This song was first performed live by Gorillaz with Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) & Bootie Brown at the All Points East Festival in London in August, 2022 before the song was released.
New Gold
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
Moved to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everything, but nothing to do
'Tilted in a Tesla, pardon the ex-wrestler
Liposuction's scheduled for Granny
She want to save some, add to her fanny
Girls' trip, Miami at the end of the year
Polluted-filled skies, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news while I was shedding a beer
Watch out from the cults, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the Devil's cheer
Run to the hills 'cause the end is near
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the Reverend since it's been a while
I'm reining in the rando', she's a social scandal
Gave ourselves a handle when it's too much to bare
ABC boys raided the mayor
Like Shaun, he's a Ryder, took on a dare
Now he's singing like a birdy, pulling on his hair
Trending on Twitter's what some of us live for
Friendships givin' out, fucking revolving door
All of this a joke? Pauly Shore
Bullshit keeps comin', maybe I'm a Matador
What are we living for?
Are we all losing our minds?
Because life got in the way
(Hey, hey, hey)
They will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay (ahh)
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear (new gold)
Someone's out here
Who traveled far too many years (new gold)
To nowhere, nowhere (new gold, new gold)
Nothing here is ever real (new gold)
New gold, fool's gold (new gold)
Everything will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear, disappear
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder (new gold)
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one (new gold, new gold, new gold)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want (new gold, new gold, new gold)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (new gold, new gold, new gold)
That's the way it goes in this city wonder (new gold, new gold, new gold)
In the magic cove, there's a pretty one (new gold, fool's gold)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want (everything will disappear)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (someone's out here)
That's the way it goes in this city wonder (who travelled far too many years)
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one (to nowhere, nowhere)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want (nothing here is ever real)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (new gold, fool's gold)
That's the way it goes in this city wonder (everything will disappear)
The lyrics in Gorillaz's song "New Gold" describe city living with references to various contemporary issues. The mention of a "magic cove" may be an escape from the harsh realities of the urban environment. The singer is intrigued by a person in this cove, and asks them where they are going, wondering if they are aware that they are underwater. The city wonder is portrayed as overwhelming with its abundance of things to see and do, but ultimately the singer feels bored in the midst of it all.
The song then goes on to reference several issues such as celebrity culture ("Francesca"), plastic surgery ("Granny"), polluted skies, and social media trends. The chorus highlights the concept of new gold, which can be interpreted as fleeting riches, joys, and pleasures that don't last. It could also be seen as a commentary on the superficiality of city living and the pursuit of materialistic goals. The last few lines suggest a sense of hopelessness and confusion about what people are living for and whether their existence is real.
Overall, "New Gold" presents a critique of modern life while acknowledging the appeal of the city wonder.
Line by Line Meaning
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
Despite the mundane and sometimes chaotic nature of the urban landscape, there are still moments of beauty and wonder that exist
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want
Inquiring about the source of that beauty and wonder is a natural human impulse
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
Despite the beauty around them, there is an overarching feeling of being submerged or trapped in this city
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
The constant push and pull of urban living is a fact of life that must be accepted
Moved to the spot, I'm one of a few
The artist has recently relocated to this city and is still adjusting
A whole lot of everything, but nothing to do
Despite the abundance of stimuli in the city, the singer feels unfulfilled
'Tilted in a Tesla, pardon the ex-wrestler
A reference to a strange or unusual experience riding in a car, perhaps with an eccentric driver
He dates Francesca, they on them Xannies
A couple who may be struggling with addiction to prescription drugs
Liposuction's scheduled for Granny
An elderly family member may be contemplating a cosmetic procedure
She want to save some, add to her fanny
The goal of the cosmetic procedure is to add volume to the buttocks
Girls' trip, Miami at the end of the year
A planned vacation for a group of female friends
Polluted-filled skies, trying to think clear
Despite the beauty of Miami, pollution still mars the experience
I heard the bad news while I was shedding a beer
The singer received negative news while drinking alone
Watch out from the cults, Paul Revere
A warning to be vigilant against cult-like organizations
We all play a part in the Devil's cheer
Everyone contributes to the negative aspects of society in some way
Run to the hills 'cause the end is near
A sense of impending doom or danger is palpable
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
The city has a bleak and depressing atmosphere
Ran into the Reverend since it's been a while
Encountering an old acquaintance who is perhaps a religious leader
I'm reining in the rando', she's a social scandal
The singer is potentially seeking to control someone seen as a social outcast or risky individual
Gave ourselves a handle when it's too much to bare
Creating a nickname or pseudonym to cope with difficult emotions or situations
ABC boys raided the mayor
A group of people with perhaps little regard for authority figures have done something outrageous
Like Shaun, he's a Ryder, took on a dare
Someone named Shaun took on a dare, possibly one that was dangerous or reckless
Now he's singing like a birdy, pulling on his hair
Shaun is now confessing and expressing regret for his actions in a desperate or dramatic way
Trending on Twitter's what some of us live for
Social media popularity is viewed as a desirable goal by some
Friendships givin' out, fucking revolving door
Relationships are frequently ending or changing rapidly
All of this a joke? Pauly Shore
Life and its absurdities are sometimes compared to a comedy or a joke, using a reference to a comedian
Bullshit keeps comin', maybe I'm a Matador
The singer feels bombarded by various falsehoods or difficulties, and likens themselves to a bullfighter who must constantly dodge obstacles
What are we living for?
