Diamonds From Sierra Leone )
kanye west Lyrics


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Diamonds are forever
They won't leave in the night
I've no fear that they might
Desert me

Diamonds are forever (forever, forever)
Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe
Diamonds are forever (forever, forever, forever)
The Roc is still alive every time I rhyme
Forever ever? Forever ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?
Ever, ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?

Close your eyes and imagine, feel the magic
Vegas on acid, seen through Yves St. Laurent glasses
And I've realized that I've arrived
Cause it take more than a magazine to kill my Vibe
Does he write his own rhymes, well sort of, I think 'em
That mean I forgot better shit than you ever thought of
Damn, is he really that caught up?
I ask if you talked about classics, do my name get brought up?
I remember I couldn't afford a Ford Escort
Or even a four-track recorder
So it's only right that I let the top drop on a drop-top Porsche
It's for yourself, that's important
If your stripper name "Porscha" and you get tips from many men
Then your fat friend, her nickname is "Minivan"
Excuse me, that's just the Henny, man
I smoke, I drink, I'm supposed to stop, I can't because

Diamonds are forever (forever, forever)
Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe
Diamonds are forever (forever, forever, forever)
The Roc is still alive every time I rhyme
Forever ever? Forever ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?
Ever, ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?

I was sick about awards, couldn't nobody cure me
Only playa that got robbed but kept all his jewelry
Alicia Keys tried to talk some sense in him
30 minutes later sein' there's no convincin' him
What more could you ask for? The international asshole
Who complain about what he is owed?
And throw a tantrum like he is 3 years old
You gotta love it though somebody still speaks from his soul
And wouldn't change by the change, or the game, or the fame
When he came in the game, he made his own lane
Now all I need is y'all to pronounce my name
It's Kanye, but some of my plaques, they still say Kayne
Got family in the D, Kin-folk from Motown
Back in the Chi, them Folks ain't from Moe Town
Life movin' too fast I need to slow down
Girl ain't give me no ass, ya need to go down
My father been said I need Jesus
So he took me to church and let the water wash over my caesar
The preacher said we need leaders
Right then my body got still like a paraplegic
You know who you call, you got a message, then leave it
The Roc stand tall and you would never believe it
Take your diamonds and throw 'em up like you bulimic
Yeah, the beat cold but the flow is anemic
After debris settles and the dust get swept off
Big K pick up where young Hov left off
Right when magazines wrote Kanye West off
I dropped my new shit, it sound like the best of
A&R's lookin' like, "Pssh, we messed up"
Grammy night, damn right, we got dressed up
Bottle after bottle till we got messed up
In the studio, with Really Doe, yeah, he next up
People askin' me if I'm gon' give my chain back
That'll be the same day I give the game back
You know the next question dog: "Yo, where Dame at?"
This track the Indian dance to bring our reign back
"What's up with you and Jay, man, are y'all ok man?"
They pray for the death of our dynasty like "Amen"
R-r-r-r-right here stands a man
With the power to make a diamond with his bare hands

Diamonds are forever (forever, forever)
Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe
Diamonds are forever (forever, forever, forever)
The Roc is still alive every time I rhyme
Forever ever? Forever ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?
Ever, ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?





Diamonds are forever (forever, forever)
Diamonds are forever (forever, forever, forever)

Overall Meaning

In "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," Kanye West raps about the diamond industry and its impact on society. He starts with the line "Diamonds are forever, they won't leave in the night, I've no fear that they might desert me," suggesting that diamonds are a symbol of power and status that lasts forever. However, he emphasizes that this luxury comes at a cost, continuing with the lines "Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe, the Roc is still alive every time I rhyme." Here, he calls out the oppressive practices that diamond mining companies employ in Sierra Leone, where children are forced to work in the mines and oftentimes lose their limbs or lives.


Kanye then raps about his rise to fame and his struggle to gain recognition for his craft. He references his beginnings as a struggling artist who couldn't afford a Ford Escort, but now drives a Porsche with the top down. He also touches on his reputation as a controversial figure in the music industry, with lines like "Only playa that got robbed but kept all his jewelry" and "What more could you ask for? The international asshole who complain about what he is owed?"


Overall, "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" is a reflection on the contradictions and struggles that come with achieving success and fame. Kanye uses the diamond as a metaphor for the high stakes of the music industry, where wealth and power come at a cost.


Line by Line Meaning

Diamonds are forever
Diamonds are a symbol of eternity and wealth that will never lose its value.


They won't leave in the night
Diamonds are not easily stolen because they're valuable and durable.


I've no fear that they might
Kanye West is not worried that the diamonds he has will be stolen or taken away from him.


