A Diamond and a Tether Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Squimpy 

Cover art for A Diamond and a Tether lyrics by Death Cab for Cutie

My fav. song off of Open Door. This is how I interpret it: -Relationship after half-hearted relationship, he seems to fall into the same pattern: loses interest and dreams of being single/ being with girls with more to offer. -Meanwhile, the girl is waiting for him to commit to marriage (the diamond) which he sees more as a ball and chain (a tether).

  • As soon as he feels like he's going to lose her, he temporarily puts just enough energy and passion into it to keep her there (From a boy who won't fly..But who will take to the sky ..if I think you're about to say goodbye). Saw him in concert last week and they did this song. Totally amazing.
My Interpretation

I can dig your interpretation of a tether. To me, however, "a diamond and a tether" as a whole phrase refers to an engagement ring, the tether being the actual ring upon which the diamond sits. Just another idea. I could listen to this song for days.

think you've hit the nail on the head :)