A Crying Diamond

Mon Laferte's 'A Crying Diamond' is a poignant narrative that delves into the dark and distressing theme of child abuse and the exploitation of innocence. The song tells the story of a young girl, only 13 years old, who is manipulated and sexually abused by an older man, who justifies his actions by claiming that love cannot be a sin. The man, who is 40 years old, preys on the girl's vulnerability and her dreams of becoming a famous singer, promising her stardom while exploiting her.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the girl's shattered dreams and lost faith. As time passes, the girl, once full of hope and ambition, finds herself crying daily, her aspirations dimmed and her belief in a benevolent God destroyed by the man who claimed to be her savior. The abuser's twisted sense of justification is highlighted by the line 'He knows that God understands him, because God is also a man,' suggesting a warped belief that his actions are somehow condoned by a male-dominated society or a patriarchal interpretation of religion.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, the song's chorus repeatedly refers to the girl as a 'gem,' the 'brightest diamond in town,' symbolizing her inherent worth and resilience despite the abuse she endures. The tragic irony lies in the fact that her abuser recognizes her value but chooses to exploit it for his own gratification. The song is a powerful commentary on the exploitation of the vulnerable and the often-silenced voices of abuse survivors, urging listeners to acknowledge and address these painful realities.