Following in the tracks of fellow Canadians such as Neil Young and the Band… Read Full Bio ↴Following in the tracks of fellow Canadians such as Neil Young and the Band, Blue Rodeo can teach those of us south of the border something about our own music. Diamond Mine, the quintet's second album, reverberates with the band members' extensive knowledge of American pop. Guitarists and songwriters Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor invest their tunes and their performances with a wry spunkiness that counters the often bitter resignation of their lyrics. Their backwoods harmonies are as durable as the Louvin Brothers and as up-to-date as those of Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd.

This is not to say that Blue Rodeo can't get agitated, with explosive results. "God and Country" is a clenched-teeth put-down of jingoism in general and Oliver North in particular.

What matters most about Diamond Mine is the maturity and intelligence with which Blue Rodeo constructs its varied songs: Almost every track expands everyday rock-song concerns with sly wit. This is one import from the north we should welcome with open arms. (RS 553)

(Posted: Jun 1, 1989)

JIMMY GUTERMAN

Diamond Mine
Blue Rodeo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

And our love shines
Like a diamond mine

You say the party's over
But like a drunken fool
I never know when to leave
It's just that in the eyes of this beholder
You mean everything to me

Yea you say that you don't love me
Yea you talk about the other boys
And you laugh in my face
But I know when you're feeling sad and lonely
No other boy can take my place

'Cause when I look into your eyes
Well our love (our love) shines
Yea our love (our love) shines
Like a diamond mine

Nothing's as obvious as what is lost
Nothing's as painful as the cost
Let it shine
Let it shine
Like a diamond mine

And I hear all these rumours about you
Yea the trash lines up at my door just to bring me the news
But all it does is make me kind of wonder
Why are people so eager to be so cruel

'Cause when I look into your eyes
Well our love (our love) shines
Yea our love (our love) shines

Yea our love (our love) shines
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Blue Rodeo's "Diamond Mine" express the depth of the singer's love for someone who may not love them back. Despite the other person's protestations and rejections, the singer still sees their relationship as a precious gem, a diamond mine that shines with the brightest light. In the face of rumors and gossip, the singer remains dedicated to that love, knowing that it is a rare and powerful force that cannot be easily replaced.

The lyrics are incredibly evocative in their imagery, conveying the sense of a timeless, unbreakable love that shines like a diamond, no matter what obstacles may appear. The repetition of the phrase "our love shines" reinforces the idea that the bond between the two individuals is something special and enduring, even if it undergoes challenges and difficulties along the way. The contrast between the singer's feelings of deep affection and the other person's apparent lack of interest creates a sense of emotional tension that makes the song very compelling.

Overall, "Diamond Mine" is a powerful tribute to the enduring nature of love, and the intense emotions it can evoke in even the most challenging circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

And our love shines Like a diamond mine
Our love is bright and valuable, like a diamond mine.

You say the party's over But like a drunken fool I never know when to leave It's just that in the eyes of this beholder You mean everything to me
Even though you tell me you don't want me, I can't bear to leave you because you are everything to me.

Yea you say that you don't love me Yea you talk about the other boys And you laugh in my face But I know when you're feeling sad and lonely No other boy can take my place
You may say you don't love me and talk about other boys, but I know that no one can replace me when you're feeling sad and lonely.

'Cause when I look into your eyes Well our love (our love) shines Yea our love (our love) shines Like a diamond mine
When I see the love in your eyes, it shines like a valuable diamond mine.

Nothing's as obvious as what is lost Nothing's as painful as the cost Let it shine Let it shine Like a diamond mine
Losing something valuable is obvious and the cost of losing it is painful, but we should still let our love shine bright like a diamond mine.

And I hear all these rumours about you Yea the trash lines up at my door just to bring me the news But all it does is make me kind of wonder Why are people so eager to be so cruel
People bring me gossip about you, but it just makes me wonder why they are so eager to be cruel.

'Cause when I look into your eyes Well our love (our love) shines Yea our love (our love) shines Yea our love (our love) shines Like a diamond mine Like a diamond mine Like a diamond mine Like a diamond mine
When I see the love in your eyes, it shines like a valuable diamond mine, over and over again.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@samiranarimannejad7924

3y↑10

And our love shines
Like a diamond mine
You say the party's over
But like a drunken fool
I never know when to leave
It's just that in the eyes of this beholder
You mean everything to me
Yea you say that you don't love me
Yea you talk about the other boys
And you laugh in my face
But I know when you're feeling sad and lonely
No other boy can take my place
Cause when I look into your eyes
Well our love shines
Yea our love shines
Like a diamond mine
Nothing's as obvious as what is lost
Nothing's as painful as the cost
Let it shine
Let it shine
Like a diamond mine
Solo
And I hear all these rumours about you
Yea the trash lines up at my door just to bring me the news
But all it does is make me kind of wonder
Why are people so eager to be so cruel
Cause when I look into your eyes
Well our love shines
Yea our love shines
Yea our love shines
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine
Like a diamond mine

@jeffreybarkin3177

2y↑1

How many Songs over EIGHT ( 8 ) Minutes get to become Top Radio SINGLES?

