Rough Gem is about the diamond industry. Artificially inflated prices and terrible conditions for workers make it a prime candidate for criticism. It’s also a bit ironic, given the stage name Nick Diamonds.
The song is one of the bands most popular live tracks. Once retired from their live performa...
[Verse 1]
The world beat you for something nice
You worked hard, died poor
You mined what you died for
Diamonds
[Chorus]
You can whistle my name
It's the mines in Africa
That are to blame
You can scoop out my brain
Shape it into an ear and then tell me your pain
[Verse 2]
Held death at bay from the first day
Stayed awake, stayed awake
The rabbit was removed under the whole moon
Long bird, short road
[Bridge]
Dig deep but don't dig too deep
When it's late you'll see the hole is empty
And oh so deadly
They want me raw and smooth like glass
They want it fast but they don't want flaws
I'm a girl's best friend
Can you cut, I can cut
Cause I'm a rough gem
[Verse 3]
Who lives in those lights in the distance?
Watered down, the rain will help you out
I had a dream it was all a dream
But it was ruined by the sun shining through me
Rough Gem was written by Nicholas Thorburn.
Rough Gem was produced by Mark Lawson & Islands.