Temples of Gold
Ghost Machinery Lyrics


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You fool
Who do you think you are?
You fool
You're not the brightest star

Stuck in your hellhole
And you can't climb up
Fight your existence
But you're nailed to the wall

Can't you see
How time slips by
You want to be like me
But your words don't rhyme

Stuck in your hellhole
And you can't climb up
Fight your existence
But you're nailed to the wall

Temples of gold falling down
Temples of gold fall to the ground

The unknown
Is the most you fear
Turn to stone
Just cry your bitter tears

Stuck in your hellhole
And you can't climb up
Fight your existence
But you're nailed to the wall

Temples of gold falling down
Temples of gold fall to the ground

Right from the start
You did have a choice
You choose the devils daughter
And you lost your voice

Stuck in your hellhole
And you can't climb up
Fight your existence
But you're nailed to the wall





Temples of gold falling down
Temples of gold fall to the ground

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ghost Machinery's "Temples of Gold" are a scathing criticism of the arrogant and foolish demeanor of a person who believes himself to be superior. The first two lines of the verses, "You fool, / Who do you think you are? / You fool, / You're not the brightest star," are a direct attack on this person's lack of self-awareness and inflated ego. The chorus emphasizes the futility of his attempts at success, even as everything around him crumbles. The line "Temples of gold falling down / Temples of gold fall to the ground" is a metaphor for his failing ambitions and the material possessions he has built up, which are no longer sustaining him.


The second verse takes on a more empathetic tone, suggesting that the root of this person's downfall is his fear of the unknown. He has become "stuck in [his] hellhole" because he is afraid to take risks and step out of his comfort zone. Instead of facing his fears, he has "turned to stone" and become paralyzed by indecision. The final verse reveals that this person's arrogance has led to his downfall. He had a choice, a metaphorical "devils daughter," but he took the easy way out and lost himself in the process.


Overall, "Temples of Gold" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance. It reminds us that true success comes not from material possessions or self-assuredness, but rather from humility and the willingness to take risks.


Line by Line Meaning

You fool
Addressing someone who is foolish.


Who do you think you are?
Questioning the person's sense of self-importance or arrogance.


You're not the brightest star
Implying that the person is not particularly intelligent or capable.


Stuck in your hellhole
Describing the person's situation as unpleasant and unchanging.


And you can't climb up
Suggesting that the person is unable to improve their situation.


Fight your existence
Encouraging the person to struggle against their circumstances.


But you're nailed to the wall
Implying that despite the person's efforts, they are still stuck and unable to move forward.


Can't you see
Asking the person if they are aware of something.


How time slips by
Suggesting that time is passing quickly and the person is not taking advantage of it.


You want to be like me
Imagining that the person admires the artist and wants to emulate them.


But your words don't rhyme
Implying that the person lacks the skills or abilities to be like the singer.


Temples of gold falling down
Referring to something once great or powerful that is now collapsing or fading away.


Temples of gold fall to the ground
Repeating the same idea as the previous line for emphasis and impact.


The unknown
Referring to something that is uncertain or unfamiliar.


Is the most you fear
Suggesting that the person is afraid of the unknown more than anything else.


Turn to stone
Advising the person to become passive or unresponsive.


Just cry your bitter tears
Encouraging the person to vent their emotions in a negative way.


Right from the start
Referring to the beginning of something.


You did have a choice
Suggesting that the person had options or alternatives that they did not take.


You chose the devil's daughter
Referring to a bad decision or a wrong choice the person made.


And you lost your voice
Implying that the person is unable to speak up or assert themselves.




Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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