"DIAMOND MINE" Achieved THIS!

This Video is shorter than the Album version, which is often played by many Canadian Radio stations.

A TRUE Canadian TREASURE and "A Staple" in BLUE RODEO's Spectacular Concerts. In fact, its often a featured JAM Tune in their Set or Final Encore.

❤ 😂

All comments from YouTube:

@andrebernier9742

4y↑62

Blue Rodeo is a Canadian gem that still rocks 👍

@thatvinguy

7y↑86

Sounds as good now as it did in '89. This deserves to be much bigger than it was.

@mike196212

9y↑107

Fantastic song. Makes me proud to be Canadian. Thanks.

@tonywhee

6y↑2

Just 1 more reason.

@janetwilhelm4435

CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY CFNY TORONTO.

@myles-spikewebby8519

40w↑6

This is a fantastic song. My sister played this song on cassette when it first came out. Listening in 2024!!

@stevejulian

5y↑25

The way the guy carries his voice and draws out the words is great. My favourite Blue Rodeo tune. This one is the best.

@robyn8842

And the lyrics are wonderful!!!

@bensmyth450

4y↑17

This song would be famous worldwide if it got the proper exposure.

@bgrigg07

46w

Still my favourite.

@senatornoam7313

39w↑1

That goes for A LOT of Canadian music. Very few Canadian musicians broke through and got the international recognition they deserved.

@davebinnie4257

2y↑10

This song just rocks so well. Love the heaviness even without much distortion on the guitars… just grooves. Happy Canada Day!

@katstewart5267

7y↑15

Classic iconic tune, Canadians are so proud of
Blue Rodeo. 👍💜

@emanuelwilliamz2749

8y↑48

maybe its not worldwide hit, but it sure is a Canadian hit....and one in my mind and heart, forever and then....

@pontifixmax

Most bands that stay in Canada aren't very good, which is why it's interesting to me that Blue Rodeo never made it big in the US as they are quite talented. Perhaps because they can't be easily categorized as country, pop, rock, experimental, etc as they are all of those things and more rolled into one.

@dutchy1176

11y↑107

This should have been a worldwide hit...

@04299330

9y↑11

+dutchy1176 It is in my world and where I come from...Canada eh.. :)

@dutchy1176

9y↑6

I lived there from 1982 to 1990. I remember this song well, my father bought the CD. We've been back in the Netherlands for a long time now, but still visit Canada sometimes....

@dancouver23

8y↑3

My dad bought it as well, I remember him playing it in the car and signing along with it to try to make me and my sister laugh =)

@eddy2crash266

8y↑11

This song kicks ass...always has...always will. One of the best bands ever.

@brawnerbandwidthpartdeux643

6y↑2

I was just saying the same thing to myself

1 More Replies...

@jabom99

8y↑7

I am from Canada and I can hear the folk, country, and rock tradition here. This is real Canadian music.

@samiranarimannejad7924

3y↑10

@craig328

13y↑56

I have a Canadian 80's playlist that I'll play and I'll have friends (here in Atlanta) go "wow, who is THAT?" when this song comes on. This one and the Tragically Hip's "New Orleans is Sinking"...great stuff that most Americans never even heard of.

@claudinewilliamson1150

4y↑4

The best music ever!!! Canada

@bigdaddy4197

2y↑4

I am in Atlanta as well, throw on some Teenage Head too (Lets Shake)

@claudinewilliamson1150

2y↑4

Neil young😂

@ReneeKnightYogaRani

1y↑1

Sadly, we know American music, but they don’t know Canadian music! Lots of Canadian artists are forced to leave Canada & go to the states or Europe to make it!

They get a good audience here, but until they get exposure outside of the US, few bands get as big as Blue Rodeo and the Tragically Hip did.

@theresaelliott9816

Educate them on some of our best Legends!

4 More Replies...

@anthragestormrider2493

4y↑7

Just thinking about this song, without hearing a single note, gives me goosebumps.

