The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I'll be damned, here comes your ghost again
But that's not unusual
It's just that the moon is full
And you decided to call
And here I sit, hand on the telephone
Hearing the voice I'd known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall
But we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Yes, we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Now I see you standing all around, snow in your hair
Now we're smiling out the window of the crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes in white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could've died then and there
Now you're telling me you're not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You were so good with words
And at keeping things vague
'Cause I need some of that vagueness now
It's all come back too clearly
Yes, I love you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid
But we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Yes, we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
(I want, I want)
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
But that's not unusual
It's just that the moon is full
And you decided to call
And here I sit, hand on the telephone
Hearing the voice I'd known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall
But we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Yes, we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Now I see you standing all around, snow in your hair
Now we're smiling out the window of the crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes in white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could've died then and there
Now you're telling me you're not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You were so good with words
And at keeping things vague
'Cause I need some of that vagueness now
It's all come back too clearly
Yes, I love you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid
But we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Yes, we both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
(I want, I want)
Diamonds, diamonds and rust
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
this song is really shows how great a vocalist halford is you cant beat this song
I've heard many different versons of this song (4 different artists) but I still think Priest's is the best! I like sad songs and this one always makes me sad
This song was written and originally performed by Joan Baez. This song certainly lacks the emotional undertone that Baez's had, but Judas Priest was going for a much more driving, harder sound, and they nailed that. Personally, I like both Baez's and JP's versions equally, because they both have their own merits.
it to me is one of priests best song. i think to me the song is about seeing or hearing a dead person and reminising on the past. and it brings back good and bad memories
Hennings, don't mean to sink your boat but this song isn't about seeing/hearing a dead person or anything of the sorts...it's about Bob Dylan. Priest are a great band, but anyone who remakes a song can't change the meaning of which it was writen, I love both J. Baez's version and JP's! But she wrote it about Bob Dylan and the time they spent together.
So Halford was in a relationship with Dylan too?<br /> Damn he gets around
Listen to it on acoustic, just terrific.
Go to YouTube and look up the acoustic version to this song. (and NO, not the Ripper version)
I saw them do this live in Manchester England at the Apollo while living in Edinburgh and it was just phenomenal.
Rob, KK, Glen I salute you!
Like my screen name, may the Priest rock forever.
Some bands are really good at turning cover songs into their own style and Priest is definately one of them (although I'm still trying to decide how I feel about Johnny B. Goode).
Great song, the original by Joan and JP's version.
I love this song, but must always hide a giggle when she (and he dutyfully too) sings: "A couple of light years ago". But the song is good enough to forgive such a blunder. ;-)
well i think that in their own right JP's version is probably not geared towards bob dylan (then again......lmao) i like it best live, but not acoustic, its powerfully sad but it's like angry-sad.....eh u now what i mean. it's like he's mad at the one he wants back but would never actually take back.