Copper, let us take you to a furnace where we'll break you, fire's so big and
pretty, you could cry,
as you buckle, you could ask me what was wrong with me before -
did I need the silver to be suitable?
Copper, I have a use for you, it's easy work and it suits you,
dazzled dirty beauty, you must know
Copper is a conductor and makes for decent cooking,
dazzled by your beauty still, you know,
plated or anodized, you even fool a layman's eyes,
presentable though you might be, it's unwise to try to fight me.

Copper, never be gold.


Lyrics submitted by Mopnugget, edited by wbk

Copper song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment
    I consider this to be a great geek song. Not too surprising considering how Albini is quite the nerd himself, being an audio engineer. In these lyrics, he seems to be writing a ballad to the most beloved medium of the trade: copper. Almost all wiring is made up of copper. It is the second best conductor known to humanity -- the best being silver ("Did I need this silver to be suitable?"). Since silver is so absurdly expensive, however, we tend to stick with copper. Now gold, contrary to popular belief, is not as conductive as copper, but it does have the advantage of never corroding. Also, gold is more valuable outside of electronics. What I don't quite get is the chorus ("Copper -- you'll never be gold"). To me, it seems like Albini is trying to say that while copper is an excellent conductor, it still will not be as widely valued as gold. Or, it could be that Albini is saying that copper will not be able to "fight him" as gold can. The latter does not seem as likely to me, since gold is the third most conductive element, but it is possible.
    Dhampir Boyon October 25, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I think that this song is about a girl who's rather average and bland.
    wasteofwebspaceon July 18, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I think this song is exactly what it says: a song singing about the properties of copper. Gold being the best, copper pales in comparison. And despite its various properties, copper will never be gold. There's one thing I kind of wonder about: did I need the silver to be suitable? Also, I think the lyric is "as you buckle".
    Riobardon November 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    steve's using copper as a double entedre, but I'm not quite sure for what. When I hear it I imagine "copper" as a police officer, likening it to one of those big black songs where steve puts himself in someone else's twisted shoes. But I don't see that totally making sense. Just some guy that is apparently too mediocre.
    ussleepon August 06, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I think it's just a song about feeling worthless ("you'll never be gold").
    PersonMan92on March 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I'm pretty sure it's "Don't ever be gold."
    chris10214on January 21, 2016   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation
    The "You'll never be gold" part evokes the practice of alchemy. Transformation of base metals into precious metals.
    CatofNoahon August 23, 2016   Link

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