Diamonds From The Moon - Ashley Cook
Artist: Ashley Cook
Song: Diamonds From The Moon
Writer/s: Shaza Leigh & Rick Aitchison
Label: LBS Music
Listen Now: https://youtu.be/FvUrs03iS3Y
Ashley Cook: A True Champion of Australian Bush Balladry
Ashley Cook, one of Australia’s most respected and successful bush balladeers, continues to carry the torch for this uniquely Australian genre with his latest single, Diamonds From The Moon. Written by the talented Shaza Leigh and the late Rick Aitchison, this song is part of Ashley’s critically acclaimed album, The Country, The Flag & Me. With his ability to capture the rugged beauty of Australia and the depth of human relationships through his music, Ashley has cemented his place as a beloved figure in the world of country music, particularly among mature audiences who value authentic storytelling and traditional melodies.
Bush ballad music, often defined by its powerful imagery and simple yet profound melodies, has long been a staple of Australian country music, and Ashley Cook stands at the forefront of this tradition. His ability to weave stories of the Australian outback, friendship, and life’s meaningful moments resonates deeply with his listeners. His latest single, Diamonds From The Moon, continues this tradition, exploring the theme of friendship and its rarity in a fast-paced world. The song's lyrics suggest that true friends are as rare and precious as "diamonds from the moon," reflecting the value Ashley places on loyalty and connection—a reflection of his own life and values.
Ashley’s career is marked by numerous accolades, and his success continues to grow. Following the hit single The Great Outback, which garnered widespread attention, Ashley has now reached the finals of the 2024 Traditional Country Music Awards of Australia in the highly competitive Male Single of the Year category. This recognition is a testament to his skill as a bush balladeer and the strong connection he maintains with his audience. In addition, at this year’s Brumby Awards for Independent Country Music artists in Tamworth, Ashley was honored with Collaboration of the Year for his work with the legendary Lindsay Butler. This award adds to the long list of career titles Ashley has accumulated, further solidifying his status as one of the top artists in the genre.
Diamonds From The Moon is featured on Ashley’s eighth career album, The Country, The Flag & Me, which has been praised as one of the most traditional bush ballad albums released in recent years. The album has produced multiple hit singles and is widely regarded as a masterclass in Australian storytelling through music. Its authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics have struck a chord with fans of bush balladry, earning Ashley widespread acclaim for staying true to the genre’s roots while continuing to evolve as an artist.
What sets Ashley apart, beyond his musical talent, is the way he lives the life he sings about. Residing on a cattle property in Central Queensland, Ashley’s songs reflect his personal experiences and connection to the land. He is known for his honesty, integrity, and loyalty—values that resonate not only in his music but in his personal relationships. Those who earn Ashley’s friendship know that they have found someone as rare as the diamonds he sings about, a man whose word is as solid as the ground he works on.
This deep loyalty extends to his production team as well. From the beginning of his recording career, Ashley has worked under the guidance of Lindsay Butler OAM, one of the most respected producers in Australian country music. Over the years, Ashley has remained loyal to Lindsay and the LBS Music label, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Their collaboration has resulted in some of the most iconic and beloved recordings in Australian bush balladry, a genre that remains at the heart of Ashley’s work.
Ashley Cook’s continued success and dedication to traditional bush ballads demonstrate his vital role in preserving and advancing Australian country music. As one of the most authentic and beloved artists in the genre, Ashley has much more to offer, and his work continues to resonate deeply with fans across the country. His music, steeped in the traditions of the Australian outback, tells the stories of real people, places, and moments that make up the fabric of rural Australia, ensuring that the art of bush balladry remains alive and well for future generations.
LYRICS: Diamonds From The Moon (Written by Shaza Leigh & Rick Aitchison)
Never once do they impose or crowd your precious hours
Yes, they’re the ones, that we just call, those real good friends of ours
They may live, a thousand miles away or in your local street
They enjoy each other’s company, whenever they may meet
There are the times that you may need, a shoulder to lean on
Friends are always there to help give strength to carry on
Enjoying times together, in party and in song
Pick you up, and give you hope, whenever things go wrong
Chorus
And when you think about it mate – just think again
How many down the years can you call fair dinkum friends
Astronauts could tell us, they fit in just a spoon
Cause true fair dinkum friends are like, Diamonds from the Moon
Those precious ones are rare, as Diamonds from the Moon
Never once will good friends, treat you like a fool
Never once will they tell tales about you out of school
One can never buy a friend, it doesn’t work that way
Acquaintances will pass you by and bid you time of day
Politics, Religion, opinions of your own
With friends you can argue, no malice ever shown
And borrow, maybe lend, with friends you can be sure
When the chips are down, they’ll be there, knocking at your door