Song of the Day (The Chain): The Stranglers – Golden Brown

Day 21. As discussed in yesterdays post, Massive Attack’s Angel was featured memorably in the soundtrack for the Guy Ritchie move Snatch. While looking at what else is on the soundtrack for todays entry, I couldn’t choose anything other than Golden Brown by The Stranglers. Mainly in tribute to keyboardist Dave Greenfield who sadly passed away back in May.

Golden Brown is an unusual song with a strangely baroque feel. The composition is centred around a looping harpsichord riff, eccentric time signature (3/4 but every fourth bar is in 4/4) & lyrics dealing with addiction, desperation & dependency. An unusual radio & chart hit, it appeared on Top Of The Pops & reaching number 2 in the UK Pop charts.

Golden Brown texture like sun
Lays me down with my mind she runs
Throughout the night
No need to fight
Never a frown with Golden Brown

Every time just like the last
On her ship tied to the mast
To distant lands
Takes both my hands
Never a frown with Golden Brown

Golden Brown, finer temptress
Through the ages she’s heading west
From far away
Stays for a day
Never a frown with Golden Brown

(La la la la la la la la leeeah)

Never a frown
With Golden Brown
Never a frown
With Golden Brown

Keep up to date with the Song of the Day (The Chain) Spotify playlist.