@christinawilson4023

11y↑33

This is pure genius. I love these guys!

@terrik3408

Christina Wilson totally agree

@GM-vf7px

34w↑1

Blue Rodeo is Truly one of the Best things about being Canadian! Immense , True North strong and Free definitely part of the Canadian Identity!

@GarlandBJJ

8y↑23

Seeing blue rodeo tonight in Hamilton Ontario with my parents. They have seen them many times and tonight I get to share that experience with them. You only live once. Get to know your parents. Rock on everyone.

@carlmcnamara5396

6y↑1

your parents have great taste in music
you are in for one heck of a great show

@jasonraymond8172

9y↑79

Still stands the test of time Canadian treasures...sparkling like...

@anne-mariezack

7y↑3

Jason Raymond Very few songs are global hits because musical culture is somewhat specific but nevertheless I agree with you. There are strong remnants of Bob Dylan in this song. 👍

@jasonwatkins8659

5y↑2

Diamonds

@claudinewilliamson1150

4y↑2

The best gets better

@dimarie8537

39w

💎

@TheD3mac

13y↑10

'all it does is make me kinda wonder why are people so eager to be so cruel?"...another great heart breaker from Blue Rodeo and one of my all time favorites from them...some of the greatest writing from a band ever

@mike196212

2y↑3

I still think this is their best song.

@AmandaHugandKiss411

7y↑13

I loved this song when it came out and I still love it. One of my fav Canadian songs of all time. I agree, why didn't this get more attention world wide?

@smokeinureye111

11y↑15

hell of a tune

@chrisb9690

2y↑3

When I think of Blue Rodeo this is the first song I think of. Was able to see them play last month in Kitchener and this was the second song they played.

@MartaMallory

6y↑24

This is an awesome Canadian band. Lucky me, I live close to Canada and listen to some of the Canadian radio stations from BC! Another fantastic band is the Tea Party... I love them so much! Thank you, Canada for these fantastic bands!

@shawnwright5332

5y↑1

🇨🇦 cheers

@kuladog3193

4y↑3

I hope you also found The Tragically Hip!

@WeazelJaguar

4y↑2

Your welcome!
I'm on the Canadian side, and grew up with your AM ststions before FM, Motown, Folk, Rock n Roll, Blues, what a great education!

@Rafman9999

Tea Party, The Odds, Blue Rodeo, The Hip, Matthew Good, and so many more!!

@johnbrowne3950

6y↑7

This is the first Blue Rodeo song I heard. Hooked since then.

@74Voyeur

36w

I first heard "Try" on a tabletop jukebox at Eaton Centre Lime Rickey's.

@AmunRaye

4y↑5

Thank the universe for this song 🖤💗

@MrJett1971

11y↑50

Still gives me a little chill up my spine hearing this song a quarter century after the first time...

@firstlast7719

30 years now it's still amazing :-)

@glenholmgren1218

5y↑2

@@firstlast7719 One of the most highly underrated bands of all time!

@walkingdogzpappel606

Hearing this sure brings back memories...

@Thread-ch7pu

astro heads arf@@firstlast7719

@davidallardyce-ni8jn

2y↑4

Great bunch of CANUCKS❤❤❤🎉

@doughorton3635

6y↑5

The very first time I heard this song in 1989 I was hooked. After hearing all the synth-pop of the 80s (which I didn't really like), this was a breath of fresh air. Guitars, bass, drums and organ. Interesting verses, bridges and refrains. Great harmonies. Old-school rock. I was an instant Blue Rodeo fan and I've been one ever since. This song made me a fan!

@osoyoosforever9643

3y↑1

Love it, thanks. CBC radio brought me here. This has to define old school Blue Rodeo.

@gordonmaclean4085

2y↑2

Iconic guitar solo, Canadian rock is the shizz

@mfleet1973

9y↑8

Just saw them at the Kemptville Music Festival. It made my evening when they performed this one in spite of the thunder storm earlier in the evening. They still have it!

@MetalIntoxication

4y↑4

Such a badass song !! 🔥🔥🔥

@Uraniabce

9y↑19

Damn! This is one sexy video, and they're not even trying.

@murrayfamily1942

5y↑3

How did this song not hit number one.

@jeffreybarkin3177

2y↑1

@susankramer1206

6y↑4

Still one of my all-time favorite songs, all these years later.

@TurquoiseMood

10y↑10

My nephew works in a diamond mine as a millwright. One Christmas just after he got the job, my family was talking a lot about it, and this song started playing in my head every time I heard the words "diamond mine". #Pavlovian

@CJEstradaMartinez

6y↑4

Haven't heard this song in over 25 years, but it still sounds great.

