JIm Lauderdale is a Nashville showman in the grand tradition. He's also one… Read Full Bio ↴JIm Lauderdale is a Nashville showman in the grand tradition. He's also one of the city's finest songwriters, as the Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, Mark Chestnut, Vince Gill and George Strait will be glad to attest. Beyond Music Row, Lauderdale is well known in bluegrass and jamband circles. He recorded two albums with the legendary Ralph Stanley, one with Donna the Buffalo and he collaborated with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter on Headed for the Hills, his 2004 release on Dualtone Records.

El Dorado
Jim Lauderdale Lyrics

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Jack of all trade, I mastered them all but one
Like it says on my calling card that will be done
I was a sailor once, you better believe it so
I sailed six of the seven seas

Looking for El Dorado
Now it can't be done
I'm still searching for

The city of solid gold

Jack of all trades been looking both high and low
I search closer to home these days, you never know
I was a sailor once until I ran out of sea
Now I'm down on my knees

Looking for El Dorado
Just like days of old
Rays of the setting sun
City of gold

If you don't believe me why should I believe in you?
To set sail in eternity, let love be true
All that I'm saying, you can check your dream at the door
Don't run off and forget [Incomprehensible]

El Dorado
Where winters never cold
No frosty winds to blow
City of gold

I am searching for El Dorado the seven cities of gold
You be on all that, I asked it might be torn
You only look like me, so how can I be sure?
I can't trust my memory, it might be yours

They chase me down, be a [Incomprehensible]
I'm a jack of all trades out of my way
I was a sailor once, you better believe it so
Sailed six of the seven seas

Looking for El Dorado
Now it can't be done
I'm still searching for
The city of solid gold

El Dorado
Just like days of old

The rays of the setting sun
The city of solid gold

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jim Lauderdale's song El Dorado tell of a man who has mastered all trades but one: finding the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. He was a sailor in his earlier days and sailed six of the seven seas in search of the city of gold. The song describes his ongoing search for El Dorado but acknowledges that it cannot be done. He now searches closer to home, hoping that he might stumble upon the city of gold by chance.

The lyrics are symbolic and may represent the elusive and unattainable nature of some of our dreams, no matter how much effort we put into them. Our search for happiness or our life's purpose might involve a quest for something that, like El Dorado, is ultimately unattainable. The singer is urging listeners not to give up on their dreams but to accept that some things may remain out of our reach.

Line by Line Meaning

Jack of all trade, I mastered them all but one
I have expertise in many areas, but there is one particular skill that I haven't yet mastered.

Like it says on my calling card that will be done
Just as my card indicates, I am determined to succeed at everything I set out to do.

I was a sailor once, you better believe it so
I have extensive experience as a sailor and have traveled many places as a result.

I sailed six of the seven seas
I have traveled to many places and have seen most of what the world has to offer.

Looking for El Dorado
I am searching for a mythical city of gold.

Now it can't be done
I realize that finding El Dorado may be impossible, but I still hold onto hope.

I'm still searching for
I am on a never-ending quest to find El Dorado.

The city of solid gold
I am searching for an ancient city of immense wealth and fortune.

Jack of all trades been looking both high and low
I have searched far and wide, using all of my skills and knowledge, in my quest to find El Dorado.

I search closer to home these days, you never know
I have come to realize that sometimes the greatest treasures can be found in one's own backyard.

I was a sailor once until I ran out of sea
Despite my extensive travels, there is only so far I can go before I run out of places to explore.

Now I'm down on my knees
I am at a point of desperation in my search for El Dorado.

Just like days of old
I am seeking a legendary city of wealth and prosperity, just as others have in the past.

Rays of the setting sun
Perhaps I will find El Dorado as the day comes to an end and the sun sets in the sky.

If you don't believe me why should I believe in you?
If you doubt my quest for El Dorado, why should I trust your own beliefs and motivations?

To set sail in eternity, let love be true
In order to live a fulfilling life, one must embrace love and all that it entails.

All that I'm saying, you can check your dream at the door
I am simply stating my own beliefs and experiences, without imposing them on anyone else.

Don't run off and forget [Incomprehensible]
Do not let the opportunity to pursue your dreams pass you by.

Where winters never cold
In El Dorado, the climate is always warm and temperate.

No frosty winds to blow
There are no harsh or cold weather conditions in El Dorado.

I am searching for El Dorado the seven cities of gold
I am on a quest to find the legendary city of gold known as El Dorado.

You be on all that, I asked it might be torn
You may have your doubts or concerns about my quest for El Dorado, but I still hold onto hope.

You only look like me, so how can I be sure?
I cannot be certain that you share my same beliefs, motivations, or experiences.

I can't trust my memory, it might be yours
Sometimes I question my own memories, wondering if they truly belong to me or if they have been influenced by others.

They chase me down, be a [Incomprehensible]
People may try to discourage or dissuade me from my quest for El Dorado, but I refuse to give up.

Now it can't be done
I understand that finding El Dorado is a nearly impossible task.

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

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