Diamonds And Rust

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 callAnd here I sit, hand on the telephone

Hearing a voice I'd known

A couple of light years ago

Heading straight for a fallAs 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 MidwestTen years ago

I bought you some cuff links

You brought me something

And we both know what memories can bring

They bring diamonds and rustYou burst on the scene

Already a legend

The unwashed phenomenon

The original vagabond

You strayed into my armsAnd there you stayed

Temporarily lost at sea

The Madonna was yours for free

Yes the girl on the half-shell

Would keep you unharmedNow I see you standing

With brown leaves falling around

An' snow in your hair

Now you're smiling out the window

Of that crummy hotel over Washington SquareOur breath comes out white clouds

Mingles and hangs in the air

Speaking strictly for me

We both could have died then and thereNow you're telling me

You're not nostalgic

Then give me another word for it

You, who are so good with words

And at keeping things vague'Cause I need some of that vagueness now

It's all come back too clearly

I once loved you dearly

And if you're offering me diamonds and rust

Well, I'll already paid...