The two unknowns were Lindsey Buckingham, who provides the great guitar on this Stewart-penned track, while John duetted on vocals with Stevie Nicks. A great song and fine example of late 1970's soft rock.
Gold
John Stewart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People are in for the evening
I jump into my car and I throw in my guitar
My heart beat time with my breathin'
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
There's people out there turnin' music into gold
And he makes two fifty for an hour
He's got rhythm in his hands as he's tappin' on the cans
Sings rock and roll in the shower
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to his soul
There's people out there turnin' music into gold
Ah the California girls are the greatest in the world
Each one a song in the making
Singin' right to me I can hear the melody
Story is there for the takin'
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
There's people out there turnin' music into gold (ooh)
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
There's people out there turnin' music into gold
When the lights go down in the California town
People are in for the evening
I jump into my car and I throw in my guitar
My heart beat in time with my breathin'
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
There's people out there turnin' music into gold
Flyin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
People out there turnin' music into gold
People out there turnin' music into gold
People out there turnin' music into gold (ooh, yeah)
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold (yes they)
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold
Rockin' on the radio
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold
slippin' down the back road
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold (yes they do)
People out there turnin' music into gold, into gold
The lyrics to John Stewart's song "Gold" depict the excitement and energy of the music scene in California. The singer is driving around with his guitar, singing to his soul, and reflecting on the people out there turning music into gold. The song seems to suggest that music is a powerful force that can transform people's lives and bring them together.
The song's opening lines set the scene in a California town at night, when people are settling in for the evening. The singer, however, is restless and eager to make music. His heart beats in time with his breathing, indicating his passion and drive. As he drives over Kanan, he sings to his soul, perhaps finding solace in the music he creates.
The second verse introduces a character named Jim Bass, who works pumping gas but has rhythm in his hands and sings rock and roll in the shower. This verse emphasizes the idea that music is a transformative force that can be found everywhere, even in unexpected places.
Overall, the song "Gold" celebrates the power of music and the people who create it, as well as the California scene that nurtures it. The lyrics suggest that music is a force that can bring people together and inspire them to reach for their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
When the lights go down in the California town
As the sun sets on California, the people settle in for the night.
People are in for the evening
Everyone is getting ready for a night of rest and relaxation.
I jump into my car and I throw in my guitar
The singer eagerly grabs his car and guitar with excitement.
My heart beat time with my breathin'
The singer's passion for music is so strong that his heart beats to the rhythm of his breaths.
Drivin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
The singer drives over Kanan while enjoying the music that speaks to his soul.
There's people out there turnin' music into gold
There's a group of people out there who are creating music that is so good, it's like they're turning it into gold.
Well my buddy Jim Bass past he's a-workin' pumpin' gas
The singer's friend Jim works at a gas station and makes two-fifty an hour.
And he makes two fifty for an hour
Jim makes a very small amount of money for his labor.
He's got rhythm in his hands as he's tappin' on the cans
Jim has a rhythm in his tap while working on cans.
Sings rock and roll in the shower
Jim sings rock and roll while taking a shower.
Ah the California girls are the greatest in the world
The California girls are the best in the world in the singer's opinion.
Each one a song in the making
The singer sees each California girl as a potential source of inspiration for new music.
Singin' right to me I can hear the melody
The California girls' voices are like melodies to the singer's ears.
Story is there for the takin'
The images and experiences of these girls are available for the singer to use in creating new music.
Flyin' over Kanan, singin' to my soul
The singer flies over Kanan while enjoying the music that speaks to his soul.
Rockin' on the radio
The radio plays rock music for enjoyment.
Slippin' down the back road
The back roads are perfect for slipping around for fun.
People out there turnin' music into gold
The people are creating such good music that it seems like they're turning it into gold.
Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John C. Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billchacona1581
Listening in 2024 still love it
@muffs55mercury61
Old classics like this bring this old guy to tears. We had such great music when we were younger.
@pkjimp
Timeless
@lawrencegarcia6819
Rumor has they’re still turning music into gold
@muffs55mercury61
I don't doubt that some who made it big in music were inspired by this song when they had little or nothing.
@jeffreyp1957
Speaking of Rumours,did you know Stevie Nicks sings back up on this song?
@lawrencegarcia6819
@@jeffreyp1957 I sure do
@KarenTobinSings
I used to sing on the road with John Stewart and sang GOLD every night on tour....I did the "Stevie" part....and occasionally Lindsey Buckingham used to show up and sit in with the band. Quite a memory....GOLD....
@deanwilliams867
It was a big part for me in the late 70s I worked at a carwash drying cars for tips I was only 12 or 13 at the time remember falling asleep at night hearing these songs love the 70s but thanks for your share John will always be remembered for more than just a song thanks again be well
@rossedmonds1828
Great song karen