Heart of Gold
LIVING ROOM - Neil Young Lyrics
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I want to give
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
For a heart of gold
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
For a heart of gold
I've been in my mind
It's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
You keep me searching
And I'm growing old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
Neil Young's song "Heart of Gold" is a timeless classic that speaks to the human desire to find something pure, good and true within ourselves. The song opens with Young expressing his desires - "I want to live, I want to give" - indicating his need to live life to the fullest and give something back to the world. This is where the metaphor of being a "miner" for a "heart of gold" comes into play - he is digging deep within himself, searching for something of value that he can share with others.
The lyrics then shift to Young discussing the various places he has traveled to in search of this elusive heart of gold - Hollywood, Redwood, and even crossing the ocean. However, he realizes that the answer has been within him all along, as he looks inwardly and recognizes the "fine line" that separates him from discovering this heart of gold. The repetition of the line "keep me searching for a heart of gold, and I'm getting old" emphasizes the urgency of his search, as he senses that time is running out and he must find this treasure within himself.
Overall, "Heart of Gold" is a poetic and introspective song about the human condition and our quest to find meaning and purpose in life. The search for a heart of gold represents a universal desire for inner peace, compassion, and authenticity that transcends time and place.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to live
I have a deep desire to truly experience and enjoy life
I want to give
I also have a strong desire to help and contribute to others
I've been a miner
I have been searching and striving to find something rare, valuable, and precious - a heart of gold
For a heart of gold
This is what I've been seeking all along, something that is pure, solid, and incorruptible
It's these expressions
My emotions and feelings are what drive and motivate me, but they are also what hold me back and make things difficult
I never give
Despite the challenges and setbacks, I never lose faith or give up on my quest
That keep me searching
My stubbornness and determination keep me going, even when it seems fruitless
And I'm getting old
As time passes, it becomes increasingly urgent and important to find what I'm looking for
I've been to Hollywood
I have searched in many different places, even glamorous and famous ones like Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I have also explored more natural and serene environments like the Redwood forest
I crossed the ocean
I am willing to go to great lengths and distances to pursue my heart's desire
I've been in my mind
I have also looked deep within myself and my own thoughts and beliefs to try to find what I'm looking for
It's such a fine line
Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between what is real and true and what is just an illusion or a distraction
That keeps me searching
Despite the uncertainty and confusion, I am driven to continue searching and seeking
You keep me searching
I am also dependent and reliant on the support and love of others to keep me going and motivated
And I'm growing old
As time goes by, my chances of finding what I am looking for are decreasing and the stakes are getting higher
Lyrics © Silver Fiddle, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lmadsen7118
I want to live,
I want to give
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
for a heart of gold
I've been in my mind,
it's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
for a heart of gold
You keep me searching
And I'm growing old
Keep me searching
for a heart of gold
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold
@rickgureghian9901
As a UMass/Amherst student from Cape Cod in the 70's, I became friendly in the summer working with a MA developer who brought concerts to the Cape Cod Coliseum. He was from off-Cape in central MA, and when I went to UMass, he told me he was handling concerts in Boston, Worcester and in Springfield, as well as in New Hampshire and in Albany, NY, and since I was going to UMass/Amherst, but lived on the Cape each summer, if I chose to work on any of his concerts, to just give him a call.
I did, so when I went back to UMass/Amherst and, I called him and he gave me an easy job: providing security standing outside the dual rooms at Boston Garden for CSNY and staff and friends.
Great times, going in and out dealing with CSNY, attended their after-party, and ended up driving back to Hyannis at 4am.
I desperately wanted their autographs but, being in the after-party --- maybe 25 (including CSNY, other musicians, and friends) --- I wasn't going to call attention to myself by being a fan rather than being professional.
So I drank some beers and did my job. And the connect promoter kept me employed year-round whenever he needed help.
It was always cool whenever a student colleague or friend asked "what are you doing tonight or this weekend?" And I'd usually have to answer, "I have to 'work' a concert."
@benjaminsparks8144
So I was looking for Neil, and I came across "The Young". Days and Nights is game changing.
@johnmac4769
I am now 73 years old. Was young when this song came out. Would love to live my life over. Would love to fall in love with my wife all over again. I can say I would not change anything. What a wonderful life.
@ejhuffman9114
Awesome way of looking at life amigo. I admire that. I'm nearly 40, got me a wife that I love passionately and her me. Got us two terrific girls that make each day brand new and better than the day before. Got us a home where our family is healthy, happy and safe. Got us some farm animals, few ducks, chickens and goats. Got us a great view of the sunset too. Life is good if ya let it be. Bless you and yours buddy. Think most of us are more blessed than we even know, realize or acknowledge. Anyways, great song. Great story.
@MisterCube17
Beautiful. Love on you my friend ❤️
@capobilotti
You are getting old, .... but you had obviously found the heart of gold if you don't have regrets about your life choices.
My parents are about your age .... they visit me frequently ... whenever they can't stand each other.
Married men are like North Koreans .... they can't complain.
Jokes aside, just wish you many good days ahead.
@alisafehr4708
I'm 61yo and I remember when this song came out on the radio, I've loved it from the beginning and still do!
@wsteven54
You brought tears to my eyes brother..I'm 71. Its feels good to know there are still people like yourself out there.
@randycrager4074
Back in '71' my brother and I would drive over to the Oregon Coast and spend the night at the Dunes and cook Sausage Dogs and shish kebabs over an open fire and listen to Neil Young. 38 Special, Nazareth, Bread, Led Zeppelin, you name it my brother had it. Neil Youngs music always had a special place in my life with Harvest Moon probably being my favorite song. I attribute all my music knowledge to my brother. People used to call me up and ask a question about a song and I was the so called trivia master, lol. Loosing my memory now to old age, lol. Thanks Neil for being there for us all!
@huhnerhai
That was my dad's favorite song. He sang it to me when he carried me through the apartment as an infant. In the past 20 months, my son (4) and I have sung it for him on the nursing bed and it will be played at his funeral the day after tomorrow. This song has accompanied him throughout his life and it will not end with death. At that time he carried me on my first path into life, the day after tomorrow I will carry him on his last way.
@himynameismattomlin
You are a good son for putting in the effort and showing love to your dad. I'm sorry for your loss and I hope this song brings you peace.