tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post6442106011894264272..comments2024-03-24T12:25:13.240-07:00Comments on Every Single Paul Simon Song*: Diamonds on the Soles of Her ShoesAnother Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-50667452041924104322023-12-22T09:24:08.016-08:002023-12-22T09:24:08.016-08:00Zhan Hong-- Yes, I have spent many years on this b...Zhan Hong-- Yes, I have spent many years on this blog, but I guess I never realized that others-- my readers-- may also have! <br />Thank you so much for your kind words. I put this blog out there without any promotion or marketing, just because I wanted to spend some time with these great songs, and to work through their meaning for myself-- and, hopefully help a few others wondering at their possible meaning.<br />What I got out of it was, as you say, a deeper appreciation for Simon's poetry. But I also found something I did not expect: a community! Simon is one of the truly global writers, so I have received comments from everywhere. You never know how many others like you there are until you stand on a roof and shout: "Hey! I think this thing is cool!" and instead of an echo of your own voice, you hear, "Me, too!"<br />So thank you for letting me know I was not just throwing my thoughts into the void, but that they were of some use. <br />This blog has received, as of this writing (Dec 12, 2023) just 6,000 views short of one million. As I get 4-6,000 views a month, I may well enter the New Year at, yes, one million views since June of 2010, when I began.<br />I never thought anyone would care what I had to say. How nice to be so very wrong!<br /><br />Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-7642847329719669222023-12-20T01:07:06.839-08:002023-12-20T01:07:06.839-08:00It's been nearly 10 years since I last read th...It's been nearly 10 years since I last read this post, I don't even recall how I found this blog, but I'm glad I did. I had a binge-reading session, and although I had already been a fan of his music (solo + & Garfunkel), these posts elevated my appreciation for his works.<br /><br />This one, in particular, remains clear in my head and every time I listen to Diamonds I think of the vivid imagery painted by Simon but by your writing as well. It's beautiful. Thank you for your work. Just thought I should leave a message when I should've done so long ago. I don't recall when I read through the blog, I must've been in my teens. I'm 24 now, but I won't be for long...Zhan Honghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02251282069184399654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-56993954975982333002022-09-25T09:46:35.614-07:002022-09-25T09:46:35.614-07:00Anon- I know that "once removed" means t...Anon- I know that "once removed" means the two cousins in question are "separated by a generation." My dad has a brother. If that brother has a kid (say his name is Fred), I am Fred's (first) cousin. When Fred has a kid-- Fred Jr.-- I am Fred Jr.'s "first cousin, once removed" because Fred Jr. and I are are separated by one generation. To Fred Jr's son, Fred III, I would be twice removed, and so on. So I get that. What I don't know is how YOU know what relationship Barry Z has to his relative. Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-89428293949379987972022-09-25T09:36:12.959-07:002022-09-25T09:36:12.959-07:00Anon-- I am not sure how I am "wrong," s...Anon-- I am not sure how I am "wrong," since I did not try to apply ANY term from the physics field of optics, but thank you for stating the correct term. I knew it wasn't "reflection" (and I was right about that); I was pretty sure it was "refraction"... but not sure enough to use that word. So thank you for letting us know what right the word was.Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-76879345581710346692022-09-20T22:59:36.681-07:002022-09-20T22:59:36.681-07:00I believe the correct term is step-cousin once rem...I believe the correct term is step-cousin once removed. Not to be pedantic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-16655452886604568222022-09-20T22:52:22.680-07:002022-09-20T22:52:22.680-07:00You're both wrong. It's dispersion.You're both wrong. It's dispersion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-70759446987432845872022-05-01T16:13:51.793-07:002022-05-01T16:13:51.793-07:00Unknown-- It is a common thing for the upbeat musi...Unknown-- It is a common thing for the upbeat music of a song to belie sadness in the lyrics (which describes much of the output of the band 10,000 Maniacs). In this case, I don't hear it. The song delves into some sadness, but I find it uplifting overall. <br />There is a rich girl and a poor boy. He is on the fence about the whole thing-- he likes the luxury but doesn't like not being "the man" in the relationship. She tries to make him feel like he's in charge ("Take me dancing") even though she must have to foot the bill. He tries to show her a good time but he's not good at it-- they end up "sleeping in a doorway." Ultimately, he lets her take over and put diamonds on his shoes, too-- and accepts his fate gladly. <br />That said, people keep insisting that there are drug references in this song, so I might have to accept that, myself. Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-68176940512355445822022-04-15T10:10:58.081-07:002022-04-15T10:10:58.081-07:00I always assumed this song was about an inner city...I always assumed this song was about an inner city couple slipping into drug usage.<br />Using drugs to cute their walking blues.