More than Gold

“More than Gold was not written in a single moment, but in the many faces and voices I have encountered on the streets of New York. I have met people who lost everything, yet found hope in the kindness of a stranger. I have seen hands give their last piece of bread, and in doing so, they became rich beyond measure. The world tells us we need more to be more, but I have learned the opposite is true. The vow of poverty is not about what we lack—it is about what we gain when we give ourselves fully to others. This song is for all those who remind us that dignity is never found in wealth, but in love, in justice, and in standing together.” Father Mathew, S. J.

The Streets that Sang: When Father Mathew Wrote "More Than Gold"

Father Mathew never set out to write a song. It wasn’t something he planned, but something that grew—like a spark turning into a flame—lit by the voices and struggles of the people he served.

It began on a cold winter night in New York, as he walked through the streets with a thermos of hot soup, stopping to sit with those who had nowhere else to go. That night, he met Carlos, an immigrant father who had lost his job and was now living in a shelter with his two children. “I used to have a house, a car, a good life,” Carlos said, wrapping his coat tighter around himself. “Now I have nothing.”

Father Mathew looked at him and shook his head. “You have your children. You have your strength. You have a community that won’t let you stand alone. Carlos, you have more than gold.”

Those words stayed with him.

A few weeks later, he was in a crowded church basement, helping distribute food. He watched as an elderly woman, Miss Evelyn, placed half of her own meal into another’s hands, smiling as she did so. “You sure you’ll have enough?” someone asked her.

She laughed. “Son, I’ve been rich all my life. Not in money, but in love.”

More than gold.

The phrase kept returning to him, echoing in his heart as he met more people—single mothers working two jobs just to feed their kids, teenagers navigating life alone after being abandoned, workers fighting for fair wages. Everywhere he turned, he saw a world that measured worth in wealth, yet he found the greatest richness in those who had the least.

One evening, after another long day, he sat on the steps outside his parish. The city hummed around him—cars passing, people laughing, sirens wailing in the distance. He pulled out the small notebook he always carried and scribbled down the words that had been building in his soul for months:

“Oh, we are more than gold,

We are the hands that break the chains,

The hearts that heal, the love that stays.

Oh, we are more than what we own,

In giving all, we find our home.”

A melody came to him—a rhythm like footsteps marching forward, like voices raised in unity. It wasn’t just his song; it belonged to Carlos, to Miss Evelyn, to every person who had taught him the truth: wealth is not measured in what we take, but in what we give.

Over time, the song grew. He sang it with volunteers while packing meals. He hummed it during protests for workers’ rights. He heard children singing it back to him in the community center, their hands clapping in time with the beat. It became an anthem of solidarity, a reminder that the vow of poverty was not about living with less—it was about standing with those who had nothing and declaring that they, too, were worthy.

One Sunday, during a service, he finally introduced it to the congregation. As the choir picked up the chorus and the people rose to their feet, he felt a deep certainty in his heart: This was the Gospel in action. This was why he took the vow.

A Song of Solidarity: How the Community Embraces “More Than Gold”

“More Than Gold” by Father Mathew is more than just a song—it is an anthem of solidarity, a rallying cry for justice, and a powerful reminder of where true wealth lies. In communities where Jesuits serve the poor, advocate for the marginalized, and walk alongside those who struggle, this song is to be sung with conviction, not just as a reflection on the vow of poverty but as a commitment to a different way of living.

For many, the song carries the weight of real experiences. Those who have lost everything—immigrants, workers fighting for fair wages, families struggling to afford housing—hear in its lyrics a truth they already know: dignity is not measured in possessions. In shelters and community centers, More Than Gold is sung with voices both weary and hopeful, resonating with those who have been told by society that they are worth less because they own less.

Among Jesuit volunteers and activists, the song has a place at gatherings before protests, at vigils for justice, and in moments of reflection after long days of service. The refrain, “Oh, we are more than gold! We are the hands that break the chains, the hearts that heal, the love that stays,” is shouted as much as it is sung—a defiant rejection of materialism and an embrace of human dignity.

Jesuits in formation also find deep meaning in the song, as they prepare to take the vow of poverty. The lyrics challenge them to live what they preach, to remember that their mission is not just to renounce personal wealth but to stand in true companionship with the poor. In retreat houses and discernment circles, the song is played softly as a meditation, inviting those who hear it to reflect on what they truly value.

What makes More Than Gold so powerful is its dual nature—it is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. It is a song of self-examination, asking each person: What do I cling to? What am I willing to let go of? But it is also a song of action, calling communities to stand together, to resist a world that equates worth with wealth, and to proclaim a different kind of richness—the kind found in service, in love, and in justice.

Whether sung in quiet reflection or as a bold declaration in the streets, More Than Gold continues to inspire, challenge, and unite. It is a song that reminds us all: in giving ourselves fully to others, we discover a treasure that no riches can replace.

A powerful and passionate song on the Jesuit vow of poverty, written from the perspective of a social justice advocate in New York. The song has a driving rhythm, blending folk-rock with gospel influences—acoustic guitar, steady percussion, and a soulful choir to emphasize solidarity and strength. The melody is bold and uplifting, echoing the energy of protest songs, street preaching, and community gatherings. The lyrics focus on poverty as an act of defiance, a declaration of dignity, and a call to stand with the oppressed. The overall tone is inspiring, a rallying cry for justice, faith, and action.

“More Than Gold”
by Father Mathew, S. J.

(Verse 1 – Strong, steady rhythm, acoustic guitar driving the melody)

I walk the streets where hunger cries,

Where dreams are lost but hope survives.

A simple word, a hand held tight,

Can bring the dark into the light.

(Pre-Chorus – Building, voices rising in harmony)

They tell us wealth defines our worth,

But love is louder than this earth!

(Chorus – Bold, uplifting, with choir backing)

Oh, we are more than gold!

We are the hands that break the chains,

The hearts that heal, the love that stays.

Oh, we are more than what we own,

In giving all, we find our home!

(Verse 2 – Driven, urgent, electric guitar subtly joining in)

I’ve seen the fear in weary eyes,

The ones the world leaves cast aside.

But when we stand and share the weight,

We make injustice break.

(Pre-Chorus – Repeat, growing in power)

They tell us wealth defines our worth,

But love is louder than this earth!

(Chorus – Full, strong, voices lifting like an anthem!)

Oh, we are more than gold!

We are the hands that break the chains,

The hearts that heal, the love that stays.

Oh, we are more than what we own,

In giving all, we find our home!

(Bridge – Call-and-response, gospel-style, claps and stomps building energy)

What do we give? (We give our hands!)

What do we hold? (The truth that stands!)

What do we break? (The chains of fear!)

And what remains? (God’s love is here!)

(Final Chorus – Choir soaring, full instrumentation, a triumphant declaration!)

Oh, we are more than gold!

We are the hands that break the chains,

The hearts that heal, the love that stays.

Oh, we are more than what we own,

In giving all, we find our home!

(Outro – Fading, voices chanting softly, as if marching forward in unity.)

"In giving all, we find our home…

Más que Oro (More Than Gold)

por Father Mathew, S.J.

[Verso 1]

Caminé los caminos del poder,

pensé que el oro me haría crecer.

Pero vi en los ojos del que nada tenía,

una riqueza que el mundo no veía.

[Pre-Coro]

Dicen que el dinero da valor,

pero el amor es mucho más que oro.

[Coro]

Oh, somos más que oro,

somos las manos que rompen cadenas,

los corazones que sanan heridas.

Oh, somos más que lo que poseemos,

en darlo todo, el hogar tenemos.

[Verso 2]

He visto a un niño reír sin temor,

a un pobre dar su último pan con amor.

No tienen riquezas, no tienen poder,

pero en su entrega está el renacer.

[Pre-Coro]

Dicen que el dinero da valor,

pero el amor es mucho más que oro.

