Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Waiting for our house of gold

People steal, they cheat and lie
For wealth and what it will buy
Don't they know on the judgment day
That their gold and silver will melt away

I'd rather be in a deep, dark grave
And know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and lose my soul

What good is gold and silver, too
When your heart's not good and true
Sinner hear me when I say
Fall down on your knees and pray

I'd rather be a deep, dark grave
And to know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and lose my soul
And deny my God and lose my soul...

-Hank Williams Jr.

Aside from the lack of knowledge in the grave, I think this song is pretty much on point.

8 comments:

The View from Great Island said...

A man struggled up to the Pearly Gates carrying two suit cases. St Peter informed him that only those who were willing to leave all behind could enter. The man insisted that he had gotten special permission to bring them along. St Peter called headquarters and verified the man's claim. "You may come in on one condition", said St Peter,"You will have to carry that baggage with you always."
"No problem" said the man and sensing St Peter's curiosity offered him a quick glimpse of the gold stuffed within his cases.
As the man staggered through the gates and into eternity, St Peter shook his head and said, "Just what we need more pavement."

I wonder if perhaps, our gold here is in the larger context just as burdensome.

Barry Howe said...

I may be mistaken, but I think the poet was referring to living in a grave, not death itself. In other words, living in a house of gold can be worse than living in a grave. After all, complete commitment to mammon is tantamount to a living death.

Paul said...

Barry, I think you are probably correct. I only added the disclaimer to prevent charges of heresy.

dey said...

be a sinner to God, and he will be your savior. count earthly gain as your sustenance and salvation, and it will be your corruption.

Jonas said...

A-HEM. a post, my dear chap?

Jonas said...
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Jonas said...
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Paul said...

Sorry Friend,

I'll return to the land of the living after finals. But I promise a golden post, well worth the wait:-)