Bars of Gold is a band featuring ex-members of the now-defunct Michigan ban… Read Full Bio ↴Bars of Gold is a band featuring ex-members of the now-defunct Michigan band Bear Vs. Shark, as well as members of the band Wildcatting. They formed following the dissolution of Champions of History, another post-BVS band. They played their first show March 21st, 2009 in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the Screaming Eagle.

The Hustle
Bars of Gold Lyrics

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BARS OF GOLD
"The Hustle"
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My legs were made of wood
You kept the ground real warm
You kept my spirits up
When they were gone
*

But I'm a half made man
A shelter from the storm
You slow my heart rate down and shelter me from harm
*
I got that fire inside my soul down to my feet it keeps me going
All threw my town and down dirt roads I got that fire inside my soul
I got that fire inside my soul down to my feet it keeps me going
All threw my town and down dirt roads I got that fire
Forget your guns and your ammo
We need nails bring your hammers
Girl if you give up they'll crucify this town
*
Like a drum in the basement
When that bass and that snare hits
Girl if you give up they'll sanctify us now
Would you sing it loud and I say
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I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*
Like a preacher facing pulpit
Or a group of school kids laughing
In the face of every master clap your hands
*
Like a preacher facing pulpit
Or a group of school kids laughing
In the face of every master clap your hands
*
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*
My legs were made of wood
You kept the ground real warm
You kept my spirits up
When they were gone
*
But I'm a half made man
A shelter from the storm
You slow my heart rate down and shelter me from harm
*
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
*

But you got to
*

Overall Meaning

The song "The Hustle" by Bars of Gold is a powerful and emotional piece that speaks of the struggles of life and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. The opening lyrics "My legs were made of wood, You kept the ground real warm" describe the feeling of being weighed down by the burdens of life while being uplifted by someone else's warmth and support. It is a feeling of dependency that is acknowledged and appreciated.

The chorus of the song centers around the phrase "I got that fire inside my soul down to my feet, it keeps me going." This line speaks to the power of passion and determination in overcoming challenges. It is a reminder that even when we feel drained and exhausted, we need to keep pushing forward if we want to achieve our goals.

The second verse of the song "Forget your guns and your ammo, We need nails bring your hammers, Girl if you give up they'll crucify this town" reinforces the idea of the power of community and collaboration. It highlights the need for people to come together and work towards a common goal instead of relying on violence and aggression to achieve results. Finally, the repetition of "I don't wanna build temples (you got to)" throughout the song speaks to the feeling of being pulled in different directions in life. It is a recognition that sometimes we need to do things we don't necessarily want to do in order to achieve our dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

My legs were made of wood
I felt weak and unsteady like my legs were made of wood

You kept the ground real warm
You were my support and comfort during tough times

You kept my spirits up
You lifted my mood and encouraged me

When they were gone
When I was feeling down or alone

But I'm a half made man
I don't feel fully complete or whole

A shelter from the storm
You protect and shield me from difficult situations

You slow my heart rate down and shelter me from harm
You calm me down and keep me safe during times of stress or danger

I got that fire inside my soul down to my feet it keeps me going
I have a strong passion and drive that motivates me to keep moving forward

All threw my town and down dirt roads I got that fire inside my soul
I feel this passion and drive wherever I go, even down the most remote paths

Forget your guns and your ammo
We don't need weapons of war

We need nails bring your hammers
We need tools for building and creating

Girl if you give up they'll crucify this town
If we give up or fail, it will have negative consequences for our community

Like a drum in the basement
My heartbeat feels loud and strong like a drumbeat in a small, enclosed space

When that bass and that snare hits
When the music reaches its climax with the bass and snare drums

Girl if you give up they'll sanctify us now
If we give up or fail, our opponents will feel justified and empowered

Would you sing it loud and I say
Can you express your passion and energy through music with me?

I don't wanna build temples (you got to)
I don't want to create grand, impressive structures or follow traditional religious practices, but it's necessary for success

Like a preacher facing pulpit
Like someone giving a sermon in front of a congregation

Or a group of school kids laughing
Like a group of young, carefree students enjoying themselves

In the face of every master clap your hands
In the presence of those in power or authority, show your support and appreciation

But you got to
Despite my reservations or doubts, it's necessary to move forward and take action

Contributed by Jonathan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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