Bob Seger, "Cross of Gold": Now good old Bob Seger starts taking us in the other way the phrase has been interpreted over the years, that as a statement of the power of money to nail people into situations they can't get out of under the guise of sanctimoniousness and morality. Steal, lie, cheat? It doesn't matter, because the man with the gold is the man with the hammer and pins.
Turisas, "Broadsword": But still, faith in talismans is a pretty universal trait. I've never met even an atheist without at least a lucky hat or something. Is it the preciousness of the material, or is it the sacredness of the symbol?
Regardless, people put their trust in trinkets and shiny metals all the time. Jethro Tull expressed this in heart-stopping way, but I never let an opportunity to feature my favorite metal band Turisas go by without acknowledging them. It's one hell of a cover.