MEANING OF STAY GOLDEN

| ,

MEANING OF STAY GOLDEN

Many people ask about the meaning of the phrase “Stay Golden”. And, that’s just what we go over in this article. It may have officially come from a place you’d not expect.

As someone that deals with depression, I often try to live out the Stay Golden mantra and I have to constantly remind myself of it to stay in a positive state. We are on a mission to use pineapples to spread good vibes, lift spirits, bring people together, and make the world a healthier and happier place to live and work. We wanted a tagline or slogan for Pineapple Supply Co. that fully encompassed this mission and related to the pineapple: Stay Golden.

We know that everyone has tough times. Having been photographing pineapples for over a year, I have seen the reaction of people while I am out doing my thing. You’ll have to trust me, but everyone that I’ve encountered can’t help but smile. Not only does their state change, mine is reinforced with positivity.

This is powerful. Pineapple Power! haha.

From the point of view of Pineapple Supply Co, “Stay Golden” means to be like a pineapple, stand tall and be you, wear a crown, be strong, appreciate the people and little things in your life, and don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s a reminder that you are in charge of your life and there are plenty of things to appreciate.

If you know someone that going through some shit or just want to lift the spirit of your friend, perhaps it would be a great time to gift a pineapple plant, or share a pineapple photo with them and connect.

If life is knocking you down, Stay Golden.

If life is knocking you down, Stay Golden. Life is too short for negative thoughts and letting circumstances keep you down or hold you back. Take back control. You’re the one in charge and a positive mind will bring about a positive life. You deserve happiness. 

***

NEW STAY GOLD MEANING DISCOVERIES

Reminder to Stay Golden

Many people may never believe me, but I never picked up the phrase, Stay Golden, from a movie or tv show. Some people have assumed I got it from The Outsiders and the character Johnny.

Johnny apparently says “Stay Gold, Ponyboy” within a scene.

So what does Johnny mean? I have no idea off and looked around the web. Of course, the Urban Dictionary helps us in this case again:

Being true to yourself, innocent, uncorrupted, unblemished etc.  

Not conforming to what society dictates, but in a sense marching to the beat of your own

It’s similar to the meaning I give to Stay Golden above.

ROBERT FROST AND NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY POEM

To pass the time, the boys play poker and Ponyboy reads Gone with the Wind and quotes the Robert Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay“.

From the Outsiders, I also learn the meaning of Stay Gold could come from Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay”.

In this poem, Stay Gold, can refer to staying true to yourself and your own character. A literal meaning is to stay where you are, in whatever figurative meaning (ie: relationship, city, state, country) you can conjure up.

It’s talking about how all good things come to an end.

This is where life throws us all kinds of obstacles that can seem like whatever good is happening in your life is over. You keep getting knocked down. A mindset to Stay Golden is to keep going and remember you’re not finished with this yet. This good thing isn’t over yet and stay the path. Never give up.

STAY GOLD VS STAY GOLDEN PONYBOY

There are a variety of meanings you can assign to the phrase “Stay Gold”. And, it relates so closely to the picture in my head for “Stay Golden”. Like with the Outsiders thing, Stay Gold Ponyboy or Stay Golden Ponyboy says the same kind of thing

Stay Gold has no connection to the golden pineapple I’m using as reference in Stay Golden. One is gaining meaning from a poem and the other from a true legend of a fruit: The Pineapple.

The pineapple, combined with the phrase Stay Golden, brings up a vision in your mind of all the things a pineapple represents in a positive way.

Saying Stay Golden to someone is like telling them to stay positive, stay optimistic, and never stop doing what makes you come alive each day. Forget about the struggles of yesterday and understand the fresh opportunity present each day.

In the end, I’d also wish Ponyboy to Stay Golden.

“Stay Golden” as a Lifestyle Philosophy

At its core, the phrase “Stay Golden” is a call to embrace the best version of yourself, radiating positivity, strength, and authenticity. It’s about maintaining a bright outlook while navigating life’s complexities, much like the golden glow of a sunset that signifies hope and beauty even as the day ends. This philosophy emphasizes resilience and staying true to one’s core values despite challenges.

