I think this song is pretty obviously about the futility of everything we do on this Earth and how death is a final and beautiful justice for those who place their treasure in heaven and not on Earth. Stevens sings, "Lord come with fire." He incites God to end the misery that accompanies the trust put in Earthly treasure.
In a way the song comes as a large surprise on the album. When we see "Silver and Gold" on the cover of a Christmas Box Set, we might think of Christmas-y things like the gifts of the Magi, sparkly Christmas lights or precious moments shared between friends and family members. In fact Stevens adds a deeper meaning to the phrase "Silver and Gold"; something so much more important than the goofy Christmas Spirit we all enjoy in Stevens' Christmas music.
I think this song is pretty obviously about the futility of everything we do on this Earth and how death is a final and beautiful justice for those who place their treasure in heaven and not on Earth. Stevens sings, "Lord come with fire." He incites God to end the misery that accompanies the trust put in Earthly treasure. In a way the song comes as a large surprise on the album. When we see "Silver and Gold" on the cover of a Christmas Box Set, we might think of Christmas-y things like the gifts of the Magi, sparkly Christmas lights or precious moments shared between friends and family members. In fact Stevens adds a deeper meaning to the phrase "Silver and Gold"; something so much more important than the goofy Christmas Spirit we all enjoy in Stevens' Christmas music.
Nothing in this song is obvious
Nothing in this song is obvious