Introduction:
“If Teardrops Were Diamonds” is a poignant duet by Dwight Yoakam and Willie Nelson, featured on Yoakam’s 2003 album, Population Me. Released on June 24, 2003, this album marked Yoakam’s 13th studio effort and was distributed through Audium Records.
The collaboration between Yoakam and Nelson on this track is a testament to their mutual respect and admiration within the country music community. The song employs vivid imagery, using precious gemstones to convey profound heartache. In the lyrics, teardrops are envisioned as diamonds capable of paving highways from coast to coast, while heartaches are likened to rubies forming towering mountains.
Population Me is notable not only for this duet but also as the final studio album produced by Yoakam’s longtime collaborator, Pete Anderson. Their nearly two-decade partnership concluded after this project, marking the end of a significant era in Yoakam’s musical journey.
While “If Teardrops Were Diamonds” was not released as a single, it remains a standout track on the album, showcasing the seamless blend of Yoakam’s and Nelson’s distinctive vocal styles. The song exemplifies the depth of emotion and storytelling that both artists are renowned for, making it a memorable piece in their extensive discographies.