We both know what memories can bring/
They bring diamonds and rust.

“Diamonds and Rust” is the song that Joan Baez wrote about her relationship with Bob Dylan. Baez was not a great songwriter; she was a great singer. “Diamonds and Rust” was the exception. It is such a personal tale with unique details that help bring the story to life with universal observations that solidify the song as applicable to any relationship.

Ten years after their breakup, Joan gets a phone call from Dylan. It is random: out of the blue. It brings about a flood of thoughts and emotions. What does she mean by “Diamonds and Rust”? Well, some of her memories of him have aged like diamonds, some like rust. Her description of the onslaught of her feelings and her recollection of their relationship is great songwriting.

They decide to meet after all these years. The scene is described in one of the best bridges of all time: At first it is as magical as the movies. Her description is poetic. All the loving memories rush over her. The music swells to a crescendo…

Then they start talking. And it becomes clear why they broke up. It appears he may even want to give the relationship another go–but for her it is a hard no.

“Diamonds and Rust” is another song that I cannot believe does not get more airplay. It is so beautiful, and it is an icon at her absolute best. The guitar part is unique, as is the chord progression. Again, the bridge is amazing. She changes the sound as the scene is changed and we can hear the lightness and happiness of their reuniting. Followed by the abrupt return to the sad minor key when they start to talk again. Joan’s voice is amazing. She tends to go slightly overboard on the vibrato, but it bothers me less with her than others who do this.

Diamonds And Rust 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.

written by Joan Baez