meaning

I've never wanted wealth untold
I've never been interested in acquiring great wealth

My life has one design
There is one goal that motivates my life

A simple little band of gold
All I desire is a small, uncomplicated sign of your commitment to me

To prove that you are mine
So that others know you belong to me

Don't want the world to have and hold
I am not interested in acquiring fame or wealth on a large scale

For fame is not my line
I am not motivated by the desire to be famous

Just want a little band of gold
All I want is a small token of your love and commitment

Some sail away to Araby and other lands of mystery
Some people travel to exotic, far-off destinations in search of adventure

But all the wonders that they see will never tempt me
I am not enticed by the allure of exotic and mysterious lands

Their memories will soon grow cold
The experiences of those who travel will eventually fade from memory

But 'til the end of time
But I will always cherish my simple band of gold

There'll be a little band of gold
My symbol of love and commitment will always be with me

To prove that you are mine
To show the world that you belong to me

Don't want the world to have and hold
I am content with a simple life and do not desire great wealth or fame

For fame is not my line
My priorities in life are different from those who seek fame and fortune

Just want a little band of gold
All I need is a simple symbol of your love and commitment

To prove that you are mine
To declare to the world that you are my beloved

(Band of gold)
The symbol of love and commitment that I hold so dear

Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Bob Musel, Jack Taylor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@akashchauhan9860

1y↑29

This song is played when Don Draper is thinking of a slogan for Lucky Strikes sitting at a bar in episode one. I instantly fell in love with this song, the show, and more importantly that decade 50's and 60's

@carguy3910

It's also playing in the bar at the end of season 6 before he punches the pastor.

@fob1xxl

1y↑5

I'm 78 and I still wear that Band of Gold that my love game me in 1977. For 40 years, I've worn that Band of Gold proudly . I became a widower in 2017 and I will wear this Band of Gold to my grave.

@depp8444

7y↑364

Watching mad men for the first time is as memorable as your first smoke.

@MilanVoorhees

4y↑8

@Donald Lentz go away boomer

@ArthurCMunoz

4y↑7

@@MilanVoorhees what he do to you?

@notthatguy4703

4y↑4

Cigarettes or weed? Because I don't know anyone who thinks that cigs are good besides addicts

@freindouthze1810

You get all dizzy

@truth__hurts

4y↑1

Donald Lentz Boomers like you ruined society with your counter culture revolution in the ‘60s.

11 More Replies...

@afl3xa

10y↑461

This is my grandfather and i'm so proud.

@jeffguy7955

9y↑31

afl3xa Your grandfather's voice is beautiful. This is wonderful. First heard this song on "Mad Men." Looked your grandpa up on Wikipedia. Glad he's still w/ us. Wonder if he heard his song on "Mad Men" & if so, what he thought.

@joowens958

9y↑11

afl3xa Don't blame you. I would be proud of him too.

@DavidJPearlman

9y↑6

afl3xa You should be. A very accomplished guy, both in singing and in golf.

@markrocovich2234

9y↑6

+afl3xa Thank TJL for putting him on the PBS show...Your grandpa hit it out of the park when he was on stage...you should be very proud....

@JYDIVISN

9y↑5

+afl3xa Your pants are on fire.

40 More Replies...

@bunnybenchaim7027

3y↑3

Forget Mad Men, I remember this from the 1950's!!!

@Karen822

42w↑3

I'm here in 2023 because I just re-watched the series this week for the first time since watching it in real time. It was great binging it! I love this show! I'll probably watch it all again somewhere down the line. I was in search of a full soundtrack and my Google search led me here. Thank for putting this music together! ❤

@IDF1987

11y↑75

I never would've known this song without Mad Men

@danieljohnston1914

29w

Yes. I've been racking my brain trying to remember where I heard this masterpiece! Thanks for the assistance.

@grammadee9443

38w

Howdy from Massachusetts
Grammas now 84 & still enjoying.
Thsnks to you& youtube.❤😊

@moistman2622

2y↑2

I started up my old 1973 Volvo today and it was playing this.

@TheAlmightyBassist

10y↑598

Mad Men: A term coined in the late 1950's to describe the advertising executives of Madison Avenue. They coined it.

@nothanks5570

7y↑7

What does that have to do with this song?

@hippiewashere

7y↑56

on Mad Men's first scene, this song was played :)

@michaelquebec6653

7y↑20

Yep, after watching the first episode of Mad Men, I had to find this song. It fits that very first scene but, as that first episode is set in 1960, that makes this 1955 song "an oldie." :-)

Still love it

@tluxtlux1457

5y↑15

I always liked how this was playing in the background when Don Draper is drunk at the bar in Season 6, very clever

@djjohnson9389

5y↑11

@@nothanks5570 Why are you such a dick? "what does that have to do with this song?"could you be more condescending you uncultured swine?

6 More Replies...

@kingporter67

30w↑1

This is a great 1955 Don Cherry song!!

@barbaraallen3406

8y↑177

Our song in 1956, the year we married. Got my little Band of Gold. Lost my husband last week. Still wear my little Band of Gold sixty years later.

@shirleyprsssly5893

8y↑2

l would like to buy a tape of Don Cherry's music with Band of Gold.

@upholdsanity3759

5y↑1

Condolences. Happy memories do help. Hugs

@petermooney400

so sorry to read of your sadness

@zacharygerhart8504

I’m sorry for your loss. This is a heartwarming comment. Thank you.

@louisestaats234

And isn't that the real love story.,...........

6 More Replies...

@doclampton

10y↑265

Don turned 90 last Saturday. I'm fortunate to be among his close friends. His voice still sounds so terrific, I'm happy to report!

@supercard9418

6y↑3

RIP

@malinam6505

5y↑12

@@supercard9418 hes still alive and kicking at 95

@daincardenas1391

5y↑1

Malina Mielczarek Wikipedia says he did April 4th of last year so RIP

@Thunderbirdelan

5y↑2

@@daincardenas1391 nnnnoo this song started my vintage personality he was great at singing and many others of his time and before and little after

@mlaforce321

5y↑4

Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. He was a treasure and immortalized in musical history.

4 More Replies...

@perpetual61

14y↑3

I First heard this Wonderful Classic on " MAD MEN " and decided to Hear the Whole Version. They certainly don't make them like this anymore. Thank God for You Tube.

@DanConnieCarroll

9y↑74

My gal has had her band of gold for 51 years and I love her more now than when I first gave it to her.

@artemis2854

8y↑1

+Dan - Connie Carroll How lovely! May you both have many more years!

@MrRJDB1969

8y↑2

+Dan - Connie Carroll - Excellent !

@seano467

8y↑2

Right on Brother!! May you have many,many more wonderful years!!

@Captain_Obvious_Says

Dan - Connie Carroll congratulations Dan. That is very cool. You must've been high school sweethearts. I'm 29 years old right now and can't even imagine this ever happening in my life time.

@lindamay6296

Congratulations!

@johnroberts5992

12y↑2

I was 14 yrs. old, bitter sweet memories growing up then. I don't have pictures, but these early songs just take me back to the times of growing up years. Thanks for these memories.

@d.tucker4929

28w

Loved this hit on the car's tube radio when we traveled.

@myrabrock481

4y↑3

The 50's is the best eta to have have grown up in. Graduated high in 1955. Wonderful years

@danieljohnston1914

The series 'Madmen', with John Hamm brought me here today.

@williammorgan8786

2y↑1

went into a restaurant for breakfast with my sister one morning and at the table was one of those table juke boxes. yes there it was, Band of Gold along with many other oldies. we both loved this music on radio and our parents 78s and 45s, the big band stuff and the Don Cherry stuff back in the day. leukemia took my sister awhile back, good kid and fun kid, missing her. the 45s are gone also, melted in the trunk of my dad's car years ago. i do have Band of Gold on a 45 i've had awhile, it came from ebay. good luck to all, stay safe and thank you youtube.

