Story Behind The Song
The protagonist in Golden City has returned home to the US after fighting in the trenches in France during WWI. He originally lands in Chicago, then works his way Southwest, just trying to get back to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge before he dies. Along the way, he does whatever he needs to do to survive.
Song Description
Golden City is an Americana song about life in the US post WWI. It's told from the viewpoint of one GI who has survived the war and is working his way home to San Francisco. The track features brilliant performances on guitar and pedal steel, along with exceptional vocals, both lead and background.
| Song Length |
4:17 |
Genre |
Folk - Americana, Country - Americana |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Peaceful, Serene |
Subject |
Life, War |
| Similar Artists |
Paul Simon, Emmylou Harris |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1930 - 1939 |
| |
Lyrics
GOLDEN CITY
Mark Patterson © 2024
Part of me perished on the Saint-Mihiel line
Along with seven thousand other friends of mine
Retreated to Chi-town to leave it behind
And let the bathtub gin wash France off of my mind
My partner chased the dragon and was too low to leave
He couldn't be saved because he didn't believe
Went searching for truth and it laid him down
In a shooting gallery Southside in Chinatown
Oh Golden City I'll be back
Riding the rails on a Santa Fe track
Steel wheels spinning balling the jack
Golden City I'm coming back
Headed Southwest seeking my reward
Box car's leaving so I climbed aboard
Had her by the hand why did she let go
I heard she found peace but if not I don't care to know
Hitch a ride gas diesel or steam
When feedin' your family's all that's left of the dream
Prospects have got to be better out West
Ain't leaving nothing back home back home nothing's left
Oh Golden City I'll be back
Riding the rails on a Santa Fe track
Steel wheels spinning balling the jack
Golden City I'm coming back
Lady Luck runs off and clothes wear thin
So it's back to griftin' and thievin' again
Oh there's plenty got rich on FDR's deal
A thousand times more well they just slipped under the wheels
I will answer for the blood I spilled
Just let me live to see that bridge they built
Look at all we destroy and create
From the crimson trenches to the promise of a golden gate
Oh Golden City I'll be back
Riding the rails on a Santa Fe track
Steel wheels spinning balling the jack
Golden City I'm coming back
Golden City I'm coming back
Golden City I'm coming back
This track is on 4 Broadjam Top 10 Lists
This track is on 1 Member Playlists