About the song
“Golden Ring” is a compelling country song that explores the journey of a wedding ring as a symbol of a couple’s evolving relationship. Written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy, and recorded by the iconic country duo George Jones and Tammy Wynette, the song was released in May 1976 as the title track of their duet album. It became a number-one hit on the Billboard country chart and is remembered as one of their most significant and emotional collaborations.
The inspiration for “Golden Ring” came from a television drama that depicted the changing ownership of a handgun. Bobby Braddock used this concept to craft a song about a wedding ring, narrating its passage through different phases of a couple’s life. The story begins with a young couple from Chicago, who, despite limited means, purchase a modest wedding ring to symbolize their love. The narrative unfolds as the couple marries in a small chapel, but their happiness quickly turns to discord. As their marriage deteriorates, the once cherished ring ends up in a pawn shop, a poignant metaphor for their broken relationship.
Each verse of the song highlights different stages of the ring’s journey, mirroring the couple’s relationship from the initial promise of love to its eventual demise. The refrain poignantly underscores the idea that a wedding ring, in itself, is just a “cold metallic thing”—only love can imbue it with meaning. This powerful message is delivered with heartfelt sincerity by Jones and Wynette, whose own tumultuous marriage adds an additional layer of depth to the song.
“Golden Ring” was released 14 months after Jones and Wynette’s real-life divorce, making the song’s narrative all the more resonant. Despite the end of their marriage, the chemistry between the two artists was evident, and their performance reflected an authentic sense of romantic tragedy. The song’s genuine portrayal of love and loss struck a chord with audiences and remains a poignant testament to their musical legacy.
The song’s impact has endured over the years. It was later re-recorded on Jones’s 1994 album *The Bradley Barn Sessions*, and has been covered by various artists, including Jason Sellers and Pam Tillis, as well as the Dry Branch Fire Squad. The continued interest in “Golden Ring” highlights its enduring appeal and the timeless nature of its storytelling.
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 an’ 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 with one tiny little stone
(Golden ring)
Waiting there for someone to take you home
(Waiting there)
By itself, it’s just a cold metallic thing
(By itself)
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 rings with one tiny little stone
(Golden ring)
Shining ring now at last it’s found a home
(Shining ring)
By itself, it’s just a cold metallic thing
(By itself)
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
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 with one tiny little stone
(Golden ring)
Cast aside like the love that’s dead and gone
(Cast aside)
By itself, it’s just a cold metallic thing
(By itself)
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