Band of Gold

Freda Payne

About Band of Gold

"Band of Gold" is a popular song written and composed by former Motown producers Holland–Dozier–Holland (under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne) and Ron Dunbar. It was a major hit when first recorded by Freda Payne in 1970 for the Invictus label, owned by H-D-H. The song has been recorded by numerous artists, notably competing 1986 versions by contrasting pop singers Belinda Carlisle and Bonnie Tyler, and a 2007 version by Kimberley Locke. The legendary songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland used the name Edythe Wayne because of a lawsuit in which they were embroiled with Motown. Ron Dunbar was a staff employee and producer for Invictus. When they first offered the song to Freda Payne, she balked at the idea of recording it, finding the material more appropriate for a teenager or very young woman while she was nearly 30 years old. Payne reluctantly gave in after much persuasion by Dunbar. Almost immediately following its release, the Payne record became an instant pop smash, reaching number three in the US and number one on the UK singles chart and remaining there for six weeks in September 1970, giving Payne her first gold record. 


Year:
1995
2:57
59 
#1

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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

You took me from the shelter of my mother, I had never known
Or loved any other
We kissed after taking vows
But that night on our honeymoon
We stayed in separate rooms

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

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

Oh, don't you know that 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

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

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Freda Payne

Freda Charcilia Payne (born September 19, 1942) is an American singer and actress best known for her million-selling, 1970 hit single, "Band of Gold". She was also an actress in musicals and film, as well as the host of a TV talk show. Freda is the older sister of a former Supreme bitch more »

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Written by: Edythe Wayne, Ronald Dunbar

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Creation
"Band of Gold" is originally a soul song that was performed by Freda Payne and released in 1970. It became Payne's first major hit.
Chart Performance
This song made it to number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in the same year, remaining there for six weeks.
Authors and Production
The song was written by former Motown producers, Holland–Dozier–Holland, under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne and Ron Dunbar.
Content and Theme
"Band of Gold" deals with a story of a broken marriage from the female perspective, and the lyrics express the heroine's despair and hope.
Bonnie Tyler's Version
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler released her rendition of "Band of Gold" in 1975 and it emerged as a non-charting single.
Belinda Carlisle's Adaptation
American singer Belinda Carlisle covered the song on her sixth studio album, "Voila", in 2007.
Tony Orlando's Involvement
While Tony Orlando & Dawn did not release a version of "Band of Gold", Tony Orlando is associated with a song of the same name. However, there is no relation between the two songs.
Definition in Popular Culture
"Band of Gold" is cited as one of the best songs that perfectly blend of pop and soul music, and it has been consistently covered and referenced in popular media over the years.
Personal Significance for Freda Payne
Despite having a number of chart-topping singles, Payne is most recognized for her breakthrough with "Band of Gold".
Belinda Carlisle's French Lyrics
For her version of "Band of Gold", Carlisle performed the song entirely in French, demonstrating her versatility in different music styles and languages.

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    Band of Gold

    2.6M
    16,423     524

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #3


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