Desert me
Kanye West is confident that his diamonds won't abandon him or lose their value.


Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe
If you feel connected to this song, throw your diamonds up as a sign of unity and love.


The Roc is still alive every time I rhyme
The Roc is a record label that's still thriving because of Kanye West's music.


Forever ever? Forever ever? Ever, ever? Ever, ever?
Kanye West is asking if things will last forever and ever, indicating a concern about his wealth and status.


Close your eyes and imagine, feel the magic
Kanye West is encouraging his listeners to use their imagination and experience the power of the music he creates.


Vegas on acid, seen through Yves St. Laurent glasses
Kanye West is describing a wild, surreal experience that he's witnessed through the lenses of high-end designer glasses.


And I've realized that I've arrived
Kanye West recognizes that he's become successful and renowned in his field of music.


Cause it take more than a magazine to kill my Vibe
Kanye West is confident that negative press or critical reception won't deter his career or his spirit.


Does he write his own rhymes, well sort of, I think 'em
Kanye West is admitting that he receives help with writing lyrics, but ultimately he is responsible for shaping and delivering them.


That mean I forgot better shit than you ever thought of
Kanye West has a lot of creative ideas that he's come up with over time, outpacing others' ability to keep up with his level of artistry.


Damn, is he really that caught up?
Kanye West acknowledges that others might view him as being excessively invested in his own success and status.


I ask if you talked about classics, do my name get brought up?
Kanye West is curious if people recognize him as a creator of classic, influential music.


I remember I couldn't afford a Ford Escort
Kanye West reflects on a time when he had to be frugal and couldn't afford luxury items.


Or even a four-track recorder
Kanye West got started making music with basic equipment and software that was affordable to him.


So it's only right that I let the top drop on a drop-top Porsche
Kanye West has worked hard and earned enough wealth to afford a luxurious vehicle like a Porsche.


It's for yourself, that's important
Kanye West believes that it's important to invest in oneself and pursue a fulfilling lifestyle that includes things like luxury cars.


If your stripper name "Porscha" and you get tips from many men
Kanye West is referencing a common stereotype about exotic dancers and the amount of money they can make from male patrons.


Then your fat friend, her nickname is "Minivan"
Kanye West is making a joke about how people often have humorous nicknames based on their physical appearance or traits.


Excuse me, that's just the Henny, man
Kanye West is excusing his joking remark by blaming it on having had too much Hennessy liquor to drink.


I smoke, I drink, I'm supposed to stop, I can't because
Kanye West is referring to addictive habits that he has no intention of changing or giving up.


I was sick about awards, couldn't nobody cure me
Kanye West has been disappointed in not receiving certain awards or recognition for his music, but no one could make him feel better about it.


Only playa that got robbed but kept all his jewelry
Kanye West is referring to an incident in which he was robbed but managed to keep his valuable possessions intact.


Alicia Keys tried to talk some sense in him
Alicia Keys once attempted to speak with Kanye West about something important or serious.


30 minutes later sein' there's no convincin' him
Kanye West is difficult to convince or persuade if he has his mind set on something else.


What more could you ask for? The international asshole
Kanye West is proudly proclaiming himself as an international music icon, despite what others may perceive him as.


Who complain about what he is owed?
Kanye West is frustrated that he doesn't feel like he's receiving the recognition or compensation he deserves for being so successful.


And throw a tantrum like he is 3 years old
Kanye West has a tendency to overreact and express frustration in child-like ways when he's displeased with a situation.


You gotta love it though somebody still speaks from his soul
Despite Kanye West's challenging personality, he is admired because he speaks from the heart and shows honesty in his music and persona.


And wouldn't change by the change, or the game, or the fame
Kanye West values his independence and has no intention of changing who he is, even in the face of major changes or challenges in his life.


When he came in the game, he made his own lane
Kanye West established himself as a unique and distinct voice in the music industry by doing things his own way.


Now all I need is y'all to pronounce my name
Despite his fame, Kanye West wants people to recognize and respect him by correctly pronouncing his name.


It's Kanye, but some of my plaques, they still say Kayne
Kanye West has achieved numerous awards and accomplishments, but some of his distinctions have been misspelled over the years.


Got family in the D, Kin-folk from Motown
Kanye West has relatives who live in Detroit and are from the city that's famous for being the birthplace of Motown music.


Back in the Chi, them Folks ain't from Moe Town
Kanye West is referring to people in Chicago who aren't from Detroit or connected to Motown music culture.


Life movin' too fast I need to slow down
Kanye West is feeling overwhelmed by the pace and demands of his life, and thinks he needs to take time to relax and reflect.


