Diamonds & Rust (April 1, 1975)

I bought this album when it first came out. It was the first and only Joan Baez album that I ever owned.

Those with eyes to see will be able to see what the song ties together in their lives.

Diamonds And Rust

Song by

Joan Baez

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 around and snow in your hair
Now you’re smiling out the window of that crummy hotel over Washington Square
Our breath comes out in 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 were 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

Amen.