Diamonds are a thing of beauty. Their sparkle, brilliance, and value have enchanted women and men alike.
You’ll find diamonds in jewelry stores and even video games, which attest to the appeal of these sparkly gems. It’s no surprise that diamonds have inspired artists and musicians when they pen songs.
This article will walk you through some of the most iconic songs about diamonds, revealing how these precious stones symbolize more than mere opulence. Get ready to discover 19 of the best songs about diamonds!
1. “Diamonds” By Rihanna
Arguably the most popular song about diamonds is one by the Barbadian singer Rihanna. “Diamonds” is a stellar example of music that elevates the gemstone to symbolize beauty and resilience. Released in 2012, the song quickly topped the charts with its catchy tune and meaningful lyrics.
“Diamonds” is a departure from the usual topics of Rihanna’s songs. It carries a positive and hopeful message about love, with diamonds being a metaphor for inner strength and empowerment.
In the lyrics, the singer decides to be happy despite what others will think. She encourages listeners to do what they love and what makes them happy.
2. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” By The Beatles
A classic song with “diamonds” in the title is “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” This song by The Beatles is an emblem of psychedelic music.
Woven into its lyrics are various forms of imagery, such as “marmalade skies,” “newspaper taxis,” and “kaleidoscope eyes.”
The meaning of the song is abstract. But John Lennon shared that he was inspired by a drawing of his son Julian in nursery school. The drawing was of his classmate named Lucy, along with stars. Julian said that it was “Lucy in the sky with diamonds.”
3. “Diamonds Are Forever” By Shirley Bassey
Up next is a song that mentions “diamonds” as something that’s better than men. Iconic in film and music, “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey oozes with opulence and decadence. This timeless classic is widely recognized as the theme song for the 1971 James Bond film.
Bassey’s powerful voice conveys a tale about diamonds, illustrating them as everlasting symbols of luxury and elegance. She expresses her need for these precious stones as these “won’t leave me in the night.”
As such, she prefers diamonds more than love and man. A man can lie to you, and a love can end. But diamonds will not. They will linger and continue to shine.
4. “Diamonds And Rust” By Joan Baez
The American singer-songwriter Joan Baez sings to Bob Dylan about their relationship in the 1960s. “Diamonds and Rust” combines nostalgia, regret, and longing as Baez reflects on the past.
The phrase “diamonds and rust” is a metaphor for the contrasting experiences within the relationship. The diamonds symbolize beautiful moments. In contrast, rust represents the bittersweet memories that have faded over time.
Baez’s poetic lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced love’s ups and downs. This timeless ballad showcases her ability to capture raw emotions through her music, making it a must-listen for those seeking heartfelt songs about relationships and cherished memories.
5. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” By Pink Floyd
Three members of the rock band Pink Floyd wrote: “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” The song captivates audiences with its emotional lyrics. Here, the members pay tribute to their former bandmate, Syd Barrett, who struggled with mental health issues.
With its haunting melody and poetic verses, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” takes listeners through darkness and melancholy. The singers encourage Barrett to continue shining despite what he is going through.
Pink Floyd’s powerful guitar solos add depth to the song’s overall sound. The song serves as both a celebration of artistic brilliance and a reflection on the cost that fame can have on one’s mental well-being.
6. “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” By Paul Simon
Our next song with “diamonds” in the lyrics is one from Paul Simon. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” is a captivating song that showcases his unique storytelling abilities.
The lyrics describe an unlikely romance between a poor boy and a woman who is so rich she wears diamonds on the soles of her shoes, where they won’t be seen. And she doesn’t care even if she loses these gems.
The woman asks him to take her dancing, after which they end up sleeping on the street. But this time, both of them have diamonds on their shoes. The song shows how material possessions, symbolized by diamonds, do not necessarily bring happiness.
7. “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” By Kanye West
In Kanye West‘s “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” he connects the material possessions he has with Sierra Leone’s blood diamonds. The song was released in 2005 and belonged to his album, Late Registration.
The song begins with a sample of Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever.” In the lyrics, West talks about his status—specifically, the wealth he possessed from his success as a rapper.
He remembers how he couldn’t afford expensive things such as a Ford Escort. But after working so hard, he deserves to drive his Porsche with the top down. The lyrics also include his loyalty to Roc-A-Fella and how he threw a tantrum when he lost an award at the 2004 American Music Awards.
8. “Diamonds Dancing” By Drake And Future
Up next, we have a collaboration between rappers Drake and Future. “Diamonds Dancing” is a captivating hip-hop track that delves into the glamorous lifestyle of the rich.
The song paints a vivid picture of luxury as the artists discuss their success and flaunt their wealth through references to diamond jewelry.
With its catchy beat and slick production, Future boasts about his status and wealth. The phrase “diamonds dancing” refers to how the diamonds dance on the chains around his neck.
Drake, meanwhile, talks about spending time with his girl and doing opulent things “for no reason.”
9. “Diamonds And Pearls” By Prince
Released in 1991, “Diamonds and Pearls” showcases Prince‘s signature blend of soulful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. The lyrics capture the allure and symbolism of diamonds and pearls as representations of love, luxury, and beauty.
In the lyrics, Prince promises his lover that he will never walk away from her. He will stay by her side because that’s just what love is. He wonders whether giving diamonds and pearls to her will make her happy. In fact, if he could offer her the world, he would.
However, what he can give her is his love. He believes that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the connection between two individuals.
10. “Black Diamond” By Kiss
Another song that uses diamonds in a metaphorical way is Kiss‘ “Black Diamond.” The song draws you in with the guitar riffs and catchy melodies while Paul Stanley’s commanding vocals take center stage.
As you listen, you can’t help but feel the energy and intensity that emanates from this timeless classic. According to Stanley, the song is about New York City. In particular, the prostitutes on the street. It seems that “black diamond” refers to the queen of them all.
The lyrics show how she must earn a living, no matter how undignified it seems. She is “under their thumb,” telling us that people who are in better financial situations take advantage of her.
11. “Diamond Road” By Sheryl Crow
Our next song, Sheryl Crow‘s “Diamond Road,” teaches us to appreciate all the experiences of life, even the negative ones. With her soulful voice, Crow sings about the ups and downs we face as we navigate our paths.
The song captures the challenges of pursuing our dreams and desires. It’s not an easy road to travel, with trials awaiting her on her journey. Here, diamonds refer to the things that add meaning to life. They could be love, opportunities, and lessons learned.
Through it all, there is an underlying sense of hope. She encourages listeners to keep moving forward despite the obstacles that may come their way.
12. “Big Blue Diamond” By Jerry Lee Lewis
Diamonds can represent the lavish things in life. And that is what the love interest in Jerry Lee Lewis‘ “Big Blue Diamond” wants.
The song follows a man who loses a lover just because he can’t give her the kind of life she wants. And what she wants is big blue diamonds on her finger when he can only afford a “little band of gold.” Diamonds can also represent a lavish lifestyle that she’d want to have.
And so she left him in search of greener pastures. Heartbroken, the singer laments that though diamonds are beautiful, they cannot “warm your soul.”
13. “Diamond In The Rough” By Shawn Colvin
Up next is “Diamond in the Rough” by Shawn Colvin. This heartfelt song captures the essence of finding beauty within imperfections. It portrays a story of resilience, where the protagonist embraces their flaws and realizes that true worth lies beyond surface appearances.
In the lyrics, we find the singer looking back on her youth. She was an ambitious and self-assured young woman. But self-doubt creeps in, causing her to “bury that jewel,” but promises herself to find it later.
This song reminds us that everyone has hidden strengths waiting to be discovered. It serves as an empowering anthem for those who have faced adversity, reminding them to embrace their uniqueness and find their inner sparkle.
14. “Diamond In The Back” By Curtis Mayfield
There’s something valuable to be had from Curtis Mayfield‘s “Diamond in the Back.” This soulful and groovy song tells a story about finding value and appreciation in life’s simpler things.
Mayfield’s smooth vocals blend with the mellow rhythm, creating a soothing and relaxing vibe. This song reminds us to find joy and contentment in life’s little moments and treasures, even if they may not be traditional symbols of wealth or status.
In the lyrics, “diamond in the back” refers to the trim package of Cadillacs. He is saying that even though he doesn’t drive a Cadillac, he can still be proud of what he has.
15. “Diamonds Make Babies” By Dierks Bentley
The country song “Diamonds Make Babies” by Dierks Bentley looks at the connection between love and creating new life. Here, diamonds are used as a metaphor for commitment.
“Diamonds Make Babies” is a toe-tapping anthem for anyone who believes in the power of love and starting a family.
With its playful lyrics, the song explores the idea that diamonds are not just valuable gemstones. They also represent the precious moments that come with building a future together.
Bentley’s heartfelt delivery brings out the joy and excitement of embarking on this journey, capturing the essence of love’s ability to bring forth new beginnings.
16. “Diamonds On My Windshield” By Tom Waits
Next, we have “Diamonds on My Windshield” by Tom Waits. With his distinct gravelly voice and soulful lyrics, Waits recounts driving down the road with diamonds glistening on his windshield. We can only deduce that diamonds are a metaphor for rain.
The song captures the essence of late-night wanderings and contemplation. Waits’ poetic storytelling evokes a sense of longing and introspection as he drives on his way home.
“Diamonds on My Windshield” is not just about material possessions. Rather, it’s about finding solace in unexpected places and appreciating the simple pleasures that can be found in everyday experiences.
17. “Black Diamond Bay” By Bob Dylan
In Bob Dylan‘s “Black Diamond Bay,” listeners learn of a fictional island where chaos unfolds. The song makes use of vivid imagery to talk about this exotic location, its inhabitants, and the tragic events that followed.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to colorful characters such as Eileen, who dreams of escaping the island’s confines. However, their hopes quickly dissolve when disaster strikes. A volcano erupts, destroying everything in its path.
Dylan’s masterful storytelling shines through in this haunting masterpiece. With his signature raw vocals and poetic lyrics, he captures the desperation and destruction that unfold on Black Diamond Bay.
18. “Diamonds And Gasoline” By Turnpike Troubadours
The country music band Turnpike Troubadours released “Diamonds and Gasoline” in 2010. The song explores the desire for material possessions and freedom. Here, diamonds represent luxury, and gasoline symbolizes the open road.
The heartfelt lyrics are delivered in lead singer Evan Felker’s signature storytelling style. The song delves into themes of longing for success while recognizing the importance of staying grounded.
With its catchy melodies and relatable message, the song showcases how even amidst aspirations for wealth, there is an underlying appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures.
19. “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” By Marilyn Monroe
Last but not least is “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” By Marilyn Monroe. At its simplest, the song claims that diamonds are better than love or other forms of affection.
Quite frankly, the singer declares that she’d rather have a man who loves giving jewelry such as diamonds. She has no use for French men who carry out duels to prove their love. Or for men who love to kiss the back of your hand.
Above all these, diamonds are more useful and valuable. When she gets in trouble, when men leave her, or when she gets old, her diamonds will still be there for her.
Summing Up Our List Of Diamonds Songs
There’s no doubt about it; diamonds have this magic and power that make them even more beautiful in the eyes of men. No wonder Marilyn Monroe believes they are a girl’s best friend.
We hope you’ve found new favorite songs to add to your playlist. We can only rely on these songs to capture our fascination for something that not all can possess.
