About the song
“Golden Ring,” penned by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy, stands as an iconic country ballad immortalized by the legendary duo of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Released in May 1976, it served as their debut single and the title track for their collaborative album. The song quickly ascended to the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, cementing its place in country music history.
The inspiration for “Golden Ring” stemmed from Braddock’s fascination with the narrative of a short-barreled gun passing through various owners—a concept he mirrored in a song about the life of a wedding ring. The lyrics weave a poignant tale of a young couple from Chicago deeply in love, visiting a pawn shop to purchase a ring for their impending marriage. Despite financial constraints, the man chooses an expensive ring to demonstrate his love for his future bride, whom he imagines marrying in a small chapel later that afternoon. However, as the song progresses, marital discord unfolds, culminating in the woman discarding the ring and leaving—a symbolic act mirroring the demise of their love.
Musically, “Golden Ring” features acoustic guitar by Pete Wade and Jerry Kennedy, along with Jerry Carrigan’s poignant snare drumming, all under the production guidance of Billy Sherrill. The song’s release, just fourteen months after George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s real-life divorce, underscored its emotional resonance and authenticity, reflecting the turbulent romance that characterized their tumultuous six-year marriage.
Despite their personal struggles, Jones and Wynette’s on-record chemistry remained captivating, resonating deeply with audiences. “Golden Ring” became a hallmark of their artistic partnership, capturing the bittersweet essence of their real-life relationship. Rich Kienzle noted in The Essential George Jones that their duets, including this one, often drew from their tumultuous personal lives, adding a layer of raw authenticity that resonated with fans.
Over the years, “Golden Ring” has been covered by various artists, including Jason Sellers with Pam Tillis and bluegrass band Dry Branch Fire Squad, showcasing its enduring appeal and influence across different musical genres. Its legacy was further solidified in 2024 when Rolling Stone ranked it 63rd on their list of the 200 greatest country songs of all time, affirming its status as a timeless classic.
In conclusion, “Golden Ring” remains a poignant testament to love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, immortalized by the unforgettable pairing of George Jones and Tammy Wynette—a testament to their enduring impact on country music and the hearts of listeners worldwide.
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 and 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 ring (golden ring) with one tiny little stone
Waiting there (waiting there) for someone to take it 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
Ooh-ooh
In a small two room apartment
As they fight their final round
He says, “You won’t admit it
But I know you’re leavin’ town”
But 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