Gold Dust Woman
Hole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take your silver spoon
And dig your grave
One last challenge
Pick your path and I'll pray
Wake up in the morning
Lousy lovers pick their graves
But they never cry out loud
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now do you know how
Pick up the pieces and go home
Gold dust Woman,
Follow those who pale
In your shadow
Rulers make bad lovers
You better put your kingdom up for sale
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now -- do you know how
Pickup the pieces and go home
The lyrics in "Gold Dust Woman" by Hole offer a cryptic yet powerful portrayal of a woman who takes control of her own destiny. The opening line, "Gold dust woman, take your silver spoon and dig your grave", may suggest a woman of privilege who is ready to shake off her previous life and embrace a new one. The phrase "gold dust" may also be a reference to cocaine, a drug that was prevalent during the 1970s when the song was written.
The singer seems to be challenging the woman to choose her own path, saying "Pick your path and I'll pray". This may be seen as a warning that the journey she chooses may not be easy - the line "wake up in the morning, see your sunlight burning to go down" suggests a sense of urgency and the need to seize the moment.
The chorus of the song repeats the question "Did she make you cry, make you break down, shatter your illusions of love?" This may refer to a romantic relationship that ended badly, or it could be a broader commentary on the disillusionment and pain that can come with any significant life experience. Ultimately, the song seems to encourage listeners to take control of their own lives, even if it means leaving behind those who don't support them.
Line by Line Meaning
Gold dust woman,
The woman being described is like gold dust, elusive and valuable.
Take your silver spoon
The woman was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, indicating wealth and privilege.
And dig your grave
Despite her privilege, she is destroying herself by making bad choices.
One last challenge
This is the final test or obstacle she must face.
Pick your path and I'll pray
Whatever decision she makes, the artist wishes her the best.
Wake up in the morning
The cycle of life continues, regardless of what happened the day before.
See your sunlight burning to go down
The woman's time is running out, and she knows it.
Lousy lovers pick their graves
Choosing the wrong partners will lead to ruin.
But they never cry out loud
Despite the pain and heartbreak, the woman is keeping her emotions bottled up.
Did she make you cry
The artist is addressing the artist's partner.
Make you break down
The partner caused the singer to fall apart emotionally.
Shatter your illusions of love
The partner revealed that love is not always perfect.
Is it over now do you know how
The singer is questioning whether the relationship is truly finished.
Pick up the pieces and go home
The only way to move on is to accept what happened and try to heal.
Follow those who pale
The woman should surround herself with people who are less flashy, but more genuine.
In your shadow
The woman is a powerful force, and others may be intimidated by her.
Rulers make bad lovers
People who crave power are not likely to make good romantic partners.
You better put your kingdom up for sale
The woman should give up her quest for power and fame, and focus on finding true love.
Pickup the pieces and go home
This refrain is repeated, emphasizing the need to move forward after a difficult experience.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEVIE NICKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
syd
Gold dust woman,
Take your silver spoon
And dig your grave
One last challenge
Pick your path and I'll pray
Wake up in the morning
See your sunlight burning to go down
Lousy lovers pick their graves
But they never cry out loud
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now do you know how
Pick up the pieces and go home
Gold dust Woman,
Follow those who pale
In your shadow
Rulers make bad lovers
You better put your kingdom up for sale
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now -- do you know how
Pickup the pieces and go home
AustinTXSlasher
I really feel this is one of Hole's best creations. they took an already great song, made it their own, and did it with so much integrity. This was a point in their career when Courtney was actually sober. She and the gang really did this song some justice.
The Kombinator
Funny, until recently I thought Gold Dust Woman was Hole's creation. For the longest time (OMG maybe 20 years now) I was under the impression that Nirvana WAS the originator of the man who sold the world.
Covers, both of them.
And now, I'm hearing covers of mid-late 90s dance tunes. The circle of life (apparently is a two decade nostalgic cycle).
Jonathan Rayne
Exactly!
swisscitroen
Completely agree.
Ian Brewster
💯%
McDaniel
Still listening in 2022!
Youtuber User #1
The bass lines on this song have NO equal...towards the end of song it makes you go into primal frenzy!!! Melissa D is a SAVAGE!!!
syd
Gold dust woman,
Take your silver spoon
And dig your grave
One last challenge
Pick your path and I'll pray
Wake up in the morning
See your sunlight burning to go down
Lousy lovers pick their graves
But they never cry out loud
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now do you know how
Pick up the pieces and go home
Gold dust Woman,
Follow those who pale
In your shadow
Rulers make bad lovers
You better put your kingdom up for sale
Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now -- do you know how
Pickup the pieces and go home
Stale Cracker Jack Box
I really love Hole's version of this song. It fits so well.
Davis Grendel
This entire soundtrack was played constantly by me and friends in the fall of 1996
This and the Filter song were our favorites.