@TheTraktergirl

4y↑3

Love this song so much; the harmony, the 60's song. It gives me shivers every time I hear it

@cdigdawg

3y↑1

What a banger this is!

@std882

11y↑5

Blue Rodeo is really a very good band - music is absolutely melodic with great riffs and driving rhythm.

@mode1charlie170

3y↑1

My favourite blue rodeo song. It , kind of, has a doors feel to it with a back beat thats narrow and hard to master.

@cy6412

2y↑1

I heard this on the radio yesterday, what a great song

@marks5652

12y↑6

...I remember waking up to this on "The Edge" every morning when I was in highscool out here in Burlington...great way to start the morning...I'd just stay in bed an watch the sun rise as the song would play...amazing...

@successandlifestyle

102.1 Yes!

@genedrakes686

@@successandlifestyle Got to hang out when they had the studio on Younge Street! Had lots of fun! 1st place I got to see a photo shopped picture!

@theradioantenna

JJ James, you stole my heart. Love this song❤😀🙏

@angel1329us

5y↑6

Damn! I have never heard this song before right now! Awesome.

@genedrakes686

5y↑2

Better late than never! I had just started a 25 year job when this was new!

@Whydim1776

2y↑1

Amazing! Thank you..from a long time fan in WNY..

@Elsa-xoxo

2y↑1

LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. ❣

@livingbeingyoga-e6v

7y↑1

I just saw these guys at the Budweiser Stage... even better live.... it was one of those nights that felt so old time Canadian, it brought a tear to my eye

@michaelseymour3534

6y↑2

Their best song by far.

@davidbradley5510

8y↑4

This tune kicks ass....

@Skyhawkandre

10y↑4

Un sacrament de bon band merci pour le post

@teddcoleman8736

6y↑6

Another great Canadian band that we in the States miss it's a shame 😁

@shawnwright5332

🇨🇦 rock on A

@teddcoleman8736

@@shawnwright5332 Damm right love them not as much as I love The Hip but really good band A

@musicfromtheheart7236

12y↑3

Just outstanding!!! They still rock!!!!

@lynnecarr9697

Loved this the first time I heard it way back when. Fantastic album. Such an underrated band. Never heard a bad Canadian band………

@enkadude

8y↑1

Saw this video on Much Retro today and I appreciate this song even more than I did back in 1999. Awesome song!

@MegaNicolemarie

4y↑3

Excellent song

@africadondada6555

5y↑10

May 2020. Still listening to Blue Rodeo!

@AmandaHugandKiss411

4y↑2

March 2021 Canada

@janicewhite6001

Greta van fleet

@Creaulx

Sep 2021 and missing seeing the boys live. They did this in Perth Ontario at the Fairgrounds in 2016 and it was fucking glorious. Colin Cripps played lead guitar and if the show wasn't already outside, I'd say they tore the roof off that night. A Canadian treasure that we're lucky to still have around after 36 years.

@AndyI222

2y↑2

Still a killer song!

@fishdreamsbluebeach

Here after yesterday's Cross Canada Check Up AMA with Jim Cuddy... such a great song!

@MarlaErin

Has a 70s smoky Roadhouse vibe to it ~ love it! ❤

@successandlifestyle

5y↑1

Loved to watch them live at the Toronto amphitheater in my late teens 1980`s. The stage in the center was round and slowly turned them around, they had a disco ball with light set up to shine diamond lights down all over the crowd during this song. A magical concert!

@WeazelJaguar

Love that stage!
They never should have messed with Ontario Place, it was OURS!

@bigb2020

This is a great “Band” oriented video. Wonderful staging and videography.

@rodt7182

35w

Welome to Canada the home of so much music

@moodblue81

9y↑6

Awesome tune!

@mike196212

12y↑4

Still smokes after all these yrs. Thanks.

@janetwilhelm4435

5y↑12

Canadian music is the framework of my imagination

@TheJayzano

12y↑2

possibly the best song from the 80s

@benoitleblanc9163

6y↑2

Magnificient guitar sound.

@kate54ish

12y↑3

Blue Rodeo is a diamond mine...

@forfardewitt2492

41w

Peak Blue Rodeo.

@techberry2000

8y↑6

Still love this song

@clarencethomas5311

Seeing them tomorrow for first time, cant wait

@jazzbassmc8043

7y↑1

Musique de qualité! Bravo à vous Blue Rodeo!

