Diamonds and Rust Lyrics

Performed by Joan Baez

(Words and Music by Joan Baez)

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
Would keep you unharmed

Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling 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
Because 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

© 1975 Chandos Music (ASCAP)

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Realistic, Nostalgic, Unsung | Reviewer: Lionel Ulloa Jr. | 7/9/11

I've never known about Joan Baez since her classic live performances at Woodstock '69. Caught my eye inmediately nowadays the way singing of Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs)I think Nat was very influcenced her in the vocals. When this song was covered by Judas Priest for recording sessions of Sad Wings of Destiny full-lenght was for me the cherry-topper.

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rips my heart out | Reviewer: remember, yet forgot thishauting song son -rips my heart out-for joan and me. | 2/4/10

Joan was in the audience last time I saw Bruce Springsteen. He invited her on stage and she went, but was not guided to perform. I wish she would have sang this song...always relevant.
heart-torn forever, sara

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the unwashed phenomenon | Reviewer: Anonymous | 7/18/09

I love old Joan singing
"if you're offering me diamonds and rust...
... well, I'll take the diamonds!"

She is very touching, and Dylan was never so kind to her in his songs. But when she sings Baby Blue, imitating Dylan's voice with a delighted sarcastic glint in her eyes... she really looks like a winner.

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diamonds too rust, dont they? | Reviewer: Babitha Marina Justin | 1/10/08

One of the songs which is really close to my heart. its sheer poetry here and the ease with which pain is changed to sarcasm is just like twirling a moustache :-). once my friend remarked that its a song for sentimental fools. rather be a sentimental fool than and be a detached one. LOL

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Another of the continuing repartee | Reviewer: Twisted Fiction Writer | 11/16/07

Read the lyrics for "Simple Twist of Fate" and learn that Joan answers that here, or at least that is part of the song - "that crummy hotel...".

Joan and Bob drifted apart, yet in a way never parted company.

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Nive song ever | Reviewer: hocaili | 5/13/07

Something come to me when i heard this song.Her voice is beautiful ever

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Love Song | Reviewer: Michael | 8/27/05

This is a very good love song. For those young to remember (Joan who?) it is autobiographical and the man she is singing it to is Bob Dylan.

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