@cheechobastiz4477

9y↑415

Old Gold man huh? Lucky Strike here.

@allyowens2825

8y↑19

Appreciate this on another level

@Petox20x

8y↑22

After smoking my pipe and listening to this song, I went to sleep and had a nightmare that tobacco weevils came and ate my stash of pipe tobacco. LOL.

@ArthurCMunoz

7y↑7

Matthew Mackenzie Can I ask you a question? Why do you smoke Old Gold?

@louisewoody1

Matthew Mackenzie h

@REALband2024

That's exactly the reason I searched this song LOL

4 More Replies...

@genie42078

5y↑2

remember when we had dances in the gym after lunch - love this song and loved dancing to it

@williamfabrey9273

5y↑5

I graduated in 55, I loved that song and still do!!!! R.I.P Mr. Cherry!!!!

@ediah5

5y↑10

Madmen producers selected this song to be the FIRST of many to be played throughout their tenure and what a great song which went well with the opening scene .... well done 👏

@kaydavis4241

1y↑2

He died at age 94. What a great voice...

@barbi_uy

2y↑1

Mad Men would completely break your heart and then play this song

@jamesmmcgill

Imagine you listened to this song while you were sitting in a crowded bar, smoked a Lucky Strike while thinking about a new ad.

@Tre404

12y

WarThug13.... you said a mouthful! I feel the exact same way. And we will never see it again; the culture is just too far gone! It's profoundly sad.

@scratch67golfer

12y↑1

Don Cherry must have led a charmed life, a great singer and golfer. I remember hearing this song at girl's house next door to my house in 1954. Brings back good memories.

@josephbrown9076

THANK YOU

@1busybeekeeper

4y↑7

this song takes me back to a golden era of magical music, whether it was Rock, Country, Ballads or Jazz, some magical music, thank you You Tube for making this possible

@yobapawan4570

9y↑5

Am now 57 ..bt i stated hearng this music whn i was 5 years old...it really touches this heart o"myn...unforgettable

@iBot.

tri tpinj wrds proerply into the chat box beofre submting it to youtbe

@chevy266nova

2y↑1

Their memories will soon grow cold
But 'til the end of time
There'll be a little band of gold
To prove that you are mine

@lenord227

8y↑6

Wonderful song! Thanks,

@gterrellmorgan7507

7y↑1

Love this song as much today as did the day it came out.

@dianajgs

7y↑1

I WAS 8 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME CALL IT MY MOM AN POP SONG A LOT MUSIC IN OUR HOUSE THE BEST MUSIC IS THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

@iBot.

Diana Sheldon you're old af

@irenemccann7032

6y↑1

A very underated singer, I live in Britain and that's where I heard Band Of Gold on the radio, never heard him again untill my cousin let me hear a great LP of Don's so I have a lot to thank my cousin for , I'm going back at least twenty five years, his voice is beautiful and he sang a lot of good songs.

@michaelswann9227

2y↑5

Pure magic still transporting as only a good song can be. Thank you Don Cherry even after more than sixty years this song resonates with impact.

@Wolfsky9

12y

My Dad oved this song, & sang it all the time. It brings a bittersweet smile to me, every time I hear it--Dad, I miss you. Your #1 Son, Wolfsky9

@themanfromaspen7073

10y↑2

this song takes me back in time I loved this song thanks for posting

@Wolfsky9

11y↑1

This was another of my Dad's all-time favorites, & whenever he'd hear it on KOSI, 1630 AM in Denver, he'd always sing along. Dad, this is for you !! Wolfsky9, 66 y/o

@francisalanwormald6328

A one & only HIT? but soo many memrees...4 those of us hoo cared & loved...

