About the song

Golden Ring – A Timeless Duet by George Jones and Tammy Wynette
Golden Ring is one of the most memorable duets in country music, recorded by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Released in 1976, the song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains a classic. It tells a moving story about love, marriage, and heartbreak, themes that resonated deeply with listeners—especially given the real-life history of Jones and Wynette.

The song follows the journey of a simple golden wedding ring, showing how it passes through different stages of a couple’s relationship. It begins with a man and woman happily buying the ring in a pawn shop, full of hope for their future. As the story unfolds, their love fades, leading to arguments and eventually a painful breakup. In the end, the ring finds its way back to the pawn shop, waiting for another couple to start the cycle again. The lyrics highlight the contrast between the ring’s lasting nature and the fragile nature of human relationships.

Musically, Golden Ring features a classic country arrangement with steel guitar and a gentle melody that complements the emotional lyrics. Jones and Wynette’s voices blend beautifully, capturing both the joy and sorrow in the song’s story. Their real-life history as a once-married couple adds even more depth to the song, making it feel personal and authentic.

Even decades after its release, Golden Ring continues to be one of the greatest country duets of all time. It serves as a reminder of how love can be both beautiful and fragile, and how music can tell stories that touch the heart.

Video

Lyrics

In a pawn shop in Chicago
On a sunny summer day
A couple gazes at the wedding rings
There on display
She smiles n’ 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 rings (golden ring) with one tiny little stone
Waiting there (waiting there) for someone to take you 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
Ooo-ooo
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

By tam