Gold
Spandau Ballet
Unyielding Optimism: The Shimmering Message of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold'
Spandau Ballet's 'Gold' is a song that radiates with the themes of resilience, self-belief, and the enduring nature of the human spirit. The lyrics convey a message of encouragement, urging the listener to always believe in their 'soul' and to recognize their own strength and indestructibility. The song suggests that despite the wear and tear of life, symbolized by the 'worn' chairs, there is a core of value and strength within each person that remains untarnished.
The reference to 'salad days' being 'eaten away' and the 'play for today' hints at the fleeting nature of youth and opportunity, but the song counters this with a powerful chorus that reinforces the idea of inner worth and durability. The notion of being 'gold' serves as a metaphor for being precious and resilient, capable of withstanding life's challenges. The song's narrator expresses pride in the resilience of the person they are addressing, suggesting a deep admiration for their ability to remain 'standing so tall' in the face of adversity.
The song also touches on themes of redemption and learning from the past, as indicated by the lines 'Glad that you're bound to return / There's something I could have learned.' This implies that the experiences we go through, even the difficult ones, are valuable lessons that contribute to our strength. 'Gold' is ultimately a celebration of the human capacity to endure and shine, much like the precious metal itself, which remains uncorrupted and valuable regardless of the circumstances.