Heart Of Gold

Johnny Hates Jazz's song 'Heart Of Gold' delves into the life of a woman who, despite her circumstances, maintains an inner purity and kindness. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who works the streets, engaging in transactional relationships with 'faceless men' for money. Despite the nature of her work, she is described as having a 'heart of gold,' suggesting a deep inner goodness and a capacity for giving that transcends her external situation.

The song juxtaposes the woman's outward actions with her inner character, creating a poignant contrast. She is 'indiscreet' and her love 'doesn't come cheap,' yet the narrator finds it ironic and almost tragic that such a pure-hearted person is caught in this lifestyle. This irony is further emphasized by the repeated line 'the nights go on and on,' indicating a sense of endlessness and perhaps hopelessness in her situation.

The emotional core of the song is revealed in the lines 'But something about her makes me cry / The light is fading from her eyes.' Here, the narrator expresses a deep sadness for the woman, mourning the loss of her 'girlish purity' and the fading light in her eyes. This suggests that her lifestyle is taking a toll on her, eroding the innocence and purity that once defined her. The song ultimately serves as a commentary on the complexities of human nature and the often harsh realities of life, highlighting the paradox of maintaining a 'heart of gold' in a world that can be unforgiving and cruel.