The Golden Idol
Kris Kristofferson · The Legendary Years [1995]
Well, they've made a golden idol of a girl you used to be
Hangin' bangles on your branches like a lonely Christmas tree
Yeah, they've dressed you fit for killin' in your thrillin' new disguise
Nailin' artificial spangles to the diamonds in your eyes.
In the golden coach that turns into a bed
You better make it girl before you wake up dead
'Cause they'll paint your burning beauty with a coat of shiny lies
And they'll blind you with their wine so you won't even realize.
Till you watch the face you're washin' disappearin' down the drain
And you're staring in your mirror going privately insane
In that golden crown they've pushed down on your head
You better make it girl before you wake up dead.
Look around them golden sidewalks that you're walking on today
And you'll see that lonely gutter just a careless step away
And the altar that they're building you don't even understand
'Cause they're dazzled by the flashing of the daggers in their hands.
We'll be dancing in the darkness when their music disappears
And the jangle of your chains will be the only sound you hear
Till your broken body's bleedin' on an altar made of stone
And you've sacrificed your soul to please a world that's sick and wrong.
'Cause you never heard a single word I said
Oh, make it girl before you wake up dead...
The Golden Idol - Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson's 'The Golden Idol' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery within the outlaw country and folk rock genres. Recorded for the 1995 compilation 'The Legendary Years,' the track exemplifies his signature ability to blend raw, confessional lyricism with a gritty, acoustic-driven performance. The song reflects Kristofferson's lifelong exploration of themes regarding fame, the seductive nature of success, and the inevitable hollowness that can accompany it. With its understated yet powerful delivery, the recording captures the essence of his mid-career resurgence, showcasing his enduring influence on the American singer-songwriter tradition. It remains a defining piece in his discography, resonating with listeners who appreciate the unvarnished honesty and musical integrity that characterized his work throughout the 1970s and beyond.