@ChaoticAtmosphere

9y↑3

Fantastic song!

@sarahk26

7y↑1

This sound is so different... can't put my finger on it. Wow!

@carlmcnamara5396

the most rad video ever!

@lucyfaiella7220

6y↑2

GREAT SONG... LOVE IS ALL ♥️🎸🎸🎸🎹🎹🎹🎶🎙🎶🎵🎼🥁🥁📱📱🎸🎶🎵🎼🎙

@eddygsmusicworld1708

4y↑1

did I see them live or not? I walked by montreals musique Plus studios,the french version of much music. They were playing live behind the glass windows,i could hear it a bit and saw them.

@mike196212

Perfect song.

@daniebale2504

3y↑1

Tremendo exito musical, esta cancion. Q buena es la musica de los musicos Canadienses. Que bella es la musica en general.

@dsmasynergy

5y↑1

yes! timeless!

@CliveGulch

Fall 1989 they played The Great Hall of Champlain College at Trent. Downed a bottle of cheap white wine before I went. I remember it being a great concert and yelling “Bobby Wiseman is god!” during the extended organ solo in Diamond Mine. I don’t remember how I got back to my dorm room.

@jeff420sparky8

♥️bass groove in ths at begining before first chorus.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

@mjpicard00

51w

So goddanmn good.... I hate to not know this wonderful music

@jiop538

8y↑25

Love the Ray Manzarek keyboard fills pretty Doors style/

@glenholmgren1218

5y↑1

Saw them at the Molson Ampitheatre summer of '89 touring the Shite out of this album.
Manzarak was an animal that night - never seen a keyboards player come so close to stealing the show before, or since. The whole band was just on FIRE!
Closed out the night with a ROUSING rendition of NY's Hurricane - Sublime. :-)
... Good Times !

@kato64

5y↑2

@@glenholmgren1218 - Ray Manzarek never played with Blue Rodeo. While very Doorsy, the man behind the keyboard at this point in the band's life was Bob Wiseman. They've had some good keyboard players since, but none better than Wiseman IMHO. Apparently friction developed between he and other members of the band after their initial wave of success. As he put it "money changes some people". Not sure who he meant specifically, although most likely Cuddy or Keelor. But BR is still a working band over 30 years later, and he's gone on to relative obscurity, so maybe he should have tried to work it out.

@glenholmgren1218

5y↑2

@@kato64 Yeah, Good Catch - must have been Wiseman

@kato64

@@mikeboguskimusic1947 - Don’t get me wrong, I am still a BR fan. I’ve probably seen them live more often than any other band. I’ve followed them since their first album was released, so am well aware of the band’s evolution over time, and the changes in members. I simply preferred Wiseman’s style over that of any keyboard players they’ve had since. Much as I prefer Cleave Anderson’s jazzier style of drumming over that of Mark French or Glenn Milchen.

@tracysmithson9683

7y↑3

These guys always reminds me when i lived in my birth place in Saskatchewan

@barrybaker2773

5y↑1

Great tune!

@CNT40868

Great song...of course they're Canadian!

@stevestruthers6180

46w↑2

The song really gives the nod to The Doors, doesn't it? And Greg Keelor sounds a bit like John Lennon.

@markae0

33w↑1

keyboards and bass yeah

@flyyspit

12y↑3

SICK guitar..

@BLEUSTARCRASH

13y

Thanks for bringing me back to see it again!

@alexschonski3637

5y↑1

Hollow body electric guitar amazing

@robmitchell1919

Bobby Wiseman added so much to their FEEL

@4mysweetphoebe

12y↑4

Love both songs...New Orleans is Sinking is my ring tone :)

@AnnaLVajda

5y↑1

That's a hip song.

@Darryl6636

11y↑6

What a fucking cool bass line you guys kick ass !!!!!!

@liam2290

Such a simple bass line but so effective, infectious and iconic!

@moodblue81

11y↑1

I love this song!

@alexschonski3637

5y↑1

amazing tune almost like blending a Doors tune with the Everly Brothers ,true music magic ,

@pathenman4513

31w

I am a huge BR fan. Today I listened to Diamond Mine again and I suddenly, in conversation with my partner, began. discussing the shine of a diamond mine. The diamonds shine but not the mine. I know, I know, being too literal, but that is on. Artists need to be able to use the metaphor but it made me go back to the lyrics and see if the fact that she does not return his love in the same way, maybe that is the real metaphor - mines don't shine, just the diamonds...... his love shines like a diamond, hers doesn't.......thoughts?

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