Diamonds Are Forever Title Sequence

Stats

Title sequence created by Maurice Binder

'Diamonds Are Forever' performed by Shirley Bassey, written by John Barry and Don Black

Featured in Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Visuals

Connery is back as Bond, although unlike On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the change in actor is not referenced at in the visuals. A close-up shot of the eye of Ernst Stavro Blofeld's cat leads nicely into the titles, and even shows up again later in the sequence. The most photographic of Maurice Binder’s sequences to date, we have a much simpler, some might say lacklustre, presentation of women wearing diamond jewellery, more gems, and some usual silhouettes near the end spinning a diamond.

Theme

Shirley Bassey returns again to sing the Diamonds Are Forever title theme » after previously singing the theme for Goldfinger. Unfortunately fans and critics rate this much lower than the previous blockbusting entry by Bassey due to seemingly sinister and haunting cues, leisurely pace and curious lyrics. While there is still drama, suitable gusto and a bold delivery, it feels less energetic, and is sadly one of the more forgettable themes in the series.

Equally the single release didn't make much impact on the charts, only managing number 38 in the UK, and a even worse 57 over in the USA.

Lyrics

Diamonds are forever, they are all I need to please me, they can stimulate and tease me, they won't leave in the night, I've no fear that they might desert me.

Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it, touch it, stroke it and undress it, I can see every part, nothing hides in the heart to hurt me.

I don't need love, for what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me, for when love's gone, they'll lustre on.

Diamonds are forever, Sparkling round my little finger, unlike men, the diamonds linger, men are mere mortals who are not worth going to your grave for.

I don't need love, for what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me, for when love's gone, they'll lustre on.

Diamonds are forever, forever, forever. Diamonds are forever, forever, forever, forever, and ever! §