@johnstepho7355

+Francis Alan Wormald Francis, ' Band of Gold ' was his biggest hit, but he had several chart entries before and after he recorded 'B of G '. In 1950 he reached no 4 with 'Thinking of You' which outsold Eddie Fishers big selling version. Other success that year were 'The third man theme', 'Monalisa', and ' I will never change.' In 1952 he had 'Vanity' at No8 and 'Belle, Belle my liberty belle' at no 24 [ Guy Mitchel's version was top.]. In 1956 'Wild Cherry' with flipside 'I'm still a king to you'. reached nos 28, and 78 respectively, and 'Ghost Town 'with flipside 'I'll be around', reached nos 22 and 72 . in 1956 the charts were compiled by the song tltles sold, but a few years later it they combined the sales of a double sided hit as one. Both of the discs above would have reached very a much higher position as a combined entry. 'Namley You' was also in the charts in 1956. His 'Swinging for Two', album reached no 15 in the album charts.

@sungyultaylor1354

8y↑59

MAD MEN. MAD MEN. MAD MEN.

@soulbrotherclassicheuck3833

8y↑11

The year was 1955 & I was 8 years old. Most kids my age was still listening to nursery ryms. But this love of my life when I was 8 & half. Like Teachers pet by Doris Day.

@65motowngirl

8y↑2

Me too! I was also 8 years old in 1955 and I loved this song. I was always into popular music. Forget the kid stuff.

@shirleyprsssly5893

8y↑2

I've enjoyed listening and reading about Don Cherry.l first heard him on arthur godfrey in the fifties.

@williamthomas5962

ONE OF THE BEST

@mwhalen54

9y↑6

Happy 91st birthday Don!
A great singer in the era of great singers, A great golfer in the era of great golfers.

@jerrychaffin1913

10y↑32

This was popular my senior year in high school. Still get goose bumps listening to it.A great singer and song, if we only had that talent today....

@recordman4863

12y

Great favorite 1955

@neallucas9680

9y↑41

I heard this song on Mad Men for the first time and it is now one of my favourite song's. Just beautiful and from a better time. As a thirty eight year old man from England i will say that this old music i am discovering is just wonderful and thank's to my favourite show "Mad Men", me and a
Whole new range of people, will be introduced to these excellent old song's!

@22464388

I'm from England too and I grew up with this music came. I to the U.S in 1968 You should watch PBS when they have the oldies music shows. I know all the words to the oldies and I appreciate the words and the way the fit the songs now more than I did when I first heard them all in the 1950s

@lerebs

12y↑1

57 years and counting and I love this song as much today as did when I was 17 years old and wondering in which my direction my life was headed.

@garyk.nedrow8302

6y↑11

Don Cherry got his start as a band singer with Jan Garber and Victor Young. At the time of this recording, Cherry was also a top ranked amateur golfer and eventually turned pro. He made the cut in seven Master's tournaments and was in contention in the 1960 U.S. Open. The 1950s were musically diverse, with ballads like this one, big band instrumentals, country, and rock 'n roll pouring from the same radio stations and kids dancing happily at sock hops to all of them.

@tomasmuscionico8882

6y↑1

it is with great sorrow to share with all of you that Don Cherry has passed this April 4th in Las Vegas NV

@Wolfsky9

8y↑4

One of my Dad's all-time favorites ! I can see him singing along to Mr. Don Cherry, while riding in the car. --Miss you, Dad. -------------Wolfsky9, 69 y/o

@dinovinciguerra7757

9y↑6

DON HAD A GREAT BRAVADO VOICE -----HIS RANGE AND CLARITY WAS FANTASTIC. SO REFRESHING TO HEAR HIM AGAIN.

@ddarkshark

11y

i'm so glad there are folks like you who are even older than me! I feel younger somehow!

@johnfisher3862

ive been searching for this song for a very long time,now ive got it.thank you youtube.

@atty4349

5y↑1

OMG What a voice and we had to go back to 1955 to hear it.......I just love Don Cherry.

@lerebs

13y↑1

I was a senior in high school in the fall of 1955 when I first heard this song. I loved it then and I still love it today.

