10 Best Songs About Diamonds

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While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, they’ve also played a pretty significant role in the stories behind some legendary classic rock songs. Whether sparkling symbols of love, reflections of past mistakes, or emblems of raw power, diamonds have inspired some of the greatest songs in rock history. In this list, we delve into ten unforgettable tracks, each exploring the unique allure of diamonds from a different angle.

# 10 – Diamonds And Rust – Joan Baez

Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez opens this list of the 10 Best Songs About Diamonds, setting the stage with its haunting recollection of love, memory, and regret. Written in 1974 and released in 1975, Diamonds & Rust reflects Baez’s reflections on a former lover, who many interpret to be Bob Dylan. Through the vivid imagery of a surprise phone call and flashbacks to a cold, gritty hotel room in Greenwich Village, Baez reveals the emotions stirred by the encounter. Each lyric masterfully balances the beauty and pain of memory—what she encapsulates as “diamonds and rust”—making it a timeless exploration of the enduring impact of love.

The song’s opening lines, “Well, I’ll be damned, here comes your ghost again,” immediately transport listeners to the unexpected emotional revival caused by a familiar voice. Baez describes the memories vividly, bringing back moments like buying her lover cufflinks, “bluer than robin’s eggs” eyes, and poetic exchanges that linger with bittersweet nostalgia. The lyrics emphasize the inevitable duality of precious memories; while they hold beauty and value, they also carry a sense of decay, like rust. As she recalls “brown leaves falling all around” and “snow in your hair,” Baez captures the melancholic nostalgia of autumn in New York City, layering personal memories with seasonal imagery that evokes loss and change. Her voice captures both the softness of sentimentality and the sharpness of regret, emphasizing the complex relationship with the past.

Musically, Diamonds & Rust combines Baez’s delicate guitar work with a haunting folk-rock sound that reflects both the tender and rugged qualities of the lyrics. Recorded with producer David Kershenbaum, the track showcases Baez’s vocal and emotional range, marking it as one of her most memorable and poignant compositions. The song reached the Top 40 on the U.S. pop singles chart and has since been regarded as one of Baez’s finest works, blending her introspective lyrics with powerful folk-rock melodies that remain influential. With its poetic, layered lyrics and contemplative tone, Diamonds & Rust beautifully opens this list by reminding listeners of how memories, much like diamonds, can be both treasures and burdens, sparkling with both beauty and a tinge of melancholy.

Read More: Top 10 Joan Baez Songs

# 9 – Diamonds On My Windshield – Tom Waits

Diamonds on My Windshield by Tom Waits opens this list of the 10 Best Songs About Diamonds with a moody, jazzy homage to life on the road and the hypnotic experience of late-night driving. Featured on Waits’ 1974 album The Heart of Saturday Night, this track marks a pivotal moment in his career, where his gritty, spoken-word style and poignant lyricism began to take shape. Produced by Bones Howe, who would go on to work closely with Waits throughout the 1970s, the song captures the essence of urban landscapes and lonely highways with a blend of jazz, blues, and beat poetry.

One of the musical highlights of Diamonds on My Windshield is the impeccable bass work by Jim Hughart, whose steady, grooving bass lines provide a rich foundation to the song’s jazz-infused atmosphere. Alongside Hughart, drummer Jim Gordon complements the vibe with subtle, cool jazz drumming that rolls like tires on wet asphalt, adding to the track’s vivid, late-night ambiance. Together, these musicians set the tone for Waits’ gritty, noir-inspired lyrics, which evoke the feel of a rainy night drive and the melancholy beauty of windshield reflections. The rhythm and instrumentation create a soundscape that’s both cinematic and intimate, drawing listeners into the transient world Waits describes.

Lyrically, the song embodies Waits’ knack for storytelling and imagery. With lines like “Well, these diamonds on my windshield / And these tears from heaven,” he transforms raindrops into symbolic “diamonds,” suggesting both the harsh beauty and loneliness of life on the road. Waits’ use of highway slang and descriptions of characters—such as the “Wisconsin hiker with a cue-ball head” and the “Sunday desperadoes”—add depth to the track, painting a world of late-night wanderers and long-haul drivers. The song reflects a bluesy, existential introspection as the narrator winds through the night, caught in a mix of nostalgia and restlessness.

Overall, Diamonds on My Windshield stands as an understated yet masterful example of Waits’ early work. It evokes the bittersweet allure of the open road, wrapped in rich, reflective lyrics and cool jazz rhythms. As the first song on this list, it sets a fitting tone, celebrating not diamonds in the traditional sense but rather the poetic gems found in the small details of life on the move, capturing the gritty charm that would come to define Waits’ career.

