About the song
Joan Baez, a stalwart figure in the folk music movement of the 1960s, delivered a timeless rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Diamonds and Rust” that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Released in 1971, this poignant ballad became a hallmark of Baez’s repertoire, showcasing her emotive vocals and interpretive prowess.
The song’s lyrical depth delves into themes of lost love, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Cohen’s evocative imagery paints a vivid picture of a once-intimate relationship that has frayed and faded. Baez’s interpretation infuses these themes with a raw vulnerability, capturing the bittersweet melancholy that characterizes the song’s narrative.
One of the intriguing aspects of Baez’s rendition is her unique interpretation of the lyrics. Initially, she learned the song by ear from The Band’s recording, leading to slight deviations from the original written version. These variations, though unintentional, added a personal touch to her performance, reflecting her own understanding and experience of the song’s themes.
The commercial success of “Diamonds and Rust” is a testament to its enduring appeal. The song reached the top of the easy listening chart and achieved gold certification, solidifying Baez’s status as a beloved and influential artist. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the song’s universal themes, Baez’s powerful vocals, and the timeless quality of Cohen’s songwriting.
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Lyrics
Virgil Caine is my name and I drove on the Danville train
‘Til so much cavalry came and tore up the tracks again
In the winter of ’65, we were hungry, just barely alive
I took the train to Richmond that fell
It was a time I remember, oh so well
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Back with my wife in Tennessee and one day she said to me
“Virgil, quick, come see, there goes Robert E. Lee”
Now, I don’t mind, I’m chopping wood
And I don’t care if the money’s no good
Just take what you need and leave the rest
But they should never have taken the very best
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”
Like my father before me, I’m a workin’ man
And like my brother before me, I took a rebel stand
Well, he was just eighteen, proud and brave
But a yankee laid him in his grave
I swear by the blood below my feet
You can’t raise the Cain back up when it’s in defeat
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the bells were ringin’
The night they drove old Dixie down
And all the people were singin’
They went, “Na, na-na-na, na-na”
“Na, na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na”