So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
I want to live
I want to give
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
For a heart of gold
I've been in my mind
It's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
You keep me searching
And I'm growing old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
I want to give
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
For a heart of gold
I've been in my mind
It's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
You keep me searching
And I'm growing old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold
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I had always assumed it to be about virtue and him wanting to be a good person - he has good intentions but he has not got round to acting upon them. His life has seen him go everywhere but he still hasn't found the peace with himself that would allow him to concentrate his life on others. But then I guess everyone is going to put their own slant on it. Those who like love songs will turn it into a love song; I will try and turn it into an existential search...
I agree with you, for me is about virtue, self knowledge. The good part is that he didn't got what he wanted, but he is still searching. Maybe, in the end of life he discovers that the meaning of life is keep searching.
I am depressed and am searching for meaning to my life. I find it hard to connect with people. I've been to many places seeking inspiration, but have found none. There is a fine line between existing and living with a purpose. I feel that my life is wasting away.
this song is great, i think what its about is trying to find someone to love who really loves you, thats the heart of gold.
@Sexwith Skulls <br /> "trying to find someone to love who really loves you"<br /> That's what's all about.<br /> You're right!
i always took "its these expressions i never give, That keep me searchin' for a heart of gold" to mean he's never met someone he truely loved, who he could say "i love you" to (and mean it), and so he's still on the lookout. i like the idea where hes searching for the good in himself better though, i've never thought of it that way before. Redwood is a small town in Ontario, (99% sure of that) I have a friend who was born there. They have large amythest mines in Redwood.
About still searching for that ever-elusive "love" and being fully aware that time is not on our side ("...and I'm gettin' old"). Beautiful and poignant.
Neil speaks about his search for a person that loves him back not just with the love that will leave him in the morning but the love that will stay with him for a lifetime and as the song progresses he realizes how hard it is to find this person and that he grows older in his search and the meloncoly tune show that hes losing hope but he keeps searching for a heart of gold someone he can love live with and give love to without feeling that the person is just in it for money or fame someone genuine i think whether you have found this person or you are still looking we all feel like this at one time and maybe our whole lives
Well I have to say that your uncle will never be as good a neil, and i'm glad to see that some one finly say it is just threr opinon
I suppose the song really is about trying to find love. But to me I always thought of an old man searching for something in himself. The allusions to mining I figured was an internalizing action. An old man either trying to feel good about his presence on Earth or trying to find it in himself to spread love. But heck, I can tell I'm the minority opinion on this.
I also believe it is about a man trying to improve himself as a person. I think he keeps trying to feel different emotions like happiness etc., but can't. Time is running out because he's getting older & all he just wants is to have a heart of gold. That what I believe the line: "It's these expressions I never give" means. He wants to show emotion, but has trouble doing it. Its a very sweet song.
I keep searching for true love