@jimharvey4941

6y↑2

I was 13 when this song came out, loved it then...love it now.

@terrymorgan3885

9y↑1

I have loved this song since it first came out. I never tire of listening to it after all these years. It reminds me of many memories from m high school years.

@hisaw100

STUNNING-----A GREAT TEXAS VOICE-----Lives today in Las Vegas

@pastyginger

11y

Mad Men brought be here. I'm 16 and LOVE this style.

@capt10john

11y↑2

Wonderful memories!!

@milagroszervos2275

4y↑4

Love this song. Saw him on the PBS channel special. I fell in love with the song and his voice. I have the song on CD. RIP Sing with the Angels.👍👏👏❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

@bredaswan6250

4y↑2

My mother’s favorite song ❤️🌹R.I P

@matthoward8546

3y↑1

"I like my Old Gold"

@grammadee9443

4y↑1

👍🎵🎼🎶
Sept 16th 2020
Gramma willbe 82 in jan.
Thanks for all the MEMORIES your channel hasbrought m

@MrRJDB1969

These are the types of comments that make making the channel worthwhile. 😊 - MrRJDB1969

@lorac1022

11y

Thank you..you are right, it did bring back memories...wonderful

@larrydrake4056

2y↑2

band of gold has touched so many peoples hearts, i think it is one of the best pop songs i have heard and fifty years from now will still be lifting people up instead of dragging them down

@Imani_AM

5y↑2

Just watched him perform this on the 50s My Music program on PBS. 50s music is so amazing 💗 this song is gorgeous!

@22464388

ME TOO.

@yobapawan4570

9y↑5

A place where we could reminisce those nostalgic moments of our lives

@davidbarnett9312

6y↑6

When pop music and Doris Day, Don Cherry, Frank Sinatra, Kitty Kallen, the Mcguire Sisters, Perry Como, Patti Paige, et. al. ruled the radio. 1955 was a pivotal year, however. Rock Around The Clock had already made it to the top ten in 1954, and the slow but sure death knell of pop was just a year or two away. This music imprinted on me growing up and is still fantastic, even though I gravitated to Elvis and rock in my teen years.

@MadameLil

11y

First heard of this song while reading Anne Tyler's novel When We Were Grownups in 2002. Then finally heard it about a year and a half later on Real Oldies 1690. I want that station back, but it just won't happen ...

@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont

4y↑8

A thousand years from now in the World History Museum there will be an exhibit called the "1950's" and it will have two things: a tail-finned automobile (probably a '57 Chevy), and a continuously playing recording of Don Cherry's "Band of Gold".

@michaellazzeri9439

3y↑4

Possibly, my Dad's all-time #1 song. He loved it & would always sing along ------totally off key, but he sure didn't care.

@biffaudrain4437

In the 50's, I would request this all of the time for my true love, which was never to be. But we are still friends.

@abj99861

11y↑1

From the opening scene on the pilot episode with this song in background I was hooked on the series. Heard this some a number of times on "R&R weekends" on different radio stations long before the show.

@paulmurray5655

10y↑14

If you remember Procter and Gamble's launch of the Mr. Clean product in 1958, you will remember the golden voice of Don Cherry singing, "Mr. Clean gets rid of dirt and grime and grease in just a minute. Mr. Clean will clean your whole house and everything that's in it! Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean..." I heard an interview once with Don Cherry and Bob Moke, the '50's pop authority, where Mr. Cherry told Mr. Moke that the "Mr. Clean" jingle made him more money via royalties than all of his other musical endeavors combined. Ah, the '50's...yes, we really were America once. Thanks to Mr.RJDB1969 for posting this great piece of Americana.

@barbaramalkowicz2466

10y

Hate to imagine how little those chemicals actually cost! White vinegar and water does a good job on floors and doesn't pollute.

@marciasagadore2158

I always request this to be played on the radio at night.

