| Song |
Black Diamond is the last track off KISS' self-titled debut album. The transition from the March 1973 version to the November 1973 recording for the debut album saw the introduction being developed with more pronounced acoustic guitar. The lead into the song also changed from a cymbal to Peter counting off time with his sticks. The guitar solo is shortened, being replaced with another repetition of the verse, and while the song is nearly 1:30 longer than the demo, the final 1:45 of the song is the extended outro with a decreasing tempo fade. According to Paul, “The tag at the end of the song reminds me of early Neil Young or ‘Stairway To Heaven.’ It needed something extra, because we just didn’t think the song was over” (Guitar World, 8/92).
In Their Own Words[]
Peter Criss - "Eddie Kramer loved my screaming voice and said Peters got to sing this"
- Quotes take from the book "Kiss Behind the mask"
Lyrics[]
Out on the street for a living
Picture's only begun, whoo-ooo-ooooooh
Got you under their thumb
Hit it!
Out on the streets for a living
Picture's only begun
Your day is sorrow and madness
Got you under their thumb
[Chorus] Whoo, black diamond
Whoo, black diamond
Darkness will fall on the city
It seems to follow you too, whoo-ooo-ooooooh
And though you don't ask for pity
There's nothin' that you can do, no, no
[Chorus]
Whoo, black diamond
Whoo, black diamond
[Solo]
Out on the streets for a living
Picture's only begun, whoo-ooo-ooooooh
Your day is sorrow and madness
Got you under their thumb
[Chorus] Whoo, black diamond, yeah
Whoo, black diamond
Black Diamond Can Also Be Found On[]
Alive! 1975
Double Platinum 1978
Greatest KISS 1997
Kiss Box Set 2001