The Connection Between “Stay Golden” and Living Authentically

Living authentically means staying true to your values, passions, and identity, free from societal expectations or pressures. “Stay Golden” aligns perfectly with this because it encourages people to embrace their individuality and shine in their unique way. Just as gold is prized for its rarity and purity, staying golden is about valuing your personal worth and remaining untainted by negativity. Authentic living involves recognizing your strengths, owning your flaws, and pursuing what genuinely makes you happy.

How to Embody Positivity and Resilience in Daily Life

Embodying positivity doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties but rather adopting a mindset that focuses on growth and gratitude. Start each day with affirmations or reflections on things you’re grateful for. This practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life, even during tough times.

Resilience, on the other hand, is about bouncing back from setbacks. Develop resilience by setting realistic goals and viewing failures as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift your spirit and practice self-compassion to avoid harsh self-criticism.

Ultimately, “staying golden” is about finding joy in the little things, maintaining inner strength, and spreading warmth to those around you. It’s a way of living that fosters personal growth while inspiring others to do the same.

TO KNOW SOMEONE GOLDEN

We all know someone that is Golden in the sense described above. I’d love if you shared this article to that special person and saying the phrase to them.

This would be a great way to spread good vibes and make their day!

Let me know if you did it in the comments.

RELATED QUESTION

You Are Gold Meaning

You are Gold is something you might hear from someone at some point in time. It seems to differ depending on the context. For example, in a retail context, I’ve heard salespeople or cashiers say You’re Gold at the end of the interaction. People seem to understand this as “you’re good to go” or “you’re all set now”.

Another context is referring to something in the past. Someone might say, The photos this camera takes are gold! Here, we’re kind of looking at the term “gold”; However, it then lends itself to mean the person is the best, perfect, should never change, and someone positive in life. Think about how the gold medal is the highest achievement at the Olympics. The one winning Gold is the best and number one. So, You are Gold can mean that you’re telling the other person that they are your number one just the way you are!

***

If you’re looking for something to represent this mantra, check out one of our pieces of pineapple clothing named: Stay Golden Inside and Out.


This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Roberto Peraza26 Jul 2016 HI Scott,
    Thanks for such great article. Love your last thoughts about taking control back and being positive.
    Keep going with this.
    Appreciate it.
    Regards
    Roberto
  2. Seri10 May 2017 it so true. hope more artical like this
  3. Fred13 Mar 2018 Very cool!
    Funny story of how I found myself here… I realized it was an old friends birthday today and was dropping him some well wishes on FB and typed ‘Stay Golden!’
    I know what it meant to me but decided to search what it meant to the web figuring I’d get an Outsiders reference. Lo and behold this article popped up. Next thing I know I’m reading your blog and ordering pineapple stickers, lol. Got a good image of a pineapple with sunglasses and party hat to accompany the birthday wishes too (properly credited of course).
    Seriously, the simplicity is brilliant. I love the stoke and intend to spread it further! Also, I live in south Florida and am lucky enough to be able to grow pineapples in my yard. I’ve got a new one just crowning now and will be sure to send you a pic 🙂
    Thanks,
    Fred
  4. Scott Webb24 May 2018 Dang, you rock Fred! Thanks for your support and we hope you’re stickering pineapples all over South Florida! We want to see that picture too!
  5. SUZY2 Apr 2018 A YOUNG MAN AT A TIRE SHOP SAID EVERYTHING WAS GOLDEN AND I CAN’T STOP USING IT BECAUSE IT FITS ALL SITUATIONS SO PERFECTLY. SO PASS IT ON!!
  6. Scott Webb16 Nov 2018 Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! haha
  7. JACK7 Jun 2018 Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! haha
    1. Scott Webb7 Jun 2018 Hey JACK, I’ve never seen The Outsiders.
Previous

Pineapple Symbol: A Bold Feminist Icon

7 Summery Pineapple Picks

Next

Leave a Comment