About the song
Diamonds and Rust is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Joan Baez. It was released in 1975 on her album of the same name. The song is a poignant and evocative ballad about the passage of time, loss, and love.
Baez has stated that the song was inspired by her relationship with Bob Dylan, with whom she had a tumultuous on-again, off-again affair in the 1960s. The lyrics of the song are full of imagery that reflects the passage of time, such as “diamonds and rust” and “leaves falling all around.” The song also speaks to the pain of lost love, as Baez sings about how she still loves her former lover despite the fact that he has moved on.
“Diamonds and Rust” was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Judy Collins, Elton John, and Bette Midler. It has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.
“Diamonds and Rust” is a classic song that has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a beautiful and moving ballad about love, loss, and the passage of time.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ll be damned
Here comes your ghost again
But that’s not unusual
It’s just that the moon is full
And you happened to call
And here I sit
Hand on the telephone
Hearing a voice I’d known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall
As I remember your eyes
Were bluer than robin’s eggs
My poetry was lousy you said
Where are you calling from?
A booth in the midwest
Ten years ago
I bought you some cufflinks
You brought me something
We both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Well, you burst on the scene
Already a legend
The unwashed phenomenon
The original vagabond
You strayed into my arms
And there you stayed
Temporarily lost at sea
The Madonna was yours for free
Yes, the girl on the half-shell
Could keep you unharmed
Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling all around
And snow in your hair
Now you’re smiling out the window
Of that crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes out white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could have died then and there
Now you’re telling me
You’re not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You who are so good with words
And at keeping things vague
‘Cause I need some of that vagueness now
It’s all come back too clearly
Yes, I loved you dearly
And if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
I’ve already paid