| In a pawn shop in Chicago
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| On a sunny summer day
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| A couple gazes at the wedding rings
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| There on display
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| She smiles n' nods her head
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| As he says, «Honey, that’s for you
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| It’s not much but it’s the best
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| That I can do»
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| Golden rings with one tiny little stone
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| (Golden ring)
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| Waiting there for someone to take you home
 | 
| (Waiting there)
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| By itself it’s just a cold metallic thing
 | 
| (By itself)
 | 
| Only love can make a golden wedding ring
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| In a little wedding chapel, later on that afternoon
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| An old upright piano plays that old familiar tune
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| Tears roll down her cheeks
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| And happy thoughts run through her head
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| As he whispers low, «With this ring, I thee wed»
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| Golden ring with one tiny little stone
 | 
| (Golden ring)
 | 
| Shining ring, now, at last, it’s found a home
 | 
| (Shining ring)
 | 
| By itself, it’s just a cold metallic thing
 | 
| (By itself)
 | 
| Only love can make a golden wedding ring
 | 
| In a small two room apartment
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| As they fought their final round
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| He says, «You won’t admit it But I know you’re leavin' town»
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| She says, «One thing’s for certain
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| I don’t love you any more»
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| And throws down the ring
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| As she walks out the door
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| Golden ring with one tiny little stone
 | 
| (Golden ring)
 | 
| Cast aside like the love that’s dead and gone
 | 
| (Cast aside)
 | 
| By itself it’s just a cold metallic thing
 | 
| (By itself)
 | 
| Only love can make a golden wedding ring
 | 
| In a pawn shop in Chicago
 | 
| On a sunny summer day
 | 
| A couple gazes at the wedding rings
 | 
| There on display, golden ring |