Read More: Top 10 Tom Waits Songs Of The 1970s

# 8 – Black Diamond – Kiss

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# 7 – Diamond Girl – Seals & Crofts

“Diamond Girl” by Seals & Crofts captures the gentle allure of soft rock while immersing listeners in an adoring tribute to an idealized love, likening the beloved to a rare and radiant gem. Released as the title track of their 1973 album Diamond Girl, the song builds on the duo’s signature style that previously brought them chart success with “Summer Breeze.” Peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number four on the Adult Contemporary chart, Diamond Girl quickly resonated with audiences for its poetic lyrics and smooth melody, solidifying Seals & Crofts as prominent figures in the soft rock genre of the 1970s.

The track features Seals & Crofts in a nuanced and intimate performance, with Jim Seals providing vocals and guitar, and Dash Crofts on mandolin, which adds a distinctive texture to the sound. Produced by Louie Shelton, Diamond Girl was recorded with a meticulous blend of vocal harmonies and a rhythmic, upbeat backing, which includes a soft rock mix of percussion and acoustic instrumentation. The intricate, polished guitar lines and Crofts’ mandolin underscore the song’s warmth, creating a sonically rich experience that mirrors the song’s lyrical theme of finding beauty and preciousness in a partner. The production quality reflects Shelton’s ability to balance clarity with a full, engaging sound, giving the track a timeless appeal.

Lyrically, “Diamond Girl” uses the metaphor of a diamond to celebrate the qualities of the narrator’s loved one, expressing a sense of awe and devotion. Lines like “Oh, my love, you’re like a precious stone” and “How could I shine without you / When it’s about you that I am?” suggest an almost cosmic connection, where the partner’s presence is as essential as a guiding star. This metaphor of a radiant and priceless diamond aligns well with the soft rock genre, where the balance between love and introspection plays a central role. Compared to other songs on this list, like Tom Waits’ “Diamonds on My Windshield,” which leans toward introspection within a gritty urban landscape, Diamond Girl keeps its focus solely on the gentle, romantic glow of devotion, showcasing the thematic range “diamonds” bring to songwriting.

As the opening track for Diamond Girl, the song’s buoyant rhythm and affectionate lyrics invite listeners to a celebration of love through simple, yet profound language. The track’s atmosphere differs from the harder rock tone of songs like “Black Diamond” by Kiss, instead offering a more delicate take on the strength and clarity that the diamond metaphor suggests.

Read More: Top 10 Seals & Crofts Songs

# 6 – Diamonds And Pearls – Prince

Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and The New Power Generation showcases the artist’s flair for blending emotional depth with musical sophistication, adding a rock edge to a soulful ballad that celebrates love over material wealth. Released as a single in 1991 and as the title track of the album Diamonds and Pearls, this song achieved widespread success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the R&B chart. Prince’s collaboration with New Power Generation, especially vocalist Rosie Gaines, is central to the song’s powerful sound, with Gaines’ soulful co-lead adding texture and intensity to Prince’s introspective lyrics. This track, like much of Prince’s work, beautifully combines rock, funk, and soul, giving it a unique place in the artist’s expansive catalog.

Recorded with a lineup of talented musicians, including Tommy Barbarella on synthesizers, Sonny T. on bass, Michael B. on drums, and Sheila E. on synth drum fills, “Diamonds and Pearls” captures a lush, layered sound that moves effortlessly between delicate verses and a commanding chorus. The production, directed by Prince himself, amplifies the song’s contrast between desire and affection, with prominent guitar riffs and a pronounced beat giving it an unmistakable groove. The music video, featuring actual pearls sourced from renowned Los Angeles jewelry designer Connie Parente, visually reinforces the theme, highlighting the beauty Prince sees in a love that transcends material gifts. The song’s production quality reflects Prince’s attention to detail and his dedication to exploring love’s complexities, setting this track apart as a high point in his 1990s output.

Lyrically, Prince questions the idea of love as a transactional exchange, with the recurring line, “If I gave you diamonds and pearls, would you be a happy boy or a girl?” The lyrics address the tension between material gifts and genuine love, offering an emotional appeal that mirrors themes from earlier songs on this list like Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust.” While Baez explores memory and loss, Prince delves into present-day devotion and commitment, asking if love alone is enough. The line, “Love must be the master plan,” positions love as the ultimate, unwavering guide, aligning with the song’s uplifting yet introspective tone. This message, combined with Prince’s distinctive musical style, makes “Diamonds and Pearls” a timeless piece that resonates across genres and continues to captivate audiences with its emotional honesty and sonic depth.