Girl ain't give me no ass, ya need to go down
Kanye West is making a crude joke about not having sex with a woman if she doesn't want to.


My father been said I need Jesus
Kanye West's father has advised him to be more spiritual or religious, perhaps for guidance or comfort.


So he took me to church and let the water wash over my caesar
Kanye West went to church and participated in a baptism ritual that symbolizes cleansing and renewal.


The preacher said we need leaders
Kanye West encountered a preacher who talked about how important it is for people to have strong, responsible leaders.


Right then my body got still like a paraplegic
The concept of need for leadership had a deep impact on Kanye West, who felt immobilized by the idea.


You know who you call, you got a message, then leave it
Kanye West is telling people to be mindful of to whom they direct messages or requests, and to not expect immediate responses.


The Roc stand tall and you would never believe it
Despite any doubts or skeptics, the Roc record label has been successful and still stands strong today.


Take your diamonds and throw 'em up like you bulimic
Kanye West is telling people to celebrate their wealth and success by raising their arms and showing off their jewelry.


Yeah, the beat cold but the flow is anemic
Although the instrumental beat of the song is good, Kanye West feels that his rap delivery-style is weak or lacking in energy.


After debris settles and the dust get swept off
After things calm down and the dust settles, Kanye West will still be a successful rapper with a unique style and vision.


Big K pick up where young Hov left off
Kanye West refers to himself as Big K and implies that he is continuing the legacy and message that Jay Z (young Hov) started in rap music.


Right when magazines wrote Kanye West off
Kanye West has proven himself to be successful, even when some publications or critics initially counted him out or dismissed him.


I dropped my new shit, it sound like the best of
Kanye West is confident that his latest music release is some of his best work yet, and thinks others will agree.


A&R's lookin' like, "Pssh, we messed up"
A&R (artists and repertoire) representatives who didn't initially support Kanye West's music are now realizing that they made a mistake by underestimating him.


Grammy night, damn right, we got dressed up
On the night of the Grammy Awards, Kanye West is excited and proud to dress up and be recognized for his achievements in music.


Bottle after bottle till we got messed up
Kanye West and his associates drank a lot of alcohol and got intoxicated after the Grammy Awards ceremony.


In the studio, with Really Doe, yeah, he next up
Kanye West is promoting a fellow musician named Really Doe and thinks he is talented and will be successful in the future.


People askin' me if I'm gon' give my chain back
Kanye West owns a valuable chain necklace that people wonder if he will return or sell.


That'll be the same day I give the game back
The day Kanye West stops being involved in creating and producing music will also be the day he gives up his valuable chain necklace.


You know the next question dog: "Yo, where Dame at?"
People often ask Kanye West where his former manager and business associate Damon Dash is located these days.


This track the Indian dance to bring our reign back
Kanye West is suggesting that this song is like an Indian dance that will restore the Roc's prominence and reputation.


"What's up with you and Jay, man, are y'all ok man?"
People wonder about the relationship between Kanye West and Jay Z, and if there are any tensions or problems between them.


They pray for the death of our dynasty like "Amen"
Some people have been hoping and praying that Kanye West and Jay Z's musical alliance and record label (the Roc) fall apart or fail.


R-r-r-r-right here stands a man
Kanye West is here and present, representing his successful music career and creative vision.


With the power to make a diamond with his bare hands
Kanye West is describing himself as having such a high level of creativity and influence in the music industry that he could create something as valuable and rare as a diamond with only his own hands.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Benjamin, Antwan Patton, David Sheats, Devon Harris, Don Black, John Barry, Kanye West

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@yogijaya2897

His Father's colleague and fellow parishioner told Young Teenage Ye that he is talented enough to make it in the music biz although Raymond West was concerned that fame would eat his son alive and prevent him from furthering his education.
He wasn't wrong and Ye knows this now.
Tucker Carlson interview explains this well.

I expect a couple of albums in the works called SUN of RAY or something like that after V$.

Dr Randy Short told Ye to use his platform to encourage The People to learn about important issues such as the blood diamonds in Sierra Leone ....and here it is.

✝️👑



All comments from YouTube:

@hurricanehojax8717

Kanye West the type of nigga to put his own quote in his music video

@DrewleeDrewlee

W

@butttoucher6731

Kanyeception.

@LJdaWade

which quote?

@hurricanehojax8717

Lordson
The one in the first seconds of the video

@TheRealpennyInfo

Hurricane Hojax Ha

16 More Replies...

@wjones94

is anyone else journeying through old kanye music? legend hands down

@milodelgado5312

Always.

@orangjuwcs8345

It's been 45 mins

@amahledimba8846

Me I'm a huge fan

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