@josephkane4753

6y↑2

Another timeless Classic hit single by Don Cherry with his big hit single from 1955 as it is Called Band Of Gold

@musicmomma2023

7y↑2

I've loved this version of BAND OF GOLD since I first heard it.

@LikeTheAttention

RIP Don Cherry.

@SpeedTriple59

13y

Lipstick on your collar ...Dennis Potter..First time i heard it ..Great track..

@rochellerenee2356

9y↑10

Fantastic voice!! My Dad used to play this years ago on a 45 he had....memories :)

@patrickgraham4145

8y↑3

Mad Men brought me here

@Anglynn74

10y↑110

don draper brought a lot of people here

@tommytruth7595

That song is just perfect.

@rooseveltnut

8y↑3

My mom sang with him. They were very young. I love his voice. I wish he had more songs out there.

@lamontmargo

9y↑4

DC had one hell of a set of pipes but we needed more music from him.
I know the girls loved it when he sang it....but what a set of PIPES.
It will always be a great song sung by a great voice.

@louisestaats234

5y↑3

I fell in love with this song first time I heard it. The perfect song/lyric/singer. Doesn't get better than this.

@Elmvale1

9y↑9

Fantastic singer, why haven't I heard of him before.

@MrBill0246

9y↑5

Elmvale1 Ya gotta be old to remember these songs. This has been in my top 3 all time favorites for over 50 years. You tube is the greatest. If they aint got it, it aint a song. LOL Glad you enjoy it.

@larrydrake4056

thats what i would like to know

@larrydrake4056

i think this one of the songs you just cant improve on

@VincentL7

10y

Well, I believe Don Cherry was a "one hit wonder" singer, he never had another
hit after this beautiful song. He had a GREAT voice, indeed, it's a pitty he didn't
make other wonderful songs like this band of gold tune. It is one of my very own
favorites from the 50s. My wife and I used to listen to it back in the 80s on 5.30 am
smocking oldies radio station. It's a shame no califorina radio station plays this
kind of music anymore, all we have is classic rock from the 70s, that's as far
back as they can go now, even K-EARTH. The only way one can hear these oldies
and even older songs is via internet.

@barbaramalkowicz2466

10y↑1

That's a big part of what makes You Tube a valuable resource, Vincent. We don't have to listen to all of that radio jabber to hear what we appreciate.

@larrydonguy

VincentL7 Actually Don was at least a "two-hit wonder" because his version (Eddie Fisher had the other one) of "Thinking of You" in 1950 also charted in the Top Five (and It is also on You-Tube).

@johnstepho7355

+VincentL7 Hi Vincent, Sorry you missed out on the wonderful recordings Don has made between 1950 and 2005. check his website , Also have a look at Wikapedea, they list all his chart related recordings. Hardly a one hit wonder

@davidbarnett9312

8y↑2

Still love this song after all these decades. I was twelve when this came out.

@jplum

8y↑8

Don will be 93 yrs, young in Jan. He still has the voice and is doing well in Las Vegas. His wife Francine was on Broadway and they live a very active life.

@stringalongmike1953

Thanks for the update - glad to hear Don and his wife are doing so well.

@jeffreyforti7558

29w

A masterpiece by Don Cherry

@Wallula

What a beautiful song to dance to with the one you love

@cf1934

11y

My wife and I were married October 15, 1955. I still have my band of gold, but I lost her to a stroke in September of 2011. Have always loved this song. Thanks for posting.

@jamesgrace8509

6y↑2

Great singer

@GeoMariaGeorge

6y↑1

Oh, it makes me remember the words that sealed my first ring. So beaut!

@ralyn43

4y↑1

I heard this tune sometime in the fifties on a jukebox. Its lilting melody stayed with me for some reason and started me on a career in music. It's a long story, but I got started on the flute in junior high school, continued with flute in the Pensacola High School Band, and on to a wonderful career in the U.S. Air Force band program. Amazing how one tune could accomplish so much.

@Teddyb1939

7y↑5

78s, lovely times. All million sellers.

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