<br />Intending to do one thing, but end up on the street passed out in a seedy part of town.<br />Constantly saying "you know exactly what I'm talking about" as if it's an obviously a metaphor about something explicitDirkMcDonkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15676633753556009359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-63981519945401387982021-10-24T15:21:34.510-07:002021-10-24T15:21:34.510-07:00Christy-- I like your thoughts, too! And yes, the ...Christy-- I like your thoughts, too! And yes, the mood of the song is very important here. It's a breezy, uplifting number. And I think you are right also in its overall message: As long as you have to go somewhere, go in style! Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-30539193318868774522021-10-21T11:48:56.549-07:002021-10-21T11:48:56.549-07:00Thank you so much for this blog! I'm thrilled ...Thank you so much for this blog! I'm thrilled by all these thoughts around my favourite songs! <br />I've been reflecting on the various approaches on "Diamonds" and I must say I think it misses the point. I'm not going to argue that they are "wrong" - both the "luxury/wealth"-approach as well as the drug-theory make sense. However, I do believe that Simon deliberately left it unclear what the diamonds are. I'm not even sure if he himself knows what they are. But they must be something positive, uplifting - maybe being in love or having faith/hope. <br /><br />In live performances (the one from the African Concert is a good example) Simon and the band are celebrating Life, happiness or whatever you want to call it. The song has such a light and uplifting atmosphere, and it doesn't seem in any way ironic to me. The idea that two drug addicts or about wealth just doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel like something Simon would do.<br /><br />To me it seems that the poor boy is poor in spirit (love, religion...), his soul is "empty as a pocket". That's why he neglects her, takes her for granted, "puts on aftershafe", etc. And something happens when they are supposed to go dancing, maybe he falls in love with her again. At least now he can walk lightly, too.<br /><br />The line "You've taken me for granted because I please you" puzzled me for some time. It could mean "You've taken me for granted because I just please you, but it's not love that you can offer me". Or it could echo the phrase "never change a running system": Their relationship has become a system for him that he doesn't have to take care of because it's running anyway.<br /><br />These were some of my ideas. Thanks again for all the passion you've put into all the interpretations!Christynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-21047959828646149922021-10-03T07:50:26.192-07:002021-10-03T07:50:26.192-07:00Unknown-- Interesting! So you agree that the sign ...Unknown-- Interesting! So you agree that the sign she is making is not about what she is offering, but what she is requesting. She only asks for a little, a teaspoon-worth (she already has a lot and knows he does not have a lot to share). <br />But-- unlike what I said in the post (asking that she subdue her request)-- he surprises her by responding that he will overwhelm her with his generosity, crashing over her like a wave-- he "changes clothes and puts on aftershave, to compensate for his ordinary shoes." He is going to give her everything he does have, so that she is OK with being seen with him in public. She seems to appreciate the amount he's giving (relative to what he has) more than, say, a guy as rich as herself giving her a bracelet that cost (relative to his wealth) pocket change. That she appreciates this, and continues to date him, is worth singing about.<br />Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-25728112982484202392021-10-03T07:36:47.943-07:002021-10-03T07:36:47.943-07:00I think it's petty clear we are talking about ...I think it's petty clear we are talking about literal diamonds inserted into shoe soles. In the last verse, the speaker now says he has diamonds there. He didn't get his shoes re-soled with diamond-nubbin treads-- he had diamonds set into his existing soles, likely a gift from his girlfriend, so they would "match."Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-51111462017481711232021-09-28T11:37:37.196-07:002021-09-28T11:37:37.196-07:00Yeah, I'm always thinking about this line and ...Yeah, I'm always thinking about this line and I think I land somewhere near your interpretation, sometihng about the size difference between needing something that would fit a teaspoon as opposed to his offering a wave...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00376889527376072772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-64924165311512802822021-09-28T11:34:56.391-07:002021-09-28T11:34:56.391-07:00Good question!Good question!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00376889527376072772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-22669680892592009452021-05-23T15:25:37.997-07:002021-05-23T15:25:37.997-07:00Anon- That's not exactly how prisms like diamo...Anon- That's not exactly how prisms like diamonds work, but I understand your point.<br />Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-7522112164268605712021-05-23T15:24:39.513-07:002021-05-23T15:24:39.513-07:00Barry-- Thanks for the insights, history, and pers...Barry-- Thanks for the insights, history, and personal connection. Any chance there is a link to the instrumental?