Meaning of “Married in a Gold Rush” by Vampire Weekend (Ft. Danielle Haim)

The titular term “married in a gold rush” is a metaphor for the two singers (Ezra Koenig and Danielle Haim) deciding to tie the knot when everything was going well or perhaps more specifically when they had a more-idealized perception of marriage. Morever, in the second verse Danielle insinuates that they literally got married in a “rush”, as in opting to do so after going on a couple of memorable dates.

However, this is not a track entirely dedicated to the singers lamenting their hasty decision to get married. Rather they acknowledge to the fact that they did so, again, under an idealized impression which did not accurately reflect the realities of such a union.

Lyrics aren’t that pessimistic

Indeed in the third verse they state that the “hanging gardens turned to desert”, and “all that loving turned to hate”. But this is not as pessimistic as it sounds, for apparently they have decided to stay together amidst these disappointments. And this time around they are putting the naïve expectations which led to this dissatisfaction behind them and instead are adopting a more practical, realistic approach to their love.

Facts about “Married in a Gold Rush”

• “Married in a Gold Rush” came out on the third day of May 2019.
• The song can be found on Father of the Bride (which is the fourth studio album of the band).
• “Married in a Gold Rush” is one of three collaborations on the above mentioned body of work that features guest vocals from Danielle Haim. The other two songs Haim is officially featured on are: “Hold You Now” and “We Belong Together”.
• Ezra Koenig is the sole writer of this track. However, the song was produced exclusively by record producer Ariel Rechtshaid.

Did Vampire Weekend release “Married in a Gold Rush” as a single?

No, they didn’t. Six singles including “Harmony Hall” were released from the album in question. This tune wasn’t one of them.