Bobby Braddock / Rafe Van Hoy

In a pawn shop in Chicago,
On a sunny summer day.
A couple gazes at the wedding rings,
There on display.
She smiles and nods her head,
As he says: "Honey that's for you.
"It's not much, but it's the best,
"That I can do."

Golden ring, (Golden ring.)
With one tiny little stone,
Waiting there, (Waiting there.)
For someone to take to it home.
By itself, (By itself.)
It's just a cold metallic thing.
Only love can make a golden wedding ring.

In a little wedding chapel,
Later on that afternoon,
An old upright piano,
Plays that old familiar tune.
Tears roll down her cheeks,
And happy thoughts run through her head.
As he whispers low:
"With this ring, I thee wed."

Golden ring, (Golden ring.)
With one tiny little stone,
Shining ring, (Shining ring.)
Now at last it's found a home.
By itself, (By itself.)
It's just a cold metallic thing.
Only love can make a golden wedding ring.

In a small two room apartment,
As they fought their final round,
He says: "You won't admit it,
"But I know you're leavin' town."
She says: "One thing's for certain,
"I don't love you any more."
And throws down the ring,
As she walks out the door.

Golden ring, (Golden ring.)
With one tiny little stone,
Cast aside, (Cast aside.)
Like the love that's dead and gone.
By itself, (By itself.)
It's just a cold metallic thing.
Only love can make a golden wedding ring.

In a pawn shop in Chicago,
On a sunny summer day.
A couple gazes at the wedding rings,
There on display.

Golden ring.

Note: Recorded by Tammy Wynette and George Jones, among others.