zcomposer wrote: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:58 am
Someone very kindly sent me text for three verses which I can't vouch for beyond that it's the same words in verse 1 and chorus, and the rest fit more or less. Maybe they were added later? I don't know! The song as published (some time in the 1950's or early 1960's I believe) has only one verse (at least in the version I have).
Acres of Diamonds, mountains of gold,
Rivers of silver, jewels untold;
All these together, couldn't buy you or me
Peace when we're sleeping or a conscience that's free.
(chorus) A heart that's contented, a satisfied mind,
These are the treasures your money can't buy;
If you have Jesus, there's more wealth in your soul,
Than acres of diamonds, or mountains of gold.
Thieves steal your diamonds, your gold melts away
Your rivers of silver, will flow to the sea;
Just hold onto Jesus, for in heaven we know
There are acres of diamonds, and mountains of gold.
(chorus)
Friendship[s are] trenchant, they will decay;
Earth's golden riches, will soon pass away;
But one thing's for certain, there are riches untold
Reserved and awaiting, for all in his fold.
(chorus)
---------
Verse 3 came to me as "Friendship is trenchant they will decay" which can't be right, so I tried proposing a fix that is at least proper English. Trenchant can mean vigorous, or sharp or cutting or a bunch of other things that don't really seem to fit, but that is definitely what was sung on a rendition I heard recently.
Feel free to make up your own mind about it, of course!
- Jay