‘Gold’ is a song written and recorded by John Stewart in 1979. It was the lead single and biggest hit among three Top 40 singles released from his LP, Bombs Away Dream Babies. The song was Stewart's first US Top 40 hit, as well as his first chart single in a decade (since "Armstrong" which peaked at #74 in 1969). Stevie Nicks is featured on backing vocals. ‘Gold’ became a top-five hit in the United States, Canada and Australia. It also charted in the UK and New Zealand although not as high. A music video was released featuring Stewart performing the song in front of a band. Despite Stevie Nicks providing backing vocals, she does not appear in the video.
Stewart wrote the song some time after he left the folk group Kingston Trio. The song is from the album Bombs Away Dream Babies, in which Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham contributed. (Although the guitar solo in ‘Gold’ is similar in style to Buckingham's, it was actually played by Stewart.) The song has a smooth funk/pop rhythm.
The song delves deeply into the concept of chasing after dreams and the sacrifices one must make along the way. ‘Gold’ serves as an allegory for the pursuit of success and the highs and lows that accompany it. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and determination, inspiring listeners to persevere in the face of adversity. John Stewart was inspired to write ‘Gold’ after reflecting on the challenges he faced in his own career. The song draws upon his personal experiences, offering a candid glimpse into the world of musicians and artists striving for recognition and acclaim.
The song takes a light-hearted but cynical view of the recording industry in Los Angeles; in time, Stewart would feel the same way about the song itself. He would eventually stop performing ‘Gold’ in concert, calling it "vapid" and "empty" and meaning nothing to him, having done it for the money and to please his record company.
Label – RSO Records
Songwriter – John Stewart
Producer – John Stewart
SONG LYRICS
When the lights go down in the California townPeople are in for the evening
I jump into my car and I throw in my guitar
My heartbeat in time with my breathing
Driving over Kanan, singing to my soul
There's people out there turning music into gold
Ah, my buddy Jim Bass, he's a-working pumping gas
And he makes two-fifty for an hour
He's got rhythm in his hands as he's tapping on the cans
Sings rock and roll in the shower
Driving over Kanan, singing to his soul
There's people out there turning music into gold
Ah, California girls are the greatest in the world
Each one a song in the making
Singing right to me, I can hear the melody
Story is there for the taking
Driving over Kanan, singing to my soul
There's people out there turning music into gold
(Ooh)
Driving over Kanan, singing to my soul
There's people out there turning 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 heartbeat in time with my breathing
Driving over Kanan, singing to my soul
There's people out there turning music into gold
Flying over Kanan, singing to my soul
People out there turning music into gold
People out there turning music into gold
People out there turning music into gold
(Ooh, yeah)
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
(Yes, babe)
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
Rocking on the radio
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
Slipping down the back road
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)
People out there turning music into gold (into gold)