People steal, they cheat and lie
For wealth and what it will buy.
But don’t they know on the Judgment Day
That gold and silver will melt away.

I’d rather be in a deep, dark grave
And know that my poor soul was saved
Than live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and doom my soul.

“House of Gold” – original recording: Hank Williams demo, late 1949/early 1950 (registered with Library of Congress, Apr 21, 1950; released — with overdubs — on Polydor LP 833-752, 1987).
First commercial recording by Milton Estes, Dec 30, 1949 (Coral 64031)

Hank Williams version:

… and now for the goodies:

Palacio De Los Deportes
Madrid, Spain
15 June 1989

Musicians:

• Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
• G. E. Smith (guitar)
• Tony Garnier (bass)
• Christopher Parker (drums)
  

What good is gold and silver, too,
If your heart’s not good and true?
Sinner, hear me when I say,
Fall down on your knees and pray.

I’d rather be in a deep, dark grave
And know that my poor soul was saved
Than live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and doom my soul.

Sources: bobdylanroots.com, www.bjorner.com

Check out:

• Alldylan @ Facebook
• –
• Bob Dylan: Live 1961- 1969 (video & audio)
• Bob Dylan: 5 essential videos from the 60’s
• Bob Dylan live 1970 – 1979 (videos & audio)
• Bob Dylan: 7 essential videos from the 70’s
• Bob Dylan: Live 1980 – 1989 (Video & audio)
  
• Bob Dylan: 8 essential videos from the 80’s
• –
• Karl Erik’s expectingrain.com
• Olof’s “Still On The Road“

-Egil