Plain Gold Ring
Nina Simone Lyrics
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It was where everyone could see
He belonged to someone, but not me
On his hand was a plain gold band
Plain gold ring has a story to tell
It was one that I knew too well
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Oh, oh
When nighttime comes a callin' on me
I know why I will never be free
I can't stop these teardrops of mine
I'm gonna love him till the end of time
Plain gold ring has but one thing to say
I'll remember till my dying day
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
"Plain Gold Ring" is a heartfelt ballad by Nina Simone, in which she sings about a man wearing a plain gold ring on his finger. The song is a tragic story about her unrequited love for this man, who already belongs to someone else. The plain gold ring symbolizes his commitment to his partner, a fact that Simone cannot ignore, and it breaks her heart. She recognizes that as long as he wears that ring, she will never have a chance with him, and she will never feel the warmth of love in her heart.
The lyrics describe Simone's inner turmoil and her inability to accept the reality of the situation. The man wearing the plain gold ring is a constant reminder of what she cannot have, and it brings her to tears. The song is a poignant reminder of how love can be both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The haunting quality of Simone's voice elevates the song to an emotionally intense level, making it a classic in the world of soulful ballads.
Line by Line Meaning
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
The man had a plain gold ring on his finger, visible to all.
It was where everyone could see
The ring was conspicuous and easily noticeable.
He belonged to someone, but not me
The man was in a committed relationship, but not with the singer.
On his hand was a plain gold band
The ring on his hand was a simple, unassuming band of gold.
Plain gold ring has a story to tell
The ring holds significance and represents a deeper narrative.
It was one that I knew too well
The singer was familiar with the story and history behind the ring.
In my heart it will never be spring
The singer's emotional state will always be melancholic, akin to the bleakness of winter.
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
The existence of the ring is a constant reminder of the man who the singer cannot have.
When nighttime comes a callin' on me
The nighttime brings about a sense of vulnerability and loneliness for the singer.
I know why I will never be free
The singer is aware that her feelings for the man will forever hold her captive.
I can't stop these teardrops of mine
The singer is unable to control her emotions and is prone to crying when she thinks of the man.
I'm gonna love him till the end of time
The singer's feelings for the man are deep and everlasting.
Plain gold ring has but one thing to say
The ring represents a singular message or truth.
I'll remember till my dying day
The singer will never forget the significance of the ring and the man who wears it.
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Repeating the opening line reinforces the importance and presence of the ring in the singer's life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: George Stone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Wolfhoundersful
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
It was where everyone could see
He belonged to someone, but not me
On his hand was a plain gold band
Plain gold ring has a story to tell
It was one that I knew too well
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Oh, oh
When nighttime comes a' callin' on me
I know why I will never be free
I can't stop these teardrops of mine
I'm gonna love him till the end of time
Plain gold ring has but one thing to say
I'll remember till my dying day
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore [3x]
@nightperuser
My favourite. Always gives me goosebumps. Was lucky to see her sing this live.
@shash1
Jennie Sivyer I truly envy you for being able to have seen her live.
@jamour
no like for this comment, just envy
@simonhooker5903
We saw Nina at The Royal Albert Hall, London. Superb.
@nightperuser
@@simonhooker5903 how wonderful. I saw her at a casual venue at the Barbican, London (just a hall really) and a small theatre in London (forgot name). What an experience. At the Barbican she stopped singing because someone got up to go to the toilet! Everyone went quiet and she was ranting! Precious memories
@davidadams2395
Kimbra knocks it out of the park in skill, but the song is a somber affair, and Nina sings it the way it should be sung.
@rearandom860
David Adams kimbra sings it with angst, Nina sings it with sorrow
@kaynesheenan
oh, so Kimbra has sung it. okay
@italohenrique1240
This!
@geraldinetalley3664
David Adams, I agree that Nina's interpretation of Plain Gold Ring is better. Loving a married man is a somber affair. Everytime the woman sees that plain gold ring she knows that he will never be free to love her the way she wishes to be loved. Nina sings it as a lament. Krimba's interpretation is too loud for my taste. There are some things that happen in a woman's life that are quiet, sorrowful, hopeless. Plain gold ring is that kind of song, and Nina set's the tone in conveying the right message.