Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - Analysis Essay

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Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ by Paul Simon is a piece for a folk/rock band with a world beat feel to it. This song portrays a story between a poor boy and a rich woman. The piece being composed in 1986, the modern era, has its focus set on individual expressionism. The composer achieves this through the songs aesthetic expression and his unique style of writing. This has been influenced by previous styles, and in turn has influenced concurrent musical styles.

In the 1980s popular music was focused on pop/rock bands. ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ however blends African traditional instruments mixed with a modern rock band in order to give it a folk sound. It also uses a small male
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This is one of the many ways the composer has successfully blended varying influenced styles into the piece.

The piece ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ by Paul Simon is an expressive piece of the modern era that expresses individuality and uniqueness. It does this through its cunning use of visual expression and unique styles. These styles have been influenced by previous musical styles, primarily from African folk music. ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ really is a landmark in modern music which has influenced, and will continue influencing modern music

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(a-wa) O kodwa u zo-nge li-sa namhlange

(a-wa a-wa) Si-bona kwenze ka kanjani

(a-wa a-wa) Amanto mbazane ayeza

She's a rich girl

She don't try to hide it

Diamonds on the soles of her shoes

He's a poor boy

Empty as a pocket

Empty as a pocket with nothing to lose

Sing Ta na na

Ta na na na

She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes

She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes

Diamonds on the soles of her shoes

Diamonds on the soles of her shoes

People say she's crazy

She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes

Well that's one way to lose these

Walking blues

Diamonds on the soles of her shoes

She was physically forgotten

Then she slipped into my pocket

With my car keys

She said you've taken me for granted

Because I please you

Wearing these diamonds

And I could say