Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you great songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today we have folk-rock legend Gordon Lightfoot singing “14 Karat Gold,” a song that uses a precious metal metaphor to convey how much he cares about the woman in his life.



The song’s reprise contains this memorable line: “She's more than money / She's 14 karat gold.”

“14 Karat Gold” is the first track on Lightfoot’s 15th original album, titled Shadows. Prior to its 1982 release, the Canadian singer/songwriter provided radio stations with an interview album that offered his commentary on each of the tracks.

Lightfoot described “14 Karat Gold” as a surrealistic song about human relationships. “What it says is that you don't know everything there is to know, about everybody else, or about each other, or about anything for that matter,” he commented. “But [the song is] saying that you appreciate your lady in very positive terms.”

“14 Karat Gold” was apparently one of Lightfoot’s favorite performance pieces. “The song works extremely well on stage,” he said, “because I’ve sung it many times.”

Often referred to as Canada’s greatest songwriter, Lightfoot's music career has spanned more than five decades. The 76-year-old has produced more than 200 recordings, including the chart topping “If You Could Read My Mind" (1970), "Sundown" (1974), "Carefree Highway" (1974), "Rainy Day People" (1975) and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (1976). He has written songs for prominent artists, such as Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg, Jimmy Buffett and Jim Croce.

Check out the YouTube audio track of Lightfoot's “14 Karat Gold.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

"14 Karat Gold"
Written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot.

If you see me smile don't think I'm acting strange
I got my just reward for all my pains
If you see me on the TV talking proud
Please understand if I don't talk too loud

Step around and dance a bit
Polish up the dice
Set 'em loose and let 'em roll
This is my advice
Keep your mind a mystery
Running hot 'n cold
She's more than money
She's 14 karat gold

If you wonder why I'm acting up this way
Gonna cash my chips I'm leaving town today
I got more love than I could ever spend
So long, farewell, good-bye, this is the end

Step around and dance a bit
Polish up the dice
Set 'em loose and let 'em roll
Be as cool as ice
Keep your mind a mystery
Running hot 'n cold
She's more than money
She's 14 karat gold

If you get hit by the bug that bit on me
If you get caught with something soft and sweet
If you get found with something you can't waste
Then listen bud, let me give you a taste

Step around and dance a bit
Polish up the dice
Set 'em loose and let 'em roll
This is my advice
Keep your mind a mystery
Running hot 'n cold
She's more than money
She's 14 karat gold. Sold.

Step around and dance a bit
Polish up the dice
Set 'em loose and let 'em roll
Be as cool as ice
Keep your mind a mystery
Running hot 'n cold
She's more than money
She's 14 karat gold


Image via Gordonlightfoot.com