A contemplative question about the purpose and meaning of life
Are we all losing our minds?
A suggestion that the chaos and uncertainty of urban living is driving people to madness
Because life got in the way
Life's unexpected problems and obstacles can hinder personal growth and success
They will be here just in time
A promise that help or support will arrive when needed
Your replacement is here to stay
A reference to the idea that change is constant and inevitable, and that new things and people will replace old ones
New gold, fool's gold
A play on words suggesting that things that appear valuable or shiny may in fact be worthless, deceptive, or dangerous
Everything will disappear (new gold)
A reminder that all things are impermanent and transient
Someone's out here
An unidentified person or entity is present
Who traveled far too many years (new gold)
An allusion to the idea that someone or something has endured for a long time, even beyond what is expected or reasonable
To nowhere, nowhere (new gold, new gold)
A repetition of two words, emphasizing the emptiness or pointlessness of an action or situation
Nothing here is ever real (new gold)
A sense of disillusionment that things in the world are not what they seem
Disappear, disappear, disappear
A repetition that reinforces the idea of impermanence and transience
New gold, fool's gold (new gold)
A repetition reinforcing the deception and danger of things that seem valuable but are not
Everything will disappear, disappear
An allusion to the fragility of existence
Disappear, disappear, disappear, disappear
A repetition that emphasizes the same theme
In the magic cove, there's a pretty one (new gold, fool's gold)
A reminder that beauty exists even in the midst of chaos and deception
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really want (everything will disappear)
A reminder that beauty and wonder are fleeting
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (someone's out here)
An allusion to the feeling of being trapped or suffocated, despite moments of natural beauty
That's the way it goes in this city wonder (who traveled far too many years)
A resigned acknowledgement that life has its ups and downs, and that even in difficult times, there can be moments of magic
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Damon Albarn, Greg Kurstin, Kevin Parker, Romye Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DJGadj
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Verse 1: Bootie Brown]
Move to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everything, but nothing to do
Till the end of Tesla, pardon the ex-wrestler
He dates Francesca
They on them Xannies, Liposuction's scared up her Granny
She want to savе some, add to her nanny girls' trip
Miami at the еnd of the year
Polluted filled skies, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news, while I was shedding a beer
Watch out from the coast, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the devil's cheer
Run to the hills 'cos the end is near
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Verse 2: Bootie Brown]
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the reverend, says it's been a while
I'm [?] the Randal, she's a social scandal
Gave ourselves a handout when it's too much to bare
ABC boys ready to [?]
Like Shaun, he's a rider, took on a Dare
Now he's singing like a birdy, pulling on his hair
Trending on Twitter, is what some of us live for
Branches in and out, fucking revolving door
All of this a joke? Pretty sure
Bullshit keeps comin', baby I'm a Matador
What are we living for?
[Break: Bootie Brown, Kevin Parker & Both]
Are we all losing our minds?
