About The Song
“Pocket Full of Gold” was written by Vince Gill and Brian Allsmiller, performed by Gill with harmony vocals by Patty Loveless, and released in January 1991 as the lead single from his album Pocket Full of Gold on MCA Nashville. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking a strong start for the album.
The song was recorded in Nashville, produced by Tony Brown, with Gill’s lead vocals complemented by Loveless’ haunting harmony. The track runs 3:57 and features a traditional country sound with steel guitars and a poignant melody, reflecting the early 1990s country music landscape.
The lyrics tell a cautionary tale of a man who hides his wedding ring to pursue infidelity, with lines like “He slipped the ring off his finger when he walked in the room.” Gill drew inspiration from a song idea by Allsmiller, a college basketball player, adding his own narrative of regret and consequence, enhanced by Loveless’ emotive backing vocals.
The music video, directed by John Lloyd Miller, premiered in early 1991 and includes Gill and Loveless performing, with a storyline hinting at the song’s theme of betrayal. The collaboration with Loveless, known for her pure country voice, added depth, making it a standout duet.
Upon release, “Pocket Full of Gold” gained moderate success, spending several weeks on the charts and contributing to the album’s platinum certification. The album, released in 1991, also included hits like “Liza Jane” and “Look at Us,” but this track remains notable for its storytelling and duet chemistry.
Gill, born on April 12, 1957, in Norman, Oklahoma, and Loveless, a Kentucky native, brought their established talents to the song. Gill promoted it with live performances, often alongside Loveless, while the video’s playful yet somber tone resonated with fans.
The song has been praised for its emotional resonance, with live performances like the one at George Jones’ funeral in 2013 highlighting Gill and Loveless’ chemistry
Video
Lyrics
He slipped the ring off his finger
When he walked in the room
And he found him some stranger
And promised her the moon
How many lies you must have told
You think you’re a rich man
With your pocket full of gold
For another man’s treasure
You’d say anything
But is one night of pleasure
Worth the trouble you’ll bring
Don’t look so surprised
‘Cause son I should know
I once was a rich man
With my pocket full of gold
Some night you’re gonna wind up
On the wrong end of a gun
Some jealous guy’s gonna show up
And you’ll pay for what you’ve done
What will it say on your tombstone
Here lies a rich man
With his pocket full of gold
Yeah, here lies a rich man
With his pocket full of gold