[Coro] (Más fuerte, con voces unidas)

Oh, somos más que oro,

somos las manos que rompen cadenas,

los corazones que sanan heridas.

Oh, somos más que lo que poseemos,

en darlo todo, el hogar tenemos.

[Puente] (Coro y solista en respuesta, estilo góspel)

¿Qué damos? (Damos nuestras manos!)

¿Qué guardamos? (La verdad que amamos!)

¿Qué rompemos? (Las cadenas de miedo!)

¿Qué nos queda? (Dios está aquí, es eterno!)

[Coro Final] (Gran celebración, con aplausos y esperanza)

Oh, somos más que oro,

somos las manos que rompen cadenas,

los corazones que sanan heridas.

Oh, somos más que lo que poseemos,

en darlo todo, el hogar tenemos.

[Outro] (Suave, como una oración que sigue en el alma)

En darlo todo, el hogar tenemos…

Più Che Oro (More Than Gold)

di Padre Mathew, S.J.

[Verso 1]

Ho seguito le strade del potere,

pensavo che l’oro potesse valere.

Ma negli occhi di chi non ha niente,

ho visto un tesoro splendente.

[Pre-Ritornello]

Dicono che il denaro dà valore,

ma l’amore vale più che oro.

[Ritornello]

Oh, siamo più che oro,

siamo le mani che spezzano catene,

i cuori che curano ogni ferita.

Oh, siamo più di ciò che possediamo,

donando tutto, la casa troviamo.

[Verso 2]

Ho visto un bambino ridere felice,

un povero offrire il suo pane con gioia.

Non hanno ricchezze, né grandi poteri,

ma nel donarsi sono sinceri.

[Pre-Ritornello]

Dicono che il denaro dà valore,

ma l’amore vale più che oro.

[Ritornello] (Più forte, con voci unite)

Oh, siamo più che oro,

siamo le mani che spezzano catene,

i cuori che curano ogni ferita.

Oh, siamo più di ciò che possediamo,

donando tutto, la casa troviamo.

[Bridge] (Coro e solista in risposta, come un canto comunitario)

Cosa diamo? (Diamo le nostre mani!)

Cosa teniamo? (Solo la verità!)

Cosa spezziamo? (Le catene della paura!)

Cosa resta? (Dio è con noi, ora e sempre!)

[Ritornello Finale] (Celebrazione gioiosa, con battiti di mani e speranza)

Oh, siamo più che oro,

siamo le mani che spezzano catene,

i cuori che curano ogni ferita.

Oh, siamo più di ciò che possediamo,

donando tutto, la casa troviamo.

[Outro] (Dolce, come una preghiera che continua nell’anima)

Donando tutto, la casa troviamo…

Plus Que l'Or (More Than Gold)

par Père Mathew, S.J.

[Couplet 1]

J’ai suivi les chemins du pouvoir,

pensant que l’or pouvait tout avoir.

Mais dans les yeux de ceux qui n’ont rien,

j’ai vu un trésor entre leurs mains.

[Pré-Refrain]

On dit que l’argent fait la valeur,

mais l’amour est bien plus que l’or.

[Refrain]

Oh, nous valons plus que l’or,

nous sommes les mains qui brisent les chaînes,

les cœurs qui soulagent tant de peines.

Oh, nous sommes plus que nos biens,

en donnant tout, nous trouvons le chemin.

[Couplet 2]

J’ai vu un enfant rire sans peur,

un pauvre offrir son pain avec ardeur.

Ils n’ont ni fortune, ni grand renom,

mais dans leur don, ils sont bénédiction.

[Pré-Refrain]

On dit que l’argent fait la valeur,

mais l’amour est bien plus que l’or.

[Refrain] (Plus fort, avec des voix unies)

Oh, nous valons plus que l’or,

nous sommes les mains qui brisent les chaînes,

les cœurs qui soulagent tant de peines.

Oh, nous sommes plus que nos biens,

en donnant tout, nous trouvons le chemin.