Because life got in the way
Hey, hey, hey
Things will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay
Ah-ah-ah-ahh
[Bridge: 2-D & Bootie Brown]
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear
Someone's out here
Who traveled far too many years
Nowhere, nowhere
Nothing here is ever real
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Outro: 2-D & Kevin Parker]
New gold, fool's gold
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
Everything will disappear
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
Someone's out here
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
Who travelled far too many years
That's the way it goes, in this silly wonder
Nowhere, nowhere
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
Nothing here is ever real
I ask her where it goes cause I really wanna
New gold, fool's gold
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
Everything will disappear
That's the way it goes in this silly wonder
@hearmth6618
Lyrics: 🪙
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I asked her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
Move to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everythin', but nothing to do
Titled in a Tesla
Pardon that ex-wrestler
He dates Francesca
They on them Xannies
Liposuction's scheduled for Granny
She want to savе some add to her nanny girls trip
Miami at the end of thе year
Polluted-filled skies, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news while I was shedding a beer
Watch out for the cults, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the devil's cheer
Run to the hills 'cuz the end is near
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I asked her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
that's the way it goes in this city wonder
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the reverend since it's been a while
I'm raining in a rando
She's a social scandal
Gives herself a handle when it's too much to bare
ABC boys ready to mayor
Like Shaun, he's Ryder, took on a Dare
Now he's singin' like a birdy, pullin' on his hair
Trendin' on Twitter, is what some of us live for
Branches in and out, fuckin' revolving door
Is all of this a joke? Pauly Shore
Bullshit keeps coming maybe I'm a Matador
What are we livin' for?
Are we all losin' our minds?
Because life got in the way
(Hey, hey, hey)
They will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay
Ah-ah-ah-ahh
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear
Someone's out here
Traveled far too many years
To nowhere, nowhere
Nothing here is ever real
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I asked her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
I asked her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
(New gold, fool's gold)
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
(Everything will disappear)
I asked her where it goes, cause I really wanna
(Someone's out here)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
(Travelled far too many years)
That's the way it goes, in this city wonder
(Nowhere, nowhere)
But in the magic cove, there's a pretty one
(Nothing here is ever real)
I asked her where it goes cause I really want
(New gold, fool's gold)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
(Everything will disappear)
That's the way it goes in this city wonder
@VasiliyLazar
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
[Verse 1: Bootie Brown]
Move to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everything, but nothin' to do
'Til the end of Tesla, pardon the ex-wrestler
He dates Francesca, they on them Xannies
Liposuction's schedulеd for Granny
She want to save some, add to hеr nanny girls' trip
Miami at the end of the year
Polluted-filled skies, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news, while I was sheddin' a beer
Watch out from the coast, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the devil's cheer
Run to the hills 'cause the end is near
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
[Verse 2: Bootie Brown]
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the Reverend since it's been a while
I'm reining in the Randal, she's a social scandal
Gave ourselves a handout when it's too much to bear
ABC boys ready to mare
Like Shaun, he's the Ryder, took on a dare
Now he's singin' like a birdy, pullin' on his hair
Trendin' on Twitter's what some of us live for
Branches here and out, fucking revolving door
All of this a joke? Pauly Shore
Bullshit keeps comin', baby I'm a Matador
What are we livin' for?
[Break: Bootie Brown, Kevin Parker & Both]
Are we all losing our minds?
Because life got in the way (Hey, hey, hey)
They will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay (Ah-ah-ah-ah)
[Bridge: 2-D, Bootie Brown & Kevin Parker]
New gold, fool's gold
Everythin' will disappear (New gold)
Someone's out here
Who traveled far too many years (New gold)
To nowhere, nowhere
Nothin' here is ever real (New gold)
New gold, fool's gold (New gold)
Everythin' will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Chorus: Kevin Parker & 2-D]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one (New gold)
I ask her where it goes, 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder (Ah-ah-ah-ah)
(New gold, fool's gold)
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
(Everythin' will disappear)
I ask her where it goes, 'cause I really wanna (New gold)
(Someone's out here)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
(Who traveled far too many years)
That's the way it goes, in the city wonder (New gold)
(To nowhere, nowhere)
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
(Nothin' here is ever real)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna (New gold)
(New gold, fool's gold)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (New gold)
(Everythin' will disappear)
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
@xanderlaureta2481
LYRICS
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Verse 1: Bootie Brown]
Move to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everything, but nothing to do
Attempting to test the heart of that ex-wrestler
He dates Francesca
They on them Xannies
Liposuction's scared up her Granny
She want to savе some ass to fucking trip
Miami at the end of thе year
A little bit of lines, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news, but I was dead in the mirror
Black child from the coast, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the devil's cheer
Run to the hills by the end of the year
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Verse 2: Bootie Brown]
Adjusting to the city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the mirrors, it's been a while
Our lady in Iran knows she's a social scandal
Heroes of the handle when it's too much to bare
MCs boys ready to—
Like Shaun, he's Ryder, took on his Dare
Now he's singing like a birdy, pulling on his hair
Trending on Twitter, is what some of us live for
Branches in and out, all's a revolving door
Is all of this a joke? Pretty sure
Bullshit keep coming, baby I'm a Matador
What are we living for?
