This single marked a comeback for Herb Alpert. Four tracks on the song's album, Keep Your Eye on Me, were produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who melded Alpert's sound with their own Minneapolis funk.
"Diamonds" was a hit in the U.S., peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. The single also went to #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales charts in the U.S. "Diamonds" was a hit in countries such as Canada and the Netherlands, but a more modest chart success in the UK and Australia. Its successor, "Making Love in the Rain", would reach #35 on the Hot 100 in September 1987.
Diamonds
Herb Alpert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You tell me you care
But when I'm around you
It's like I'm not there
I need a reminder
Something I can see
Something on my finger
Shining so brightly
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's best friend?
When you go, they stay with me until the end
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's best, best friend?
When you go, they stay with me until the end
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
You sent me some roses
But roses do die
You gave me some candy
It melted, nice try
I'm not that demanding
I have simple taste
I just want a token
That can't go to waste
Diamonds
(Da, da-da-da-da)
(Woo, ha)
(Uh)
(Herbie blow, huh)
(Da, da-da, da-da, da-da)
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's best friend?
When you go, they stay with me until the end
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's best, best friend?
When you go, they stay with me until the end
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
Don't throw in that towel (that's it)
Wait a minute, let's do the next song, next
The lyrics to the song "Diamonds" by Herb Alpert tell a story about a woman who is not feeling loved and appreciated by her partner. She is looking for something that will remind her that she is loved, something that she can hold onto and cherish forever. In her mind, the perfect symbol of love and devotion is a diamond, which she sees as a girl's best friend. She is not interested in material possessions or gifts that will eventually fade away, but rather something that will last a lifetime. In essence, the song is about the importance of showing your love and appreciation for your partner and the value of a gesture that will last forever.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that diamonds are a girl's best friend, and emphasizes that diamonds will stay with her until the end. The singer is essentially telling her partner that she wants something that will be a constant reminder of their love, and not just a fleeting gift that will eventually lose its meaning. The verse about roses and candy represents the impermanence of material possessions, and how they cannot compare to the value of something that will never fade away.
Overall, the lyrics to "Diamonds" are a plea for something meaningful and lasting. It is a reminder that love and devotion are not just words, but actions that need to be shown and proved over time. The message of the song is universal and timeless, as it speaks to the universal desire for a love that will never fade away.
Line by Line Meaning
You tell me you love me
You claim to have feelings for me
You tell me you care
You claim to care for my wellbeing
But when I'm around you
However, when I am near you
It's like I'm not there
It feels as if I do not exist
I need a reminder
I require a symbol or item
Something you can see
A visual representation
Something on my finger
A piece of jewelry worn on my finger
Shining so brightly
That gleams and catches the eye
Don't you know
Are you not aware
Diamonds are a
That diamonds serve as a
Girl's best friend
Woman's most adored possession
When you go, they stay
Even when you leave, they remain
With me until the end
Until the very end of my life
Don't want your money
I do not desire your cash
Don't want your key
I do not require access to your property
Diamonds
What I want
Love don't come for free
True love requires effort and sacrifice
You sent me some roses
You gifted me some flowers
But roses do die
However, roses have a limited lifespan
You gave me some candy
You presented me with sweets
It melted, nice try
But the candy melted, it was not a success
I'm not that demanding
I am not difficult to please
I have simple taste
My preferences are modest
I just want a token
All I desire is a symbol
That can't go to waste
That will not lose its value
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Harris, Terry Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justmeonthebeach
You tell me you love me
You tell me you care
But when I'm around you
It's like I'm not there
I need a reminder
Something you can see
Something on my finger
Shining so brightly
Don't you know
Diamonds are a
Girl's best friend
When you go, they stay
With me until the end
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's
Best, best friend
When you go, they stay
With me until the end
Don't want your money
Don't want your key
Diamonds
Love don't come for free
You sent me some roses
But roses do die
You gave me some candy
It melted, nice try
I'm not that demanding
I have simple taste
I just want a token
That can't go to waste
Diamonds
Don't you know
Diamonds are a
Girl's best friend
When you go, they stay
With me until the end
Don't you know
Diamonds are a girl's
Best, best friend
When you go, they stay
With me until the end
@KeepOnChasingLights5
I freaked when Janet performed this at her together again Atlanta show🥹🔥!!! One of my most favorite songs ever.
@paisleyprincess7996
Saw her play this last week
@melodysanger103
HAPPY 89TH BIRTHDAY
TRUMPTER HERB ALPERT
(MARCH 31, 2024)
@skiburnski7543
I just heard this song in a department store today. I don't think I've heard this song in at least 30 years! Why doesn't anyone ever play this? This song is a classic!❤
@brendaamata9233
Great song❤
@e.kharimbrazille-ohe
One of the best songs and videos of 1987! Love you Herb, Jam, Terry, and Janet!
@paisleyprincess7996
Indeed!
@brendaamata9233
Absolutely!
@Yaya_Just_Visiting
Don't forget Jerome 🪞🎶🎶
@AvoidsPikes-
I never knew that there was a video to this song. Dang, Jerome Benton was everywhere in the 1980s. I met him personally when I was in high school. Very nice guy.