Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most… Read Full Bio ↴Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most important musician involved in the hugely popular Latin dance craze. Whether he actually created the rhythm is somewhat disputed, but it's abundantly clear that Prado developed it into a bright, swinging style with massive appeal for dancers of all backgrounds and classes. Prado's mambo was filled with piercing high-register trumpets, undulating saxophone counterpoint, atmospheric organ (later on), and harmonic ideas borrowed from jazz. While his tight percussion arrangements allowed for little improvisation, they were dense and sharply focused, keeping the underlying syncopations easy for dancers to follow. Prado played the piano, but was often more in his element as the focal point of the audience's excitement; he leaped, kicked, danced, shouted, grunted, and exhorted his musicians with a dynamic stage presence that put many more sedate conductors and bandleaders to shame. With this blueprint, Prado brought mambo all the way into the pop mainstream, inspiring countless imitators and scoring two number one singles on the pop charts (albeit in a smoother vein than the fare that first made his name) as the fad snowballed. He was a star throughout most of the Western Hemisphere during the '50s, and even after his popularity waned in the United States, he remained a widely respected figure in many Latin countries, especially his adopted home of Mexico. Prado is often best remembered for his softer, more commercial work, which has an undeniable kitschiness that plays well with modern-day lounge-revival hipsters. Unfortunately, that has served to obscure his very real credentials in the realm of authentic, unadulterated Latin dance music, and to this day he remains somewhat underappreciated.

Diamonds
Perez Prado and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Diamonds are forever, they are all I need to please me
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pérez Prado and His Orchestra's song "Diamonds" convey the idea that diamonds are everlasting and unchanging, unlike love and relationships. The repetition of the phrase "Diamonds are forever" emphasizes the enduring nature of these precious gems and their significance to the singer. The lyrics suggest that diamonds have the power to please and excite the singer, acting as a source of stimulation and temptation.

The line "They won't leave in the night, I've no fear that they might desert me" implies that the singer sees diamonds as a reliable and constant presence in their life. Unlike love, which can be unpredictable and transient, the singer feels confident in the permanence of diamonds. This sentiment is further reinforced by the assertion that diamonds never lie and continue to shine even after love has faded.

The lyrics also highlight the physical and sensual allure of diamonds. The lines "Hold one up and then caress it, touch it, stroke it and undress it" suggest a deep fascination and intimacy with the gemstones. The singer claims to be able to see every part of the diamond, implying a close examination of its beauty and perfection. This focus on the physicality of diamonds further enhances their allure and importance to the singer.

The lyrics make a comparison between diamonds and men, highlighting the perceived superiority of diamonds over romantic relationships. The line "Unlike men, the diamonds linger" suggests that men, being mortal, are not as enduring or valuable as diamonds. The singer implies that men are not worth sacrificing or dedicating oneself to, contrasting them with the everlasting nature of diamonds. This viewpoint reflects a certain cynicism towards love and a preference for the security and longevity provided by material possessions like diamonds.

In summary, the lyrics to "Diamonds" by Pérez Prado and His Orchestra express the singer's fascination, reliance, and preference for diamonds over love. They emphasize the everlasting nature of diamonds, their physical allure, and highlight the perceived shortcomings of romantic relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of cynicism towards love while celebrating the eternal and unchanging qualities of diamonds.

Line by Line Meaning

Diamonds are forever, they are all I need to please me
Diamonds have a lasting and constant beauty that brings me pleasure and satisfaction.

They can stimulate and tease me
Diamonds have an alluring and captivating effect on me.

They won't leave in the night
Diamonds are dependable and will not abandon me when darkness falls.

I've no fear that they might desert me
I have complete confidence that diamonds will never betray or abandon me.

Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it
Diamonds possess a timeless quality that can be appreciated and admired by holding and gently touching them.

Touch it, stroke it and undress it
I can intimately explore every aspect of a diamond, removing any barriers between us.

I can see ev'ry part, nothing hides in the heart to hurt me
Each facet and element of a diamond is transparent and does not hold any hidden motives or intentions that could cause me harm.

I don't need love, for what good will love do me?
Love is unnecessary for my happiness, as diamonds provide all the fulfillment and joy that I seek.

Diamonds never lie to me
Diamonds always remain truthful and authentic, never deceiving or misleading me.

For when love's gone, they'll lustre on
Even when love fades away, diamonds will retain their brilliance and shine.

Diamonds are forever, sparkling round my little finger
Diamonds possess an eternal radiance, adorning my finger with their dazzling beauty.

Unlike men, the diamonds linger
Unlike mortal men who come and go, diamonds have a lasting presence and impact in my life.

Men are mere mortals who are not worth going to your grave for
Men are transient beings who are not worthy of sacrificing one's life or happiness.

Forever, forever, forever
Diamonds symbolize an everlasting and unchanging quality.

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Barry, Don Black

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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