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

My hand on the telephone

Hearing a voice I'd known

A couple of light years ago

Heading straight for a fall



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

Oh and you brought me something

We both know what memories can bring

They bring diamonds and rust



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

Would keep you unharmed



Now I see you standing

With leaves falling around

And snow in your hair

Now you're smiling out the window

Of that 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



Now you're telling me

You're not nostalgic

Then give me another word for it

You are always so good with words

And at keeping things vague



Because I need some of that vagueness now

It's all coming back too clearly

Oh I loved you dearly

And if you're offering me diamonds and rust

I've already paid



Diamonds and rust

Diamonds and rust

Diamonds and rust