[Break: Bootie Brown & Kevin Parker]
Are we all losing our minds?
Because life got in the way
(Hey, hey, hey)
Things will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay
Ah-ah-ah-ahh
[Bridge: Bootie Brown & Damon Albarn]
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear
Someone's out here
Who traveled far too many years
Nowhere, nowhere
Nothing here is ever real
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
[Chorus: Kevin Parker]
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
And that's the way it goes in this silly wonder
[Outro: Kevin Parker & Damon Albarn]
New gold, fool's gold
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
Everything will disappear
I ask her where it goes, cause I really wanna
Someone's out here
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
Who travelled far too many years
That's the way it goes, in this silly wonder
Nowhere, nowhere
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
Nothing here is ever real
I ask her where it goes cause I really wanna
New gold, fool's gold
I wonder if she knows the way underwater
Everything will disappear
That's the way it goes in this silly wonder
@DiegoCastro-qk8vk
Lyrics
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
Moved to the spot, I'm one of a few
A whole lot of everything, but nothing to do
'Til the end of Tesla, pardon the ex-wrestler
He dates Francesca, they on them Xannies
Liposuction's scheduled for Granny
She want to save some add to her nanny girls' trip
Miami at the end of the year
Polluted-filled skies, trying to think clear
I heard the bad news, while I was shedding a beer
Watch out from the coast, Paul Revere
We all play a part in the Devil's cheer
Run to the hills 'cause the end is near
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder
Yo, a desolate city where it hurts to smile
Ran into the Reverend, says it's been a while
I'm reining in the Randal, she's a social scandal
Gave ourselves a handout when it's too much to bare
ABC boys ready to mare
Like Shaun, he's a rider, took on a dare
Now he's singing like a birdy, pulling on his hair
Trending on Twitter's what some of us live for
Branches here and out, fucking revolving door
All of this a joke? Pauly Shore
Bullshit keeps comin', baby, I'm a Matador
What are we living for?
Are we all losing our minds?
Because life got in the way
(Hey, hey, hey)
Things will be here just in time
Your replacement is here to stay (ahh)
New gold, fool's gold
Everything will disappear (new gold)
Someone's out here
Who traveled far too many years (new gold)
To nowhere, nowhere (new gold, new gold)
Nothing here is ever real (new gold)
New gold, fool's gold (new gold)
Everything will disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear
Disappear, disappear, disappear, disappear
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater
That's the way it goes in the city wonder (new gold)
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one (new gold, new gold, new gold)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna (new gold, new gold, new gold)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (new gold, new gold, new gold)
That's the way it goes in the city wonder (new gold, new gold, new gold)
In the magic gold, there's a pretty one (new gold, fool's gold)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna (everything will disappear)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (someone's out here)
That's the way it goes in the city wonder (who travelled far too many years)
But in the magic gold, there's a pretty one (to nowhere, nowhere)
I ask her where it goes 'cause I really wanna (nothing here is ever real)
I wonder if she knows that we're underwater (new gold, fool's gold)
That's the way it goes in the city wonder (everything will disappear)
@armans-t5d
You gotta respect Gorillaz when they’re a band that’s been for 20 years on the spotlight and still pulling bangers to this day. Not a lot of bands do that
@benevolentworldexploder5395
For sure. I think a large part of it is the willingness to collaborate with other voices in the music industry.
@bengowen4151
@@benevolentworldexploder5395 Yeah, I saw Tame Impala on this and it was a no-brainer if I'd be listening to this right away.
@Fuzunga
They had the right idea from the start by not establishing a "sound" for themselves over multiple albums.
@DrawtheCurtains
Many real bands do. It's the studio writers that get weaker, not the actual lyricists.
@reJECT0
@@benevolentworldexploder5395 That's what Gorillaz is all about, Damon Albarns band for collaborating with other artists.
@CaravanPalace
Gorillaz never disappoint
@typonumber8939
Yooooo!!!!
@kaho596
AYEEE Hola Cravan! Que grata sorpresa verlos por aquí.
@sbwriel69
history bltch