About The Song
“Band of Gold” is a song written and composed by former Motown producers Holland–Dozier–Holland (under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne) and Ron Dunbar. The song was a major hit when first recorded by Freda Payne in 1970 for the Invictus label, owned by H-D-H. It soared to number three on the US Billboard charts, certified Gold by the RIAA. In the UK, it topped the singles chart for six consecutive weeks, solidifying its popularity.
The song tells a heartbreaking story of a young bride abandoned by her husband on their wedding night. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman left with nothing but her dreams and a symbol of the love she once had – a band of gold. According to Freda Payne, the song is about a wedding night that didn’t work out. The song is considered a career-defining hit for Freda Payne and showcased her exceptional vocal talent and emotional depth as a performer.
Video
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Now that you’re gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the memories of what love could be
If you were still here with me
[Verse 1]
You took me from the shelter of my Mother
I had never known or love any other
We kissed after taking vows
But that night on our honeymoon
We stayed in separate rooms
[Verse 2]
I wait in the darkness of my lonely room
Filled with sadness, filled with gloom
Hoping soon
That you’ll walk back through that door
And love me like you tried before
[Chorus]
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the dream of what love could be
If you were just here, here with me
[Bridge]
Ohhhhhhhhh…
[Verse 3]
Don’t ya know that I wait in the darkness of my lonely room
Filled with sadness, filled with gloom
Hoping soon
That you’d walk back through that door
And love me like you tried before
[Chorus]
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the dream of what love could be
If you were still here with me
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold