Diamonds Are Forever
John Barry Lyrics
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They can stimulate and tease me
They won't leave in the night
I've no fear that they might desert me
Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it
Touch it, stroke it and undress it
I can see ev'ry part, nothing hides in the heart to hurt me
I don't need love, for what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me
For when love's gone, they'll lustre on
Diamonds are forever, sparkling round my little finger
Unlike men, the diamonds linger
Men are mere mortals who are not worth going to your grave for
I don't need love, for what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me
For when love's gone, they'll lustre on
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever
The song "Diamonds Are Forever" by John Barry is an ode to the beauty, allure, and invincibility of diamonds. The first stanza of the song makes it clear that to the singer, diamonds are the only thing that he needs to feel pleased and stimulated. He trusts in the durability and loyalty of these gems, as they won't leave him in the middle of the night unlike human companions. The singer then goes on to describe the process of admiring and cherishing a diamond, exploring every inch of it without the fear of it causing harm or betrayal.
In the second verse, the singer emphasizes how diamonds never lie to him, and how they continue to sparkle even when love is long gone. The comparison of men to diamonds is drawn out, emphasizing how men are mortal and may not be worth the sacrifice. Finally, the chorus brings the song to its conclusion by repeating that diamonds are forever, emphasizing the immortality and timelessness of these precious stones.
Line by Line Meaning
Diamonds are forever, they are all I need to please me
The singer values diamonds so much that they believe that they can satisfy them completely and without fail.
They can stimulate and tease me
Diamonds can evoke powerful feelings of pleasure and excitement.
They won't leave in the night
Unlike people, diamonds can be relied upon not to flee (either physically or emotionally) unexpectedly.
I've no fear that they might desert me
The artist has complete trust in the staying power of diamonds and does not believe they will ever abandon them.
Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it
The artist describes how to handle a diamond with admiration and affection.
Touch it, stroke it and undress it
The singer encourages physical contact with the diamond, implying a sensuous pleasure in being close to this precious object.
I can see ev'ry part, nothing hides in the heart to hurt me
The singer values the transparency of the diamond and appreciates its lack of hidden motives or emotional complications.
I don't need love, for what good will love do me?
The artist has no interest in romantic love, seeing it as useless or perhaps even hurtful in comparison to the allure of diamonds.
Diamonds never lie to me
The artist trusts the authenticity of the diamond and finds comfort in its unchanging qualities.
For when love's gone, they'll lustre on
The artist reflects on how the value of a diamond persists even after a romantic relationship has ended, and suggests that the object may hold more lasting meaning in the absence of a fickle human partner.
Diamonds are forever, sparkling round my little finger
The singer is proud to show off their diamonds, which adorn their body and catch the eye of others.
Unlike men, the diamonds linger
The artist finds men (and by extension, romantic partners) to be unreliable or fleeting, in contrast to the persistent presence of diamonds in their life.
Men are mere mortals who are not worth going to your grave for
The singer places little value on human relationships, suggesting that the rewards of a good diamond (or material possessions in general) far outweigh the risks of emotional intimacy.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever
The singer reiterates the everlasting appeal of diamonds and how they will always hold significance for them, regardless of changing circumstances or attitudes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Barry, Don Black
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind