Single:
Heart of Gold entered the Australian singles chart* on 27 March 1972 and peaked at #14. The song was #100 on the Top 100 of 1972.
Album:
Heart of Gold is on Harvest which entered the Australian albums chart* on 13 March 1972 and reached #1.
Songwriter:
Neil Young
Producers:
Elliot Mazer, Neil Young
Record label of Australian release:
Reprise
*Kent Music Report / Australian Chart Book. See About.
Wikipedia:
Heart of Gold, which features backup vocals by James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, is one of a series of soft acoustic pieces which were written partly as a result of a back injury. Unable to stand for long periods of time, Young could not play his electric guitar and so returned to his acoustic guitar, which he could play sitting down. He also played his harmonica during the three instrumental portions, including the introduction to the song.
Read more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_of_Gold_(Neil_Young_song)
Songfacts:
With a straightforward metaphor and complete lack of pathos, this is not a typical Neil Young song. It finds him mining for a “heart of gold” which, depending on your perspective, is either a touching and heartfelt sentiment, or a mawkish platitude. Rolling Stone took the churlish view, complaining that the album evoked “superstardom’s weariest clichés.” The listening public and Young’s fans were far more accepting, and the song became his biggest hit.
Read more: www.songfacts.com/facts/neil-young/heart-of-gold
Lyrics:
I wanna live, I wanna give
I′ve been a miner for a heart of gold
It’s these expressions I never give
That keep me searchin′ for a heart of gold
And I’m gettin’ old
Keep me searchin′ for a heart of gold
And I′m gettin’ old
Click for full lyrics
Heart of Gold is on our Spotify playlist Bang a Gong – the 70s
Also on Bang a Gong from the Harvest album: Old Man
Find more songs to enjoy: Bang a Gong song finder
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