Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] Pan in his fingers Dirt in his teeth Coughed up the morning Black dust and grief Muttered, “One more river One more cold stream” Slept on a bedroll Chained to a dream [Chorus] Gold fever, gold fever Burns hotter than the midday sun You dig and you bleed For a glimmer that will never love anyone Gold fever, grim reaper Keeps counting every breath you owe Boy, you’re trading every heartbeat For a little bit of fool’s gold [Verse 2] Snow in September Should’ve gone home Heard in the thunder A hollowed-out tone “Just one more shovel,” His cracked lips said Then the hillside shivered And the sky went red [Bridge] Rocks came roaring Like a loaded train Cold mud filled With the taste of pain Face in the river Eyes going black Saw a shadow standing Wouldn’t step back [Verse 3] Cloak made of midnight Smile made of bone Voice like a church bell Carved into stone “Keep clawing that mountain, You’ll die in this hole I’ve got a ledger With your name in gold” [Chorus] Gold fever, gold fever Burns hotter than the devil’s coal You’re praying to a poison That’s hollow at the center of your soul Gold fever, grim reaper Said, “Son, I’ll gladly take this toll If you keep on chasing glitter I’ll be coming for your soul” [Verse 4] He woke by the river Hands shaking slow Pan lying empty Boots full of snow Left his last nugget There in the sand Walked from the canyon With the reaper’s hand [Chorus] Gold fever, gold fever Still whispers when the nights turn cold But he’s holding onto mercy Tighter than a rattling sack of gold Gold fever, grim reaper Still watching from the old foothills Saying, “Greed will give you everything ’Til the day it gets you killed”
Tags
country, Dusty minor-key country waltz, brushed snare and twanging baritone guitar, mournful fiddle lines weaving around a gravelly male vocal. Verses stay hushed and close, with upright bass pulsing like a slow heartbeat; chorus swells with ghostly harmonies and a churchy organ bed. Bridge leans into eerie reverb and held notes, then the final chorus strips back to near a cappella before the band eases in for a stark, haunted fade.
Duration
4:14
Instrumental
No
Created
2/21/2026