About the song
Let’s dive into the timeless duet “Golden Ring” by the iconic duo George Jones and Tammy Wynette. This classic country ballad, written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe VanHoy, encapsulates the bittersweet essence of love and loss in a way that resonates deeply with listeners.
Originally released as part of George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s album “Golden Ring” in 1976, the song soared to the top of the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the two artists. Their harmonious blend of voices and heartfelt delivery captivated audiences, earning them widespread acclaim and cementing their status as country music royalty.
Individually, George Jones and Tammy Wynette were revered for their exceptional talent and profound impact on the genre. With numerous chart-topping hits and accolades to their names, including Grammy Awards and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, their legacy remains unparalleled.
“Golden Ring” tells the poignant tale of a marriage unraveling, symbolized by the return of a golden ring, a poignant reminder of promises made and broken. Jones and Wynette’s emotive vocals convey the heartache and longing expressed in the song’s lyrics, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Despite the passage of time, “Golden Ring” continues to endure as a timeless testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of human relationships. Its universal themes and evocative melody ensure its place in the pantheon of country music classics, reaffirming the enduring legacy of George Jones and Tammy Wynette as two of the genre’s most beloved and influential artists.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of classic country music or discovering “Golden Ring” for the first time, its emotional depth and timeless appeal are sure to leave a lasting impression, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of love.
Video
Lyrics
In a pawn shop in Chicago
On a sunny summer day
A couple gazes at the wedding rings
There on display
She smiles n’ nods her head
As he says, “Honey that’s for you,
It’s not much, but it’s the best
That I can do”
Golden rings (golden ring) with one tiny little stone
Waiting there (waiting there) for someone to take you home
By itself (by itself) it’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
In a little wedding chapel later on that afternoon
An old upright piano plays that old familiar tune
Tears roll down her cheeks
And happy thoughts run through her head
As he whispers low, “With this ring, I thee wed”
Golden ring (golden ring) with one tiny little stone
Shining ring (shining ring) now at last it’s found a home
By itself (by itself) it’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
Ooo-ooo
In a small two room apartment
As they fought their final round
He says, “You won’t admit it,
But I know you’re leavin’ town”
She says, “One thing’s for certain,
I don’t love you any more”
And throws down the ring
As she walks out the door
Golden ring (golden ring) with one tiny little stone
Cast aside (cast aside) like the love that’s dead and gone
By itself (by itself) it’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
In a pawn shop in Chicago
On a sunny summer day
A couple gazes at the wedding rings
There on display,
Golden ring