A House of Gold

Hank Williams Sr. · The Gospel According to Hank Williams [IMC] [2005]

People steal, they cheat and lie

For wealth and what it will buy

Don't they know on the judgement 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 doom my soul.



And deny my God and doom my soul...

A House of Gold

Hank Williams Sr.'s 'A House of Gold' stands as a poignant testament to the fragility of wealth and the enduring value of genuine connection. Recorded during the height of his career, the track exemplifies his signature blend of acoustic guitar, fiddle, and a raw, emotive vocal delivery that defined the honky-tonk genre. The song reflects Williams' recurring themes of loneliness and the hollowness of material success, delivered with a rustic authenticity that resonated deeply with audiences across the American South. As part of his extensive discography, this recording captures the essence of his early work, where he often juxtaposed the glamour of the stage with the stark realities of life on the road. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound narrative, making it a staple in collections of classic country and gospel music.