<br />Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-12681226651994294502021-05-23T00:09:22.696-07:002021-05-23T00:09:22.696-07:00Heard an instrumental version, very, very, similar...Heard an instrumental version, very, very, similar, that predates Paul's amazing story put to a truly memorable sounding tune. Paul paid $50, to my step-cousin for the song that led to Feeling Groovy (59th Street Bridge Song).<br />My favorite Songwriter since "Sounds of Silence" was released. Live, I'm swept up for 2+ hours and the high lasts days! Nothing like the range of Rhythms at a Paul Simon Show.Barry Ziskinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01152669522960727598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-73247730093651612732019-11-10T17:41:29.041-08:002019-11-10T17:41:29.041-08:00Anon-- I agree that the song does have its joyous ...Anon-- I agree that the song does have its joyous moments and ends on a very celebrator note.<br />If I were feeling pedantic, I might add that, technically, diamonds refract (not reflect, as a mirror does) light into the same spectrum raindrops do. <br />But your association of diamonds with rainbows-- and both with happiness-- is accurate, and the comment is taken in the spirit in which it was intended. Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-11204906296331657772019-11-08T20:00:31.228-08:002019-11-08T20:00:31.228-08:00Diamonds reflect rainbows. This is a victory song....Diamonds reflect rainbows. This is a victory song.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-64606103462509413712019-10-27T19:02:05.848-07:002019-10-27T19:02:05.848-07:00Rob-- This is very enlightening! Wonderful that so...Rob-- This is very enlightening! Wonderful that something as un-environmental as used tires should be put to such a noble purpose. Can you explain further, though, about what a teaspoon or wave would mean to a taxi driver? And who is from different parts of town--the two people in the song? Or these hand-signs?<br />Thanks for the information. Best to you and your class.Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-5323924769356871022019-10-25T15:53:18.560-07:002019-10-25T15:53:18.560-07:00I am doing this song with my group singing class, ...I am doing this song with my group singing class, and one of my students has done some great work delving into the research on this, including finding some forum entries posted by some people in South Africa. Some of the references in the song are quite common there.<br /><br /><br />African tire shoes/sandals.<br />It is indeed about the diamond shaped patterns on the bottom. Durable affordable shoes liberated women.<br />That's one way to lose these walking blues.<br /><br />Sign of a teaspoon. Sign of a wave. South African sign language, very commonly used to communicate with taxis. A wave sign often means going to the ocean. They are from different parts of town.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03311029061692327557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-75886681511923985042019-09-08T19:25:19.631-07:002019-09-08T19:25:19.631-07:00hasnain-- Thank you! What a lovely compliment. Sad...hasnain-- Thank you! What a lovely compliment. Sadly, I am only posting new things as Simon himself does. As for now, he is busy doing benefit shows, mostly for the environment. If he releases a new album, I'll be right on it! <br />In the meantime, feel free to look up posts on earlier songs that you may, and may not, recognize. Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-43773697811549273072019-08-30T12:01:37.889-07:002019-08-30T12:01:37.889-07:00I needed to thank you for this incredible read!! I...I needed to thank you for this incredible read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. <a href="https://edmarshalljewelers.com/diamond-rings?fbclid=IwAR28G3MDoYcHQ-z0wZqEwOt2ZsIE52j_0YVC4HNjfGbKe4DWOAc-KMFu3I16" rel="nofollow">Scottsdale diamonds</a><br />hasnainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845512156979808631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-62973885547543813782019-02-25T08:14:54.354-08:002019-02-25T08:14:54.354-08:00nowhereman-- I am familiar with the look of broken...nowhereman-- I am familiar with the look of broken glass of that type-- I had my car window smashed more than once, living in the city. <br />But if she was getting such glass stuck in her feet then:<br />1) EVERYONE would have those bits of glass stuck in their shoe-soles, just from walking around.<br />2) It would therefore be COMMON AND NORMAL, and no one would say she was "CRAZY" for having her shoes be like this, or for him to, at the end of the song.<br />He's talking about DIAMONDS, and the proof is the lyric: "I'm talking about diamonds."<br />Another Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490204558031016152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7824464142604361129.post-53615892127994621302019-02-21T18:55:22.046-08:002019-02-21T18:55:22.046-08:00Yes absolutely - the diamonds are the little cubes...Yes absolutely - the diamonds are the little cubes that tempered glass breaks into, that litter city streets everywhere. <br />I think the reference to being physically forgotten' and slipped into my pocket with my car keys is a ref to the narrator thinking of a key-fob in the shape of a girl, decorated by (fake) diamonds. A love song of equals - the affectations of her being rich are an romantic pretense that they share. nowheremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17927084515368364527noreply@blogger.com