[Pont] (Chœur et soliste en réponse, style gospel et engagé)

Que donnons-nous ? (Nos mains ouvertes !)

Que gardons-nous ? (La vérité parfaite !)

Que brisons-nous ? (Les chaînes de la peur !)

Que nous reste-t-il ? (Dieu est ici, Il demeure !)

[Refrain Final] (Grand crescendo, avec joie et espoir !)

Oh, nous valons plus que l’or,

nous sommes les mains qui brisent les chaînes,

les cœurs qui soulagent tant de peines.

Oh, nous sommes plus que nos biens,

en donnant tout, nous trouvons le chemin.

[Outro] (Doucement, comme une prière qui continue dans le cœur…)

En donnant tout, nous trouvons le chemin…

Mais que Ouro (More Than Gold)

por Padre Mathew, S.J.

[Verso 1]

Segui os caminhos do poder,

pensei que o ouro me faria vencer.

Mas nos olhos de quem nada tem,

vi um tesouro que o mundo não vê.

[Pré-Refrão]

Dizem que o dinheiro traz valor,

mas o amor vale mais que o ouro.

[Refrão]

Oh, somos mais que ouro,

somos as mãos que quebram correntes,

os corações que curam as dores.

Oh, somos mais que o que possuímos,

ao dar tudo, o lar construímos.

[Verso 2]

Vi uma criança sorrir sem temor,

um pobre repartir seu pão com amor.

Não têm riquezas, nem posição,

mas no que dão há salvação.

[Pré-Refrão]

Dizem que o dinheiro traz valor,

mas o amor vale mais que o ouro.

[Refrão] (Com mais força, vozes unidas)

Oh, somos mais que ouro,

somos as mãos que quebram correntes,

os corações que curam as dores.

Oh, somos mais que o que possuímos,

ao dar tudo, o lar construímos.

[Ponte] (Coro e solista em resposta, com energia e fé)

O que damos? (Damos as mãos!)

O que guardamos? (A verdade e a união!)

O que quebramos? (As correntes do medo!)

O que nos resta? (Deus está aqui, é o nosso abrigo!)

[Refrão Final] (Momento de celebração, com alegria e esperança!)

Oh, somos mais que ouro,

somos as mãos que quebram correntes,

os corações que curam as dores.

Oh, somos mais que o que possuímos,

ao dar tudo, o lar construímos.

[Outro] (Suave, como uma oração que ecoa no coração…)

Ao dar tudo, o lar construímos…

胜过黄金 (More Than Gold)

由马修神父, S.J.

[第一节]

我曾追寻财富和权力，

以为黄金能让我胜利。

但在那一无所有的眼里，

我看见世界看不见的珍贵真理。

[预副歌]

他们说金钱决定价值，

但爱远比黄金更真实。

[副歌]

哦，我们胜过黄金，

我们是破除锁链的双手，

是治愈伤痛的心灵。

哦，我们的价值不在财富，

奉献一切，我们得着归宿。

[第二节]

我看见孩子无惧欢笑，

穷人分享他的最后一餐。

他们没有财富，没有名声，

但在给予中，他们焕发光彩。

[预副歌]

他们说金钱决定价值，

但爱远比黄金更真实。

[副歌] (更坚定、更充满希望)

哦，我们胜过黄金，

我们是破除锁链的双手，

是治愈伤痛的心灵。

哦，我们的价值不在财富，

奉献一切，我们得着归宿。

[桥段] (合唱与领唱呼应，如同信仰的宣告)

我们给予什么？ (我们献出双手！)

我们珍藏什么？ (真理与爱！)

我们打破什么？ (恐惧的枷锁！)

我们还剩什么？ (上主在此，祂永不离开！)

[最终副歌] (充满喜悦，如同信仰的庆典！)

哦，我们胜过黄金，

我们是破除锁链的双手，

是治愈伤痛的心灵。

哦，我们的价值不在财富，

奉献一切，我们得着归宿。

[尾声] (柔和渐弱，如一场仍在心中回响的祷告…)

奉献一切，我们得着归宿…