Diamonds and Rust

[Verse 1]

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

[Verse 2]

As I remember your eyes

Were bluer than robin's eggs

My poetry was lousy, you said

Where are you calling from?

A booth in the Midwest

Ten years ago

I bought you some cufflinks

You brought me something

We both know what memories can bring

They bring diamonds and rust

[Verse 3]

Well you burst on the scene

Already a legend

The unwashed phenomenon

The original vagabond

You strayed into my arms

And there you stayed

Temporarily lost at sea

The Madonna was yours for free

Yes, the girl on the half-shell

Could keep you unharmed

[Bridge]

Now I see you standing with brown leaves

Falling all 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

[Verse 4]

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 loved you dearly

And if you're offering me diamonds and rust

I've already paid