

Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] I used to pray to money, thought the money prayed back, Rings on my fingers, leather seats laid back. I said, “God don’t feed me, hustle feeds me fine,” Walked past every church with my head up high. I worshipped in them driveways, super cars and gasoline, Thought heaven was a house sittin’ on a half-acre green. Smiled in the mirror like, “Boy, you made it out,” But pride is quiet poison, it don’t even make a sound. [Hook / Refrain] All that gold don’t shine. All that gold don’t shine. You can build you a kingdom, brick by brick, But you can’t buy time. I said, all that gold don’t shine. Oh God, I was blind. Rich only on the outside, Rich, but Dead inside. [Verse 2] I told myself I’m solid, I don’t bend, I don’t break, But I couldn’t sleep at night ‘less I numbed that ache. You ever feel alone in a room full of friends? Everybody cheers you, but nobody defends. I had women call me loyal, had men call me boss, But love felt rented and respect felt cost. If I died then, they’d say I lived large, But hell’s real hot when you think you in charge. I said I didn’t need God, ‘cause I fought my wars. I bled for my name, knuckles sore on the floor. But kneeling ain’t weakness, nah… Sometimes kneeling is the only way a man stands tall. [Hook / Refrain] All that gold don’t shine. All that gold don’t shine. You can fill up a safe ‘til the hinges cry, But you can’t buy time. I said, all that gold don’t shine. God, I was blind. I was loud with my ego, But my soul stayed quiet, dying. [Verse 3] I remember one night, steering wheel, both hands, Talking to the dark like it’s my last friend. Told God, “If you’re real, don’t lie to me,” And the silence hit different than it used to be. I felt small. First time I felt so alive. Not broke — small. Like I ain’t God at all. Like He’d been there watching while I cursed His name, Still keeping me breathing gifting me with meaning. My faith’s in Yahweh. I said, “I was chasing money, I was chasing steel, Chasing every pleasure I could touch and feel. But none of that filled me. None of that healed. Now I’m down on my knees, Lord… make me real.” [Hook / Refrain] ‘Cause all that gold don’t shine. All that gold don’t shine. You can buy you the world, stack dollar on dollar, But you can’t buy time. All that gold don’t shine. God, I was so blind. Take the keys, take the throne, take the name I built — Just don’t leave me behind. [Outro / Spoken Blues] I thought winning meant “never need no help.” Now I know losing is thinking you’re bigger than God Himself. I ain’t asking for mercy ‘cause I earned it. I’m asking ‘cause I know I don’t deserve it. Yeah… All that gold don’t shine. [prayer] Forgive me father for I have sinned. I know now that without - I can’t win. Forgive those that have betrayed me. They don’t know your mercy, your love or the truth. Forgive me my lord. Said forgive me my lord. [hook/ refrain]
Tags
Male, 50’s New Orleans deep blues, harmonica, raspy, vocals, soul, guitar, bass
5:39
No
11/2/2025