In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
House Of Gold
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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For wealth and what it will buy
But don't they know on judgment day
That gold and silver will melt away
I'd rather be in a dark grave
And to know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
What good is gold and silver too
If your hearts not pure and true
Sinner hear me when I say
Fall down on your knees and pray
The lyrics of Bill Monroe's "House of Gold" metaphorically compares the value of material wealth to that of one's internal moral compass. The narrative portrays the greed and corruption that often come with one's endless desire for gold, silver, and riches. The first stanza paints a picture of the extents some people would take to accumulate wealth, including lies, theft, and deceit. However, a sobering reminder follows - on the judgment day, such riches will be meaningless as they will eventually perish like gold and silver when exposed to extreme heat.
In the second stanza, the chorus emphasizes the significance of spiritual fulfillment over material possessions. The singer vocalizes his desire to have a life of modesty, and even death, rather than to exist in a mansion of gold and silver or compromise his faith. The last two lines of the stanza are particularly poignant, creating a sense of urgency for sinners to turn away from their wicked ways and seek penance before God.
Overall, this song serves as a cautionary tale, with its lyrics urging listeners to prioritize their inner-morality over material riches. It's a song about the fragility of life and the importance of spiritual security over temporary success.
Line by Line Meaning
People steal they cheat and lie
Many will resort to deceitful and immoral actions in the pursuit of wealth
For wealth and what it will buy
People desire wealth for the material possessions and power it can bring
But don't they know on judgment day
Those blinded by wealth fail to realize the futility of their actions when they face judgement
That gold and silver will melt away
Material possessions will not serve as a means to avoid judgement or bring salvation
I'd rather be in a dark grave
Death is a preferable fate compared to a life devoid of spiritual salvation
And to know that my poor soul was saved
Salvation of the soul is the ultimate goal, far more valuable than any material wealth
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
Material possessions and wealth cannot substitute for spiritual nourishment
And deny my God and doom my soul
Rejecting faith and embracing material wealth ultimately results in the destruction of one's soul
What good is gold and silver too
Material wealth holds no value or worth without spiritual fulfillment
If your hearts not pure and true
Material wealth is insignificant if one does not possess pure and genuine intentions
Sinner hear me when I say
Those that have strayed from the path of spiritual salvation should pay heed to this warning
Fall down on your knees and pray
Submitting oneself to god and repenting for sins is the only path to redemption and salvation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind