McMorrow's second album, Post-Tropical, was released in January 2014. It was noted for its distinct shift in style from the nu-folk of his first album, leaning more towards electronica and ambient sounds. Two singles were released from the album - "Cavalier" and "Red Dust." The album reached the top 30 in the UK and the Netherlands; as well as peaking at number 2 on the Irish album charts.
Gold
James Vincent McMorrow Lyrics
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Along the path I determined to hold
Although it coiled round a perilous wing
Blinded by hot gas and carving off steam
There was still smoke
Burnt in the grass
Reclaim a portion of desolate south
Barrels that hide us in hair fallen heed
Then became sound
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
I wasn't accorded a stop
Always in it so much more
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
Time wasn't the only cavernous
I hope my contour charts show up via rivers
Out to the only ocean
There's something peaceful that goes out via river
Out to the ocean
I was peaceful standing, I was open
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
I wasn't accorded a stop
Always in it so much more
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only coward
The lyrics to James Vincent McMorrow's Gold are a complex and deeply personal reflection on the struggles of life and love. The opening lines, "How was the cold, along the path I determined to hold," sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer confronts the difficulties and challenges he has faced on his journey. The metaphor of the cold refers to the emotional distance that he has experienced, as he has tried to protect himself from hurt and pain.
The next lines, "Although it coiled round a perilous wing, blinded by hot gas and carving off steam, there was still smoke," continue with the metaphor of danger and uncertainty. The singer is navigating through difficult terrain, but he can still see the smoke of hope and possibility in the distance.
The chorus, "I wasn't afforded a love covered up in hard earned clay, I wasn't accorded a stop, always in it so much more," speaks to the singer's struggles with love and intimacy. He feels like he has been denied the warmth and connection that he craves, and that he has never been given a chance to rest and recover from the challenges he has faced.
The final lines of the song, "Time wasn't the only cavernous, time wasn't the only coward," suggest that the singer is still grappling with the aftermath of his struggles. He recognizes that time alone cannot heal all wounds, and that some of the pain and damage caused by the past will always linger. Despite this, the song ends on a note of strength and resilience, as the singer finds peace in the natural world around him.
Line by Line Meaning
How was the cold
How harsh was the weather
Along the path I determined to hold
On the road that I chose to take
Although it coiled round a perilous wing
Even though it was dangerous
Blinded by hot gas and carving off steam
Unable to see through the steam and fog
There was still smoke
There was still evidence of destruction
Burnt in the grass
The grass was scorched
Reclaim a portion of desolate south
Take back a piece of the barren southern land
Add in the stirrings and long lost fatigue
Include the feelings of restlessness and exhaustion
Barrels that hide us in hair fallen heed
Barrels that shelter us in the midst of neglect
Then became sound
Then it turned into audible noise
I wasn't afforded a love
I didn't receive enough love or attention
Covered up in hard earned clay
Buried in the soil that I worked hard for
I wasn't accorded a stop
I wasn't given a break or pause
Always in it so much more
Always in the midst of something
Time wasn't the only cavernous
There were other deep and empty spaces/situations
I hope my contour charts show up via rivers
I hope my maps are displayed with rivers
Out to the only ocean
Leading to the one and only sea
There's something peaceful that goes out via river
There's a sense of tranquility that flows through the river
Out to the ocean
Towards the vast and endless sea
I was peaceful standing, I was open
I felt calm and receptive
Time wasn't the only coward
There were other things/people that were afraid and hesitant
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: JAMES MCMORROW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Juliet Towera
How was the cold
Along the path I determined to hold
Although it coiled round a perilous wing
Blinded by hot gas and carving off steam
There was still smoke
Burnt in the grass
Reclaim a portion of desolate south
Add in the stirrings and long lost fatigue
Barrels that hide us in hair fallen heed
Then became sound
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
I wasn't accorded a stop
Always in it so much more
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
Time wasn't the only cavernous
I hope my contour charts show up via rivers
Out to the only ocean
There's something peaceful that goes out via river
Out to the ocean
I was peaceful standing, I was open
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
I wasn't accorded a stop
Always in it so much more
I wasn't afforded a love
Covered up in hard earned clay
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only cavernous
Time wasn't the only coward
White Chocolate Roller Skate
This man has been roller skating in San Francisco for 40+ he currently runs the Church of 8 Wheels. He's a LEGEND. David Miles Jr.
Gabriel Dias
Que música LINDA da porra, não só essa mas várias outras desse artista, como isso não tem milhões de views? 😣
Michael Makowski
This song brings out so much emotion. It's like a mix of awe, beauty, and some sort of bittersweet nostalgia. AHHH
britemac1121
I had forgotten that music was an art, and this reminded me. And this is one extraordinary and beautiful piece of art in the purest form.
Brennan Lane
This song/video make me feel so much. Joy, peace, calmness. Amazing. That guy skating is inspiring ❤️ he looks like he is just lost in his own amazing world
Minie Boisvert
There is a haunting gracefulness about this that I can't get out of my heart...
Brittany Bendix
As a skater and a Californian... I love everything about this video. I love the way the Irish see SF.
megalopolis2015
Sometimes our greatest joys are found in the simplest activities. It was wonderful seeing this man's pure heart in his skating.
Hugo Wango
Jan 2020 and I’m still madly in love with this beautiful song. Thanks James
Sao de la Lune
A masterpiece is a Masterpiece, no matter the time that passed.