D is for Diamonds and Rust

I remember when this song first came out.  That beautiful, lyrical voice - framing words that made me blink and then smile:

Well I'll be damned
Here comes your ghost again
But that's not unusual
It's just that the moon is full
And you happened to call
And here I sit
Hand on the telephone
Hearing a voice I'd known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall


The story behind the song was  an interesting one.  Someone she had had a relationship with - conjecture abounded.  Some said it was Bob Dylan.  Dylan, himself, seemed to think so, based on Baez' memoirs.  Does it matter?  A ghost from the past comes to visit, bringing memories:

Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling around
And snow in your hair
Now you're smiling out the window
Of that crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes out white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could have died then and there

And the emotions are there, with an openness to memories and, perhaps, another touch:

...It's all come back too clearly.
Yes, I loved you dearly.
And if you're offering me Diamonds and Rust
I've already paid.

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WATCH A VIDEO HERE  (Joan was not into music videos...this is a live recording)

© 1975 Chandos Music (ASCAP)

© 1975 Chandos Music (ASCAP)