Meaning of "Plain Gold Ring" by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds

The lyrics of "Plain Gold Ring" capture the poignant and heartbreaking experience of unrequited love. The narrator is tormented by his feelings for a woman who is already taken, as symbolized by the plain gold ring she wears. The ring represents not only her commitment to another person but also serves as a constant reminder of the narrator's unattainable longing. Despite knowing that he can never be with her, the narrator's love is unwavering, and he resigns himself to loving her silently and from a distance. The repetition of "In my heart it will never be spring," suggests a sense of eternal longing and unfulfilled desire that will persist as long as she wears the plain gold ring. The narrator's vow to love her until his dying day underscores the depth of his devotion and the idea that some loves are destined to remain unfulfilled.