Lowe was born into a coal-mining family with Irish roots, and raised in County Durham, England, where he grew up witnessing the decline of the coal-mining industry that had defined the region's economic profile for generations. A great many of Lowe's compositions address the economic distress that the North Country has suffered as a result of this industrial decline, and the social repercussions thereof. "Galloways," "Nearer to Nettles," and "These Coal Town Days" are among the songs that directly address economic conditions. In the much larger category of social impact songs, well known Lowe compositions are "Big Meeting Day," "Greek Lightning," and "Last of the Widows." Numerous other songs by Lowe deal with the general issues of poverty and limited social opportunity in the region. This may give the impression that Lowe is a deadly serious singer-songwriter and he is, but the seriousness is leavened by an ever-present sense of humour.
In addition to singing his songs, Lowe accompanies himself and The Bad Pennies on guitar, harmonica, cittern, and piano.
Black Diamonds
Jez Lowe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So don't make that mistake
Way down black diamonds to be found
Oh spades are made for digging boys
Hearts'll only break
Looking for black diamonds a mile beneath the ground
Cho: It's way down black diamonds to be found
Way down black diamonds to be found
Shining in the lamplight a mile beneath the ground
Oh dust it slowly kills yer
But what else can you do
Way down black diamonds to be found
It makes your throat like ashes
Your cuts and scars go blue
Looking for black diamonds a mile beneath the ground
See them wear their chains of silver
They're wearing rings of gold
Why they're way down black diamonds to be found
They'll be glad of some black diamonds
When their nights are turning cold
Looking for black diamonds a mile beneath the ground
Repeat verse 1
Jez Lowe's song "Black Diamonds" is a commentary on the hard work and dangers associated with coal mining. The lyrics are symbolic of the harsh realities faced by miners as they toil underground. The mention of clubs in the first line is a reference to the tough decisions that miners have to make. The singer advises against making the mistake of choosing clubs, which could represent choosing an easy way out, rather than staying committed to the arduous work of mining. The line "way down black diamonds to be found" is a reference to the valuable resource that lies deep within the earth. Here, black diamonds represent coal.
The second stanza continues with the symbolism of the deck of cards. Spades are made for digging, and so this line is metaphorical for the hard labor of mining. The line "hearts'll only break" adds to the theme of the danger associated with mining. The third stanza speaks to the physical health risks of mining, with the mention of dust killing and the throat feeling like ashes. The cuts and scars going blue is a reference to injury and illness associated with the profession.
The fourth verse takes a turn towards the economic realities of mining. The chains of silver and rings of gold worn by those who profit from mining are symbolic of the wealth that can come from hard work. These lines illustrate the plight of miners who work tirelessly to extract the coal, only to see the spoils go to those higher up in the chain of command. However, the miners themselves will also benefit from black diamonds when they're turning cold at night, referencing the use of coal for heating. The song ends by repeating the first verse, bringing the message full circle, emphasizing the importance of staying committed to the hard work ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh clubs will make you wonder
The excitement of clubs may make you curious, but be careful not to get too wrapped up in it.
So don't make that mistake
Avoid the mistake of getting too involved in club culture.
Way down black diamonds to be found
Black diamonds are located deep underground, in the dark depths of mines.
Oh spades are made for digging boys
Spades are hardy tools meant to unearth things, like black diamonds.
Hearts'll only break
Hearts are weak and easily broken, unlike the strong black diamonds in the mines.
Looking for black diamonds a mile beneath the ground
People search for black diamonds several feet underneath the earth's surface.
It's way down black diamonds to be found
Black diamonds are located deep underground.
Down in the darkness, that's where we are bound
The search for black diamonds takes place in the absence of light, in the depths of the earth.
Shining in the lamplight a mile beneath the ground
Black diamonds sparkle when illuminated by the light from mining lamps.
Oh dust it slowly kills yer
The dust in mines can cause health problems and even death.
But what else can you do
Despite the danger, mining is often the only viable profession for people in the area.
It makes your throat like ashes
Mining causes respiratory issues that can be deadly, and leaves the throat feeling unhealthy.
Your cuts and scars go blue
The physical toll of mining can be seen through bruises and discoloration of the skin.
See them wear their chains of silver
People who have found success in mining often flaunt their wealth by wearing expensive silver jewelry.
They're wearing rings of gold
Those who have mined and sold black diamonds have become wealthy and can afford gold rings.
They'll be glad of some black diamonds
Those who have been successful in the black diamond business understand the value of the stones and are always looking for more.
When their nights are turning cold
Black diamonds provide warmth and light, and those who have them are grateful for that in the cold of night.
Looking for black diamonds a mile beneath the ground
Mining for black diamonds is a dangerous and difficult job that requires workers to go deep beneath the surface of the earth.
Writer(s): jez lowe
Contributed by Muhammad B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.