About the song
“Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon is a mesmerizing fusion of African rhythms and American folk influences, showcasing Simon’s innovative approach to songwriting and musical collaboration. Featured on his critically acclaimed album “Graceland,” released in 1986, the song stands as a testament to Simon’s adventurous spirit and cross-cultural exploration.
Written by Paul Simon in collaboration with South African musicians, including the renowned vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” is a vibrant tapestry of sounds and textures. The song’s infectious groove and uplifting lyrics celebrate the joy of love and the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.
Upon its release, “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” received widespread acclaim and commercial success, earning praise for its innovative fusion of musical styles and infectious energy. While it didn’t achieve significant chart success as a single, it remains one of the standout tracks on the “Graceland” album, which garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
For fans of Paul Simon, “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” represents a high point in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to transcend cultural boundaries and create music that resonates with audiences around the world. Its enduring popularity and timeless appeal ensure that it will continue to be cherished by listeners for generations to come.
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Lyrics
O kodwa you zo-nge li-sa namhlange
(a-wa a-wa) Si-bona kwenze ka kanjani
(a-wa a-wa) Amanto mbazane ayeza
She’s a rich girl
She don’t try to hide it
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes
He’s a poor boy
Empty as a pocket
Empty as a pocket with nothing to lose
Sing Ta na na
Ta na na na
She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes
She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes
People say she’s crazy
She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes
Well that’s one way to lose these
Walking blues
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes
She was physically forgotten
Then she slipped into my pocket
With my car keys
She said you’ve taken me for granted
Because I please you
Wearing these diamonds
And I could say Oo oo oo
As if everybody knows
What I’m talking about
As if everybody would know
Exactly what I was talking about
Talking about diamonds on the soles of her shoes
She makes the sign of a teaspoon
He makes the sign of a wave
The poor boy changes clothes
And puts on after-shave
To compensate for his ordinary shoes
And she said honey take me dancing
But they ended up by sleeping
In a doorway
By the bodegas and the lights on
Upper Broadway
Wearing diamonds on the soles of their shoes
And I could say Oo oo oo
As if everybody here would know
What I was talking about
I mean everybody here would know exactly
What I was talking about
Talking about diamonds
People say I’m crazy
I got diamonds on the soles of my shoes
Well that’s one way to lose
These walking blues
Diamonds on the soles of our shoes