'Diamond Dogs'
Performed by Beck
Written by David Bowie
Produced by Timbaland
This song symbolises the female can can dancers in the Moulin Rouge - the aptly named 'Diamond Dogs'. This was an actual term used in the real Moulin Rouge establishment in the time in which this film is set. Apparently, the girls were called this because they used to throw the diamonds they were paid into the fire to give an illusion of wealth (while outwardly the Moulin Rouge seemed a glamorous place, behind the scenes was a different story). Hence, when Christian states in the film that Zidler called the prostitutes his 'Diamond Dogs', this somewhat of a historical fact. Furthermore, Zidler did exist (although he was Charles, not Harold) and so did several members of the Diamond Dogs. You can read more about the history of the real Moulin Rouge in my 'History of the Moulin Rouge' section.
Diamond Dogs was written by David Bowie, and originally appeared on his album of the same name in the 1970's. The Moulin Rouge version is sung by Beck, who gives the tune a great edge. I think the song actually has a rather whimsical feel to it, and is used effectively inside the Moulin Rouge establishment to highlight the attitude of the dancers who worked there.
Lyrics:
As they pulled you out of the oxygen
tent
You asked for the latest party
With your silicone hump and your ten inch stump
Dressed like a priest you was
Tod Browning's freak you was
Crawling down the alley on your hands and your knees
I'm sure you're not protected, for it's plain to see
The Diamond Dogs are poachers and they hide behind trees
Hunt you to the ground they will, mannequins with kill appeal
(Will they come?)
I'll keep a friend serene
(Will they come?)
Oh baby, come unto me
(Will they come?)
Well, she's come, been and gone
Come out of the garden baby, you'll
catch your death in the fog
Young girls - they call them the Diamond Dogs
In the year of the scavenger, the
season of the bitch
Sachet on the boardwalk, scurry to the ditch
Just another future, some lonely little kitsch
There's gotta be sorrow try to wake up for tomorrow
Halloween Jack is a real cool cat, and he lives on top of Manhattan Chase
The elevators broke so he slides down a rope
Onto the street below, oh Tarzie, go man go
(Will they come?)
I'll keep a friend serene
(Will they come?)
Oh baby, come unto me
(Will they come?)
Well, she's come, been and gone
Come out of the garden baby, you'll
catch your death in the fog
Young girls, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Young girls, they call them the Diamond Dogs
They call them the Diamond Dogs
They call them the Diamond Dogs
They call them the Diamond Dogs
Girls - they call them the Diamond Dogs
Girls - they call them the Diamond Dogs