Read More: 10 Most Rocking Prince Songs

# 5 – Diamonds Are Forever – Shirly Bassey

We are big James Bond fans here at the site, so there was no way we were not including this one on the list. Of course, we had to make sure to include the cool opening video to the classic Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. This was one of our favorite Bond films, featuring the best Bond of them all: Sean Connery. “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey is an iconic Bond theme that perfectly captures the allure, danger, and glamour synonymous with the James Bond franchise. Released in 1971 as the title track for the seventh Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever, this song marks Bassey’s second collaboration with the series after her legendary performance of Goldfinger.

With lyrics by Don Black and a musical score by Bond series composer John Barry, “Diamonds Are Forever” is a powerhouse of orchestration and emotional complexity, underscoring the film’s theme with a sense of mystery and sophistication. The song’s sultry, haunting sound was recorded in October 1971 and became a defining piece in both Bassey’s career and the Bond soundtrack repertoire, cementing its place in cinematic and musical history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwbEuzJCnqI

# 4 –Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – Paul Simon

“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” brings the vibrant soundscape of Paul Simon’s Graceland to life, blending Western pop with South African music in a way that was groundbreaking at the time. Released in 1986 as the fourth single from Graceland, this track showcases Simon’s collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose harmonized Zulu vocals enrich the song’s layered texture. The song’s unique blend of jazz, pop, and traditional South African rhythms represents Simon’s desire to push artistic boundaries, while the lyrics offer a story filled with charm, irony, and subtle social commentary. As Simon sings of a wealthy woman flaunting “diamonds on the soles of her shoes,” he contrasts her with a “poor boy” whose “pocket is empty,” creating a rich metaphor for materialism and class differences.

The journey behind “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” is as fascinating as the song itself. Originally, the song was not planned for inclusion on Graceland, but Warner Bros. decided to delay the album’s release from summer to fall 1986. This delay provided Simon with an unexpected opportunity to add the song to the album after he, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the South African musicians had performed it live on Saturday Night Live on May 10, 1986. Later, when they returned to the show in November, Simon performed the song with the group again, adding to the song’s growing popularity. The recording sessions included several key musicians who contributed to its eclectic sound: Ray Phiri on guitar, Bakithi Kumalo on bass, Isaac Mtshali on drums, and additional percussion by Babacar Faye and Assane Thiam, along with Lenny Pickett’s saxophone and Earl Gardner’s trumpet, which added layers of texture.

The lyrics, with lines like “She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes,” convey a sense of wonder and intrigue about this woman whose wealth is so excessive that she can afford diamonds even in the most unexpected places. There is a playful irony in how Simon presents wealth and poverty, with the “rich girl” and “poor boy” finding themselves in each other’s worlds, navigating New York’s Upper Broadway. The song’s atmosphere, both sonically and lyrically, allows listeners to reflect on the nature of material possessions and human relationships. The chorus, with Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s powerful harmonies, provides a rhythmic mantra that contrasts beautifully with the song’s soft, soulful verses.

This piece, like Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez or Diamonds and Pearls by Prince, uses “diamonds” as a lens through which to explore complex social themes and relationships. While Baez and Prince approach the symbolism of diamonds through the lens of personal relationships, Simon’s approach has a broader, almost whimsical take on how wealth impacts personal freedom and identity.

Read More: Top 10 Paul Simon Songs

# 3 – Diamond Dogs – David Bowie

“Diamond Dogs,” released as a single in 1974, is David Bowie’s audacious title track for the album Diamond Dogs, a record that captured Bowie’s vision of a dystopian world inspired by George Orwell’s 1984. In this post-apocalyptic landscape, Bowie introduces us to Halloween Jack, a rebellious persona residing atop a decrepit Manhattan skyscraper, far removed from society. Bowie’s guitar work, heavily influenced by the raw edge of The Rolling Stones, reflects a pivotal shift in his music as he veered from glam rock into a grittier, proto-punk sound. Bowie’s iconic voice, both haunting and provocative, carries the song’s sense of urban decay and moral ambiguity, making “Diamond Dogs” one of his most artistically ambitious works.

Recorded in late 1973 and early 1974, the track showcases Bowie’s multi-instrumental talent, as he takes on lead and rhythm guitar as well as saxophone, in addition to his vocal duties. Backed by Herbie Flowers on bass, Mike Garson’s eerie piano lines, and Aynsley Dunbar’s explosive drumming, “Diamond Dogs” comes alive as a dark anthem that explores themes of societal collapse and survival. Produced by Bowie himself, the track was innovative in both sound and storytelling, despite it not becoming a major commercial hit, peaking only at number 21 in the UK charts. Critics like Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray from NME saw its unconventional nature as a reason for its modest performance, noting that it was “too bleak in vision” and “too tough to dance to.” Nevertheless, its haunting energy made it an essential part of Bowie’s 1974 North American tour, where the song was brought to life with elaborate staging and visuals.

Lyrically, Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” is brimming with unsettling imagery, from “crawling down the alley on your hands and knee” to “mannequins with kill appeal.” These images create a sense of lurking danger as the Diamond Dogs roam the urban wilderness, hunting down anyone who dares to wander into their territory. Lines like “This ain’t rock and roll / This is genocide” add a layer of social critique, blurring the line between glam theatrics and a grim reality. Halloween Jack’s world is one of moral ambiguity, where survival trumps civility, and his character embodies Bowie’s fascination with rebellion and dystopia. As the song fades with Bowie’s eerie warning, “Beware of the Diamond Dogs,” the listener is left to ponder the perilous allure of this dark, rebellious underworld.

Compared to other songs on this list, “Diamond Dogs” stands out for its layered and cinematic storytelling, set against an apocalyptic backdrop that diverges from traditional rock themes of love and rebellion. Where songs like Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” infuse themes of wealth and social status with playful melodies, “Diamond Dogs” offers a far grittier, urban exploration of human survival and decay.

Read More: David Bowie’s Best Covers Of Other Artist’s Songs

# 2 – Shine On You Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” a nine-part opus from Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, is one of the band’s most hauntingly beautiful compositions. Written by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright, this tribute to former bandmate Syd Barrett is both mournful and celebratory. Originally performed on Pink Floyd’s 1974 French tour, the piece fully took shape in 1975 at Abbey Road Studios, recorded meticulously with elements designed to convey both respect and sorrow for Barrett, who left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues compounded by substance abuse. The song’s structure and musicality, spanning nearly 26 minutes, underscore the layered complexity of both Barrett’s life and the profound impact he had on the band.

Opening with Wright’s emotive keyboard work and Gilmour’s haunting, bluesy guitar, the composition sets an ethereal tone before Waters’ lyrics reflect on Barrett’s legacy. Lines like “Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun,” and “Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky,” poignantly capture the brightness and subsequent darkness that marked Barrett’s life. The soundscape grows from gentle introspection to crescendos of raw intensity, using musical ebbs and flows that mirror Barrett’s own trajectory—from an inspired artist to a tragic figure. The song is presented in two parts on the album, bookending Wish You Were Here and serving as a somber reminder of the band’s foundational history and the sacrifices that come with fame.

Musically, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is driven by Gilmour’s iconic four-note guitar theme, Wright’s expansive keyboards, and a synergy among all members that recalls their early days. The production, overseen by the band members along with engineer Brian Humphries, captures a sonic depth that is atmospheric and immersive, making it a masterpiece of progressive rock. Critical reception hailed the song’s ambitious scope and emotional gravity, cementing it as one of Pink Floyd’s most celebrated tracks.

When compared to other songs on this list, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” diverges in its deeply personal nature. Where tracks like David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” venture into dark societal commentary, Pink Floyd’s track is introspective, focusing on the fragility of the human psyche and the impact of fame. Its profound layers and expansive soundscape make it a standout, with lyrics that feel as timeless as the diamond they reference. This track remains a tribute not only to Syd Barrett but also to the enduring power of music to encapsulate loss, remembrance, and reverence.

Read More: Top 25 Pink Floyd Songs

# 1 – Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds – The Beatles 

Closing out this list is the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Created primarily by John Lennon, the inspiration came from a heartfelt moment: a simple nursery drawing by his young son Julian, who, upon returning from school, proudly displayed his picture, naming it “Lucy – in the Sky with Diamonds.” This unpretentious title sparked Lennon’s imagination, igniting a lyrical vision that paired innocence with kaleidoscopic wonder. Paul McCartney, who contributed to the song, described their creative process as one driven by the whimsical worlds of Alice in Wonderland, helping to infuse the lyrics with images of “newspaper taxis” and “cellophane flowers.” This narrative fantasy became a vivid journey for fans, sparking interpretations that ranged from literary tributes to the speculation about the song’s title initials, “LSD.” Though both Lennon and McCartney would deny any connection to the psychedelic substance, the imaginative, dreamlike atmosphere resonated with a generation caught in the allure of counter-culture.

The Beatles’ approach to recording “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” at Abbey Road Studios exemplifies their pioneering spirit. Recorded in March 1967 and produced by George Martin, the track opens with McCartney’s unmistakable Lowrey organ, its otherworldly tone setting the stage for the song’s whimsical voyage. Lennon’s vocals, treated with unique studio effects, drift across the melody like a vision, floating listeners down the imaginary river in the “boat beneath a sunny sky” of Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. George Harrison’s tambura droning in the background grounds the song in a distinctively Eastern influence, enhancing the mystique. This layering of sounds was more than just a production choice; it was the Beatles’ way of expanding the sonic landscape of rock, blending Western and Eastern sensibilities with an innovative use of studio technology.

The song’s thematic richness delves into perceptions of innocence and wonder, a trip through Lennon’s own reflections and the fantastical. The lyrics, “Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies,” immediately create an image steeped in childlike curiosity. As the lines unfold, “newspaper taxis” and “rocking horse people” continue the imaginative narrative, pulling listeners into an escapist fantasy that resonated with the psychedelic culture of the 1960s. Lennon’s intention to evoke pure visual escapism is clear, yet the song simultaneously reflects a longing for innocence—a theme that ran deep through Lennon’s work.

Chart-wise, the Beatles’ original version of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” did not release as a single, but its cultural impact was immense. Upon Sgt. Pepper’s release, the song quickly became a fan favorite, embodying the spirit of the album and the era. While it may not have climbed the charts as a standalone single, its inclusion in the groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band helped that album soar to global success, solidifying the Beatles as cultural pioneers.

In 1974, the song would experience a remarkable resurgence thanks to Elton John’s cover, which was more than just an homage—it was a re-imagination. With Lennon himself contributing guitar and backing vocals under the pseudonym Dr. Winston O’Boogie, the cover brought the song’s rich, layered imagery to a new audience. Elton’s version added a glam-rock polish, paired with his characteristic flair, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the few Lennon-McCartney compositions to hit the top by an artist other than the Beatles. Elton’s connection with Lennon went beyond mere musical partnership; they performed the song live together at Madison Square Garden in 1974, immortalizing the friendship with an electrifying performance that merged rock royalty with intimate camaraderie.

Elton John’s reinterpretation of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” took on new meaning with his distinct style. The live rendition, marked by energy and fanfare, contrasted with the Beatles’ introspective original, showcasing how flexible the song’s imagery could be. While the Beatles painted a delicate dreamscape, Elton turned it into an anthem of spectacle and color, reimagining the ethereal journey as one suited for the big stage.

Comparing these two iconic versions reveals just how adaptable the song is. Where the Beatles leaned into poetic subtleties and subdued effects, Elton embraced theatricality, each artist’s rendition reflective of their unique approach to music. Both versions stand as testaments to the song’s enduring appeal, one that spans decades and connects generations with its ageless wonder and fantasy.

Adding to the significance of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds as the closing song on this list of songs about diamonds, this track fittingly brings together the themes of wonder, transformation, and resilience seen across the collection. The Beatles’ surreal and imaginative approach aligns well with the deep, evocative spirit found in other songs on the list, like Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Both tracks take an ethereal approach to human experiences—Pink Floyd celebrating the brilliance and tragedy of a fallen friend, while the Beatles tap into the innocence and limitless creativity of childhood imagination. Yet where Shine On You Crazy Diamond leans into profound melancholy, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds delivers its fantasy with a lighter, dreamlike quality, showing the versatility of “diamond” symbolism in rock.

Likewise, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds shares a sense of escapism with Paul Simon’s Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. Both songs carry the listener away, with Simon’s track rooted in earthy, folk-pop rhythms contrasted by the Beatles’ psychedelic soundscape. While Simon’s piece celebrates the joyful resilience of a carefree, “rich girl,” Lennon’s lyrics float through a more otherworldly setting, giving the list an ideal bookend. Where Simon paints vibrant scenes of self-sufficiency and simplicity, the Beatles invite listeners into a mind-bending reverie. Together, these songs create a full-circle effect, revealing the multifaceted nature of diamonds as a motif—from grounding, sparkling reality to limitless, star-studded fantasy.

In closing, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds serves as an imaginative crescendo to this list, drawing listeners into a lasting vision that captures the timeless allure of diamonds and the emotional spectrum they represent in music—from strength and beauty to the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

Read More: Complete List Of Fan’s Favorite Beatles Songs

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