Diamond Jack

Album: Front Page News (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Running 4:33, group composition "Diamond Jack" is the final track on the 1977 Front Page News album. Uptempo and unashamedly commercial, it combines a feelgood factor with philosophy through the metaphor of a card game - obviously high stakes poker.

    The final hand in The Cincinnati Kid (the film version, not the book) sees the young pretender - played by Steve McQueen - busted by the old master - played by Edward G. Robinson - by a gutshot jack of diamonds in an extremely improbable hand of five card stud. Could this be the inspiration for the song?

    The final lines are:

    Black magic or Lady Luck
    Who will show me the way?


    At least one fan has heard a similarity with "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"; if you listen closely, you might too.
  • An obvious single, and just as obviously an A-side, it was released as the B Side of "Front Page News" in September 1977 on the MCA label, and like every Wishbone Ash single before and since, it bombed. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.