Adams dropped out of high school at age 16 to work in a shoe shop and make music. He formed a band named Whiskeytown in 1994; they disbanded in 1999 having released two full albums, Faithless Street and Strangers Almanac. Adams went on to put out his first solo record, Heartbreaker, in 2000. After a long delay, in 2001 Whiskeytown's third album Pneumonia was finally issued.
In 2002, Ryan contributed backing vocals on Butterfly in Reverse, from the Counting Crows album, Hard Candy; after Adam Duritz (Counting Crows lead singer) appeared on the album Gold.
Ryan is highly prolific, and in 2005 released one double album and two regular albums: Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights and 29, respectively. His album, 29, was produced by friend Ethan Johns (who also produced his first two albums, Heartbreaker and Gold). In between those two releases and his 2005 triple-header, Ryan released Demolition (a collection of out-takes), Love Is Hell and Rock N Roll. Unreleased studio albums include 48 Hours, Exile On Franklin Street and Suicide Handbook.
In addition, Adams worked with Jesse Malin to form the punk-rock group The Finger (under the pseudonyms, "Warren Peace" and "Irving Plaza" respectively), who released two E.P.s which were collected together to form We Are Fuck You, released on One Little Indian Records in 2003.
In 2006 Ryan went on a minor UK-tour and a minor US-tour along the west-coast and has streamed 11+ mini albums on his website, under numerous jokey pseudonyms (DJ Reggie, Werewolph, The Shit, Rhoda Ro, Ghetto Birds).
The following solo record, entitled Easy Tiger, was released on June 26, 2007. The newest and last record with his backing band The Cardinals, Cardinology, was released in October 2008 and followed by extensive touring through the UK, US and Australia.
In January 2009 he announced that he would be going on an indefinite hiatus from music. The Kindness Songfacts reports that the major reason for Adams’ temporary retirement was his struggles with Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that wrecks havoc on hearing and balance. Adams resumed performing in October 2010, and released his thirteenth studio album, Ashes & Fire, on October 11, 2011. His now ex-wife, pop singer and actress Mandy Moore, contributed some backing vocals.
Tears Of Gold
Ryan Adams Lyrics
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And by the next one we are old despite the years
And tears of gold precede the rapture
Time has its way with everyone
In its path, she combs her hair
And tears of gold fall on the grave
Tears of golden restraint
As evidence of the pain that we feel inside
Mary-Anne settle down, let's bring the band around, how 'bout?
And we'll sing you to Heaven and back
Laura-Lee sets the food out on the tabletop for us
And when she asked Mary-Anne to say grace
Mary-Anne settles down wiping tears of gold from her face
Where we are strong by tomorrow we will grow weak and disappear
Our families all gather round to remember
Where we are flesh and blood, by the next one
We are dust under the wheels
Without a love, we are only ashen urns of silver
Tears of gold
Tears of golden restraint
As evidence of the pain that she feels
Tears of gold
Tears of gold promise the rapture and heal the soul
Replacing the tears of gold with music, and laughter
Tears of gold
Tears of gold
Ryan Adams's song Tears Of Gold is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of aging and mortality. The opening lines poignantly suggest the abruptness of life as we go from being young to old within a matter of moments despite the number of years we have lived. The notion of 'tears of gold preceding the rapture' is metaphorical and signifies the shedding of tears as people pass on to a better place. It is also symbolic of the pain and agony that we suffer as we age, a reminder that life is not easy, and we have to deal with challenges and hardships.
The verse 'time has its way with everyone' is a direct reference to the universal nature of time, how we are all subject to its effects and influence. The visual imagery of 'combing hair' evokes the image of life as a journey that hovers between the edges of beauty and decay. The final stanza of the song speaks of healing and redemption, suggesting that we can replace the 'tears of gold' with music and laughter. The recurring theme of 'tears of gold' signifies the priceless value of our lives and the pain and sadness we experience as we transition from one phase to another.
Line by Line Meaning
One day we are young
We start off young and full of optimism.
And by the next one we are old despite the years
But time can make us feel old and weary, even if we're still relatively young.
And tears of gold precede the rapture
We often shed tears of both joy and sorrow before we experience some kind of transcendence or release.
Time has its way with everyone
Time is a powerful and inexorable force that affects us all.
In its path, she combs her hair
Time keeps moving forward, leaving everything in its path behind it as it goes.
And tears of gold fall on the grave
We mourn and remember those who have passed on, shedding tears that might represent both happiness at their life and sorrow at their death.
Tears of gold
These tears might represent a mixture of joy, sadness, and other emotions.
Tears of golden restraint
But at the same time, they might show a certain constrained quality, as if we're trying to keep our emotions in check or not let them overwhelm us.
As evidence of the pain that we feel inside
These tears are proof of the pain and sadness we carry with us, even as we try to put on a brave face.
Mary-Anne settle down, let's bring the band around, how 'bout?
The artist is trying to bring some joy and levity into a difficult situation.
And we'll sing you to Heaven and back
By making music and celebrating life, we can find a way to transcend our troubles and find some comfort.
Laura-Lee sets the food out on the tabletop for us
Even in the midst of sorrow and pain, there are still everyday tasks that need to be done.
And when she asked Mary-Anne to say grace
Religion and spirituality can provide solace and guidance during difficult times.
Mary-Anne settles down wiping tears of gold from her face
Even as we try to find happiness and meaning in life, we can't completely escape our sadness and pain.
Where we are strong by tomorrow we will grow weak and disappear
Time takes its toll on our bodies and minds, and nothing is permanent or unchanging.
Our families all gather round to remember
It's important to come together and honor those we've loved and lost.
Where we are flesh and blood, by the next one
In the end, we're all human and subject to the same limitations and experiences.
We are dust under the wheels
Our lives can sometimes seem fleeting and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Without a love, we are only ashen urns of silver
Having love in our lives is what gives it meaning and purpose.
Tears of gold
Once again, tears can represent a variety of emotions and meanings.
Tears of golden restraint
But they might also show a certain stoicism or resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.
As evidence of the pain that she feels
These tears are a sign that we're hurting inside, even if we're trying to put on a brave face.
Tears of gold promise the rapture and heal the soul
Despite their sadness, tears can also be restorative and transformative, bringing us closer to some kind of spiritual enlightenment or healing.
Replacing the tears of gold with music, and laughter
By finding joy and pleasure in life, despite its difficulties, we can make the most of every moment and find some peace.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY SMITH PEMBERTON, JONATHAN GRABOFF, NEAL GRAEME CASAL, RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind