Verse 1:
Though we are tried like silver in the fire
We come out as pure gold.
We must be refined and then we need to shine
We come out as pure gold
There is a process to all fulfillingness,
there is significance to every experience.
From each trial we learn, (we learn, we learn);
all foundation becomes firm,
all foundation becomes firm.
Verse 2:
We're dusted and melted Like brass, tin, and iron,
we've become like a stone.
We're carved, scraped, and shapened like rock, wood, and metal,
we've become like a stone
The rock of salvation, a sure foundation,
steadfast, unmovable, strong as Mt. Zion.
(It's for the Master's plan),
we know all things work together,
we know all things work together.
Vamp:
(Though we're tried in the fire)
(we come) out as pure gold.
Ending:
Lord, make us strong.
(repeat as desired)
The Clark Sisters'Pure Gold!"
Pure Gold Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Clark Sisters, a venerable name in the gospel music industry, released "Pure Gold" as part of their album "Conqueror" in 1986. This song stands out as a powerful testament to the group's vocal prowess and their ability to convey deep spiritual truths through music. The Clark Sisters have long been celebrated for their harmonious blend and inspirational messages, and "Pure Gold" is a shining example of their musical ministry.
"Pure Gold" delves into the metaphor of refining and purification, a theme deeply rooted in Christian theology and the Bible. The lyrics draw a parallel between the believer's trials and the process of purifying gold. As gold is tried in the fire to rid it of impurities, so the believer is refined through life's challenges. This concept is vividly illustrated in 1 Peter 1:6-7, which says, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." The song encapsulates this biblical truth, offering listeners a reminder of the purpose behind their struggles.
The song begins with a powerful statement: "Though we are tried like silver in the fire, we come out as pure gold." This opening line sets the stage for the song's message of hope and perseverance. The imagery of being tried like silver and coming out as pure gold is a compelling depiction of the Christian journey. Trials and tribulations are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and purification. The Bible echoes this sentiment in Proverbs 17:3, stating, "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart." "Pure Gold" encourages believers to view their trials through the lens of this refining process, trusting that God is at work, purifying their faith and character.
As the song progresses, it expands on the refining metaphor, describing the believer as being "dusted and melted like brass, tin, and iron, we've become like a stone." This imagery is reminiscent of the biblical narrative of the potter and the clay, found in Isaiah 64:8, which says, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." The Clark Sisters skillfully use these metaphors to convey the idea that through trials, believers are shaped and molded by the hands of God, much like a craftsman shapes his materials into a masterpiece.
The song's bridge, "The rock of salvation, a sure foundation, steadfast, unmovable, strong as Mt. Zion," points to another biblical truth: the solidity and reliability of God's presence in the believer's life. This is a reflection of Psalm 18:2, which declares, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." "Pure Gold" reassures listeners that amidst the fire of trials, they are not alone; they stand on the rock of salvation, a sure foundation that cannot be shaken.
For those looking to play "Pure Gold" on piano or keyboard, the song is primarily set in the key of Db Major. The chords follow a gospel progression that is both uplifting and reflective. While the musical arrangement might seem complex due to its rich harmonies and dynamic shifts, the message of the song is straightforward and powerful.
"Pure Gold" by The Clark Sisters is not just a song; it is a spiritual journey encapsulated in melody and lyrics. It serves as a reminder that the trials of life are not without purpose. They are divine tools used by God to refine and purify believers, transforming them into pure gold. The song stands as an anthem of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to persevere through their trials, holding onto the promise that they are being shaped into something beautiful and valuable in the eyes of God. Through "Pure Gold," The Clark Sisters have contributed a timeless piece to the gospel music canon, one that continues to inspire and uplift the faithful.
