This song appealed strongly to both of us. The supercharged emotion conveyed through a storm of many vivid details (like an imagist or concrete poem) each detail sparse and understated but diamond clear, the plucked heart not given to displays of emotion here shattered by heartbreak recollected in tranquility; the hard glittering edges of naked female vulnerability; holding a smashed mirror up to Dylan and giving the counter story to the one we usually hear. 

"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
Yes, I loved you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid"

plus of course the throat-throbbing Baez vocal. The two protagonists were both brilliant performers and the rapport they still had together in the 1974 rematch (Baez managing to be even cooler than Bob) after their glorious early 60s partnership is well worth looking up. Apparently she has performed the song every decade since - including a fabulous recent reinterpretation with Judy Collins (both still sound amazing) - but has decided to stop updating the "Ten Years Ago..." once she got to "Fifty Years Ago...".

Maz's first venture into finger plucking guitar.


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
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
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
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
Now 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
Yes, I loved you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid

Diamonds And Rust

A marriage (and we are actually married, 45 years so far) of melody and rhythm. We do folk, indie, Americana, Norfolk noir, beat poems &  ghazals. Traditional tunes with contemporary beats. Music videos  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb8wV0-DNiFs1R5G2VSytBQ
Maz lead & harmony vocals, acoustic guitar. Gaz vocals, voice, bass, drums & percussion, harmonium, recorders, lyre harp, field recordings.

Just because a situation is grim doesn't mean you don't have every right to smile.

I'm a sound engineer at Woods Studio that mixes and masters songs.  Check out my web page: https://woodsstudionorway.com, I only charge $50 US Dollars per song.  For only mastering, I charge US $25 per song
10 songs I charge $475 $25 dollar discount
if you are interested. Email me to:
woods.studio.mail@gmail.com

At Woods Studio, we specialize in creating high-quality mixes and masters for your music. We work closely with you to understand your unique style and vision, and tailor our mixes to bring out the best in your tracks. With years of experience and a passion for music, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations. Our team of experienced engineers use only the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your music sounds its best. From EQ and compression to reverb and delay, we have the skills and expertise to craft a mix that perfectly captures the essence of your music. Whether you're a solo artist or a band, we can help take your music to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.

I have attended an audio school and worked several years at a concert hall named Olavshallen https://www.olavshallen.no/arrangere/store-sal I followed Khaliq Glover’s courses and webinars. I've been into sound engineering since 1991 and mixed over 1000's of songs. I have previously mixed for One Time Records and have released a vinyl with Koalra. I also have mixed "Where Do I Go" with Chris TR that was airtimed on the BBC radio

I use Universal Audio, fabfilter, soundtoys, autotune, melodyne, ozone and Plugin Alliance plugins and have a Uad apollo interface .

 I also use outboard gear like the RME Fireface, Universal Audio 2-1176 stereo compressor , An Avalon channelstrip, a space echo RE-201, a Drawmer 1968 mkii, and a Lexicon Pcm92. Also a dual ssl eq 

If you have the session files I would be happy to mix your song. Let me know if you’re interested.

E-mail: woods.studio.mail@gmail.com
Web page: https://woodsstudionorway.com
Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@stereosonic5182
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Diamonds And Rust

Peacock's Tale Musical Storytelling