GOLD
John Malcolm Lyrics
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And then retreat
To that dark place where no one else may follow
I waited here for your returning
To roll your cigarette
And wash your bloodied feet
You have heard the silent running
Broke me from the grip of grief and fever
With the sound of your voice speaking my name
And a kiss
That I will feel forever
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
WG did forge our wedding bed
On a hard and holy road
We lay down our head
In tha hour of gold, the hour oi lead
I have watched you riding on
The wall of death
And when il finally breaks you and you fall
I will tear this dress of muslin that you gave me
To bind the fatal wound
And catch your last sweet breath
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
We did forge our wedding bed
On a hard and holy road
We lay down our head
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
But the world will be my witness when
They excavate my heart
And find the image of your face
Imprinted there like some Shroud of Turin
That neither time Nor tundra could erase
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
We did forge our wedding bed
On a hard and holy road
We lay down our head
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
The lyrics to John Malcolm's song Gold tell a story of a deep and enduring love, with all its trials and tribulations. The opening lines suggest that the person being addressed in the song has gone through a dark period but has come back from it, and the singer has been there waiting for them. The imagery of rolling a cigarette and washing bloodied feet is a symbol of care and devotion, suggesting that the singer is there to provide comfort and healing.
The song continues with a description of how the person being addressed has helped the singer through a difficult time, breaking them free from the grip of grief and fever with their words and a kiss that will be remembered forever. This section of the song is especially beautiful, with the juxtaposition of the "hour of gold" and the "hour of lead". This could refer to the highs and lows of life, and how the love between these two people has endured through both.
The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as the singer describes how they will be there to catch the last sweet breath of their beloved. The image of tearing the muslin dress to bind a wound is both brutal and tender, and shows the depth of feeling between the two. The closing lines suggest that this love will endure forever, etched indelibly in the singer's heart like the Shroud of Turin.
Overall, Gold is a song that speaks of a love that has weathered many storms, yet remains steadfast and true. It's a powerful testament to the human capacity for love and devotion, set against the backdrop of the highs and lows of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I have seen your soul turn black
I have seen you at your worst, when you were consumed by negative emotions
And then retreat
And then withdraw deep inside yourself where no one can reach you
To that dark place where no one else may follow
To that place of your mind where no one else can possibly comprehend your thoughts and feelings
I waited here for your returning
I waited patiently for you to come back to me, to let me in again
To roll your cigarette
To comfort you in my own little way by doing something for you
And wash your bloodied feet
And to take care of you when you're physically hurt and in need of assistance
You have heard the silent running
You have understood me without me saying a word
Of my dreams
Of my deepest desires and wishes
Broke me from the grip of grief and fever
Freed me from my own sadness and pain, bringing me back to life again
With the sound of your voice speaking my name
With just the sound of your voice calling my name, you gave me great comfort and reassurance
And a kiss
And a show of your love and devotion to me, which I appreciate deeply
That I will feel forever
A moment that will always be with me, and that I will never forget
In the hour of gold, the hour of lead
In moments of both ecstasy and agony
WG did forge our wedding bed
We made a commitment to each other that's just as strong as any marriage vow
On a hard and holy road
Through many trials and tribulations, but with faith and dedication
We lay down our head
We found a place of peace and rest together
But the world will be my witness when
The world will know and remember
They excavate my heart
When they look inside my deepest feelings and emotions
And find the image of your face
And see how much you mean to me, how much I love you
Imprinted there like some Shroud of Turin
Imprinted as if by a miracle, with all the profound significance that implies
That neither time nor tundra could erase
And I will carry that love and devotion with me always, nothing can take it away
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMMYLOU HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind