Song of the Day: Charles Bradley “Heart of Gold”

Charles Bradley (backed by the Menahan Street Band) delivers a muscular, soulful take on Neil Young’s classic “Heart of Gold.” The track comes from Black Velvet, the newly-released collection of studio odds and ends that didn’t make the cut on Bradley’s three full-length studio releases on Daptone Records. The title Black Velvet was the singer’s stage name when he worked as a James Brown impersonator before joining the Daptone roster in 2001.

While this collection doesn’t hold together like his proper albums (2011’s No Time for Dreaming, 2013’s Victim of Love, and 2016’s Changes) do, it nevertheless demonstrates the fruits of Bradley’s consistent partnership with producer/Menahan Street Band guitarist Tom Brenneck.

Bradley sounds world weary, a resignation to the search for a heart of gold contrasted with Neil Young’s determination on the original. The “and I’m getting old” lyric takes on a deeper poignancy after Bradley’s 2017 passing.

I want to live, I want to 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 getting old
Keep me searchin’ for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old

I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold
I’ve been in my mind, it’s such a fine line
That keeps me searchin’ for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Keeps me searchin’ for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old

Keep me searchin’ for a heart of gold
You keep me searchin’
And I’m growing old
Keep me searchin’ for a heart of gold
I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold