My father was a huge Neil Diamond fan. In fact, they shared a birthday, same year. This was my mom's favorite of all of his songs. We played it for her when she was in hospice and it seemed to calm her down. Miss my parents so much. Dad - 1986, Mom - 2023.
Along with Play Me, my favorite Diamond song. My knickname is frog, and there is a line in this song.."did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a king....and then became one". One of the greatest songs ever written about self affirmation and loving oneself.❤Thank you Neil for all the beauty you have brought to this broken world.
HarriBest I feel your perception is right on, beautiful song by a fantastic singer, whom I didnt appreciate when younger ( ex wife loved neils music ) GOD BLESS
You should check out th English football fans singing Sweet Caroline. Perfect lyrics for everyone getting together just after the virus. Cried like a baby!! Great to see so many getting in to Neil Diamond. One of the greats. Great review x
My late brother turned me onto Neil Diamond with this song, it was playing on the radio one day and I said boring ( as a heavy rock fan, young teen) he said listen to the lyrics and vocal, I respected his musicality, he loved Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan) I soon learned the beauty of, this song it means a lot to me personally, lovely reaction.
There is something ALWAYS perfect and unmatched with singer-songwriters. They convey stories so completely in the span of 3-5 minutes. Neil Diamond being the best and most shining example of such. Last year I saw a video of one of his last concerts. It was easy, too easy, to see on his emotionless face, to see in his vacant eyes, that part of him was gone. It was so sad.. i cried.. Even though he still sang as incredibly as he had when he was a young turk out of NYC. We love you Neil! Thank you for the music! Thank you, Mom, for the love you had for Neil becoming my love as well.
How a man (Neil Diamond) who has it all with Fame, Wealth, Fortune and Super Stardom. A very loyal fan base throughout the world. Can still feel Lost, Lonely and Empty inside. Shows how much spirituality is needed more so today than ever before. It sure is a lot better than going to a psychiatrist the (Chair). Who does not care to even listen... Leaving him lonely still. "And I'm not a Man who likes to Swear but I Never Cared for The Sound of Being Alone."-Neil Diamond. Awesome reaction Harry and heartfelt.
I've been a huge fan of Neil for over 45 years yrs. It brings me joy that you're doing these reactions. I know you're busy guy watch another reactions but you need to go in and search Neil's " Lady Magdalene" it is a favorite favorite of mine and it is so beautiful. Good for you you are going to fall in love with the best artist I think around Neils words and music l can't help the fact that I love him so much. He soothes my very soul!!! There's so many songs that you are just now acquiring his words and music to your liking so many more to choose from but please listen to the Lady Magdalene for me thank you so much
So many great songs for you to discover. You are definately on a road that will keep on giving. Where do you start? Play Me, Solitary Man, Cracklin Rosie, Crunchy Granola Suite, Kentucky Woman, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, or the all-time classic Sweet Caroline. So many more. Before he became a star Neil Diamond was responsible for writing many of the hits during the early to mid 60s. The dude is a genious!!
I have been to two of his concerts over the years. You should watch him perform live. He is still singing but has Parkinson's and that is a sad thing to happen to him. He and the Beegee's are my favorites. Unfortunately, we all get old but can still listen to their songs.
So difficult to choose a song. All of them are so sublime! I love ' Brooklyn roads ' and ' Juliet ' even if ' Juliet ' is not one of the most popular. I just love it ...
That's absolutely what this song is about - reaching the success and realizing that doesn't bring the fulfillment he was looking for. You get it, and you get Neil Diamond! I'm so glad to find a kindred spirit who loves and appreciates Neil, his music, and his incredible voice as much as I do!! Can't wait for more!! 💗💗💗
He's a singular talent. Such a talented song writer, a singer who can really embody the lyrics and a consummate performer. He has a way of drawing you in and making you feel like he's singing directly to you. I saw him in concert in the late 70s and he was amazing.
I listened to Neil Diamond, Elvis, Simon and Garfunkel on a 8 track cartridge in the car en route to secondary school for 5 years, so I have my auntie Anne to thank for that
Neil Diamond was a tremendous vocalist/songwriter and you will love the journey of exploring his music! Holly Holy, Cherry Cherry, Cracklin' Rosie, Song Sung Blue and Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show are songs you must get to one day! Cheers!
When I was going through a difficult time in my life it was his songs, words, poetry that pushed me into myself and then back to reality with necessary strength to carry on. I Am I Said and his Love at The Greek version of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" brought me through the full circle of self.
Harri Neil is one of the biggest entertainers/songwriters on the planet, the footage from the movie THE JAZZ SINGER of Neil doing ( coming to ) America is sensational. Take care buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
Actually for a young man with self image and self love problems it is one of the most uplifting songs of all time. Thanks, Neil...I am, I said, God bless it, and no one cares not even the chair. But who cares because I am!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
I lovethat song so much got.nice lyrics I can feel his loneliness and feeling of emptiness in spite of his success still leaving him alone How I wish I could tell to.him hey man! Don't be sad you're not alone literally yes but God is there see you survived your emptiness that aad part of you made you stonger I love Neil Diamond songs that song for me is the most saddest song he wrote😭
I just came across your channel because I'm a big big fan of Neil diamonds his voice his words and his music has always soothed my soul. Neil had a lot of critics for a long time but he's finally got the Kennedy center honors he's got billboard icon awards he's got a hell of a Hall of Fame sidewalk people are been criticizing him but the fans which were called Diamond fans have been with him for over 40 years and I'm still a major fan I've been to eight concerts I love him so much I love him so much so you got to keep listening to him and find songs because he's spiritual he's a man of God I just love him to death so I'm so glad you found him and became a fan if you keep listening to him you will fall in love more with him he's a awesome man
And I want to say I'm so glad I came across your channel you seem like a really down-to-earth guy and you said it the best no I'm a new fan of yours there you go enjoy
Neil Diamond is almost exactly 3yrs older than I, so I've listened to his wonderful voice for most of his career. Many of his songs are favorites of mine, but much as I love this one it always makes me cry - it is so accurate in portraying human feelings...His voice is absolutely fantastic.
I think the best credibility he gave this song ( Brother Love) was live on stage in London. He does a narrative at the beginning and the finish is real. Look it up.
I was lucky enough to be at the Bowl when he did Hot August Night the night they recorded it. Also saw the later Hot August Night in person. He was just so amazing. I still treasure the memories.
Neil Diamond is not only a fantastic vocalist, he's also one of the most prolific and successful songwriters ever. Please, please listen to his magnificent album "Taproot Manuscript". One side is pop songs, the other side is a glorious exploration of African music forms, many years before Paul Simon's "Graceland", (also a wonderful album).
I saw him at the CapCenter just outside DC. It was SRO and no idea how many 1000’s could fill it. I’ve seen more artists from east coast to west, tiny venues to enormous ones. I’ve not seen another artist who could command his audience like Neil Diamond. His music never grows old or out of date.
Hello Harri, Nice to see you again today. Thank you for this great song. I hope you and your family are enjoying Easter. Please try Gordon Lightfoot and the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and his other songs because if you love Neil Diamond you will love Gordon.
I have been A Huge Fan of Neil Diamond every since I was old enough to really appreciate music. He IS A PHENOMENAL SINGER/WRITER AND PERFORMER! I’ve seen him in Concert every time he is within a day’s drive or every Time I CAN!! And YOUR 100% right on about Neil Diamond!❤
An amazing song about deep depression. So eloquently lays out the darkness in such a meaningful way. One of my all time favorites and one that has helped through my own dark times.
How so, this is real life if ever you relocated, been in the military, gone away to school. This happens it's common, it's not deep depression it's readjustment because after a time it dissolves with interaction..
I agree The Chair is the psychiatrist not listening..like talking to the wall. I AM I SAID is a mantra I try to remember when in the depths of depression.
Good review of a tremendous song. Yes, Neil's expression is very personal. Perfect fit for a song about a deep longing like this one. Thanks for giving such a deep and thoughtful reaction. :)
Neil Diamond has so many hits, not just his own but he wrote many hits for other artists including the Monkees. Hard to pick but one of my favorites is "Play Me".
Nice to see this one singled out...it's so subdued and introspective that I think it doesn't get the attention it deserves. I loved those earlier songs of his which were not so catchy, and the lyrics seemed somehow so stream-of-consciousness that they required some real analysis. "Stones", from the same album, has that same sort of feel.
Another rabbit hole. Many great songs to react to, if not, at least listen offline. ANYTHING off Hot August Night is worthwhile. A "live" version of any of his songs is as good or BETTER than the studio versions. Some additional noteworthy songs are, in no particular order are: SOLITARY MAN, BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW, CRUNCHY GRANOLA SUITE, CRACKLIN' ROSIE, FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS, AMERICA, KENTUCKY WOMAN, HOLY HOLY, THANK THE LORD FOR THE NIGHT TIME, CHERRY CHERRY, and of course his biggest hit, SWEET CAROLINE inspired by Caroline Kennedy. Sadly, Neil can no longer perform due to Parkinson's. He did a cute Covid parody to the tune of Sweet Caroline last year from his living room. Such a sweet, gentle, humble man. Never a scandal. New sub. Thanks.
Oh yes! Great, great, song. One of his best. Another reactor, Jamel, hit in on the head when he understood that the chair is the psychiatrist. Very powerful song.
Some of my favorite Neil Diamond songs: Hello Again, Play Me, Stones, Beautiful Noise, Love On the Rocks, and so many more! The man doesn't have a bad song in his entire catalog!
Definitely one of his best songs! One of the best singer-songwriters ever and a fantastic performer too. Try Holly Holy, or Brooklyn Roads (another personal song about his youth), or Stones, or.... The list is endless.
There was so much fantastic music around in the 1970’s that I actually didn’t pay much attention to Neil Diamond even though his music got a lot of radio play. Plus my older sister was a fan of his and I thought I was way cooler than she was 😂. I am enjoying it now that I hear it again. I like your insights. Another fine reaction. 😊
Good choice my friend undoubtedly is the best ever green lyrically rich and his voice out of this world I have been listening to neil diamond since 1975 and now for the past 20 years I have been singing his songs too I mean publicly HERE are some of my favorites. Shiloh. Hello again. Sweet Caroline and offcource I am I said my national anthem
Neil is Jewish and was raised with a firm Torah teaching. He was pre-med when he decided music was what he was going to do. That informs so much of these lyrics. "I AM" is the name of God in the Old Testament/Torah. This is found in Exodus 3:14-16. He is so lonely and he's crying "oh God" and feels like God's not there and not listening. You got it right about the chair... The therapists aren't helping. He's so lonely and lost he feels empty and without existence except for his pain. When he sings "I'm not a man who likes to swear but I never cared for the sound of being alone," he's swearing because it's saying God isn't there, almost saying God doesn't exist. That's swearing to a man raised in a Jewish religious tradition that taught the Old Testament and absolutely reverence for the name of God. It's even blasphemous but it comes from pain not rebellion. It's very much like the Psalms where the Jews cry out to God when they feel abandoned and their enemies are about to defeat them. Those are known as Imprecatory Psalms, and this song is very much like those. Rather than being in blasphemous rebellion though, Neil is lonely, lost, and desperately hurting and as the Psalms say, God is near to those suffering and hurting. In this song he's crying out to God/ "I Am" - . Neil knows this about God and that's why the album versions end with him crying over and over "oh God," - he knows in his heart that God's there. He just wants to get past the aching desperate loneliness. But in the end he hasn't given up on his faith in God because as the song ends he continues to call out "I Am..." or Oh God over and over. This song is a cry to God from a heart filled with the despair of loneliness. Lyrically and musically it's gold! Poetic gold! I know this song just as intimately as Neil because I've been in that place where he was. Many people will relate to crying out to God in their times of loneliness and despair. Cry out... There is hope!
Diamond went to high school with Streisand. They sang in chorus together. Thought you'd like that. If you're a fan, maybe do a reaction to the movie The Jazz Singer (1981). It's so good, and I haven't seen anyone do it.
He wrote the song during a dark time in his life when he was depressed. 'The Chair' refers to the chair his psychiatrist sat in. "I am" is a reference to his crying out to God for help, "I am" being one of the descriptive ways God refers to himself (Exodus 3:14)
There was a time when very few homes in Australia did not have a copy of his double LP 'Hot August Night'. It was a live concert at The Greek Theatre in L.A. Check it out.
My father was a huge Neil Diamond fan. In fact, they shared a birthday, same year. This was my mom's favorite of all of his songs. We played it for her when she was in hospice and it seemed to calm her down. Miss my parents so much. Dad - 1986, Mom - 2023.
Great singer/songwriter! Love his music!
Neil Diamond: "The King of Immersive Story in Song."
He was a Super Star !
His voice and storytelling is phenomenal
Along with Play Me, my favorite Diamond song. My knickname is frog, and there is a line in this song.."did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a king....and then became one". One of the greatest songs ever written about self affirmation and loving oneself.❤Thank you Neil for all the beauty you have brought to this broken world.
HarriBest I feel your perception is right on, beautiful song by a fantastic singer, whom I didnt appreciate when younger ( ex wife loved neils music ) GOD BLESS
No matter how many times I hear this song, it brings me to tears. It’s so beautiful.
You should check out th English football fans singing Sweet Caroline. Perfect lyrics for everyone getting together just after the virus. Cried like a baby!! Great to see so many getting in to Neil Diamond. One of the greats. Great review x
Another favorite of mine.
My late brother turned me onto Neil Diamond with this song, it was playing on the radio one day and I said boring ( as a heavy rock fan, young teen) he said listen to the lyrics and vocal, I respected his musicality, he loved Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan) I soon learned the beauty of, this song it means a lot to me personally, lovely reaction.
Great comment 👍 I'm NYC and moved to the Midwest. I Definitely relate to these lyrics.
I love Neil Diamond he writes so many of his songs. I believe he did. Please do Brooklyn road
made him a star, musical genius. I love this man and his music
There is something ALWAYS perfect and unmatched with singer-songwriters. They convey stories so completely in the span of 3-5 minutes. Neil Diamond being the best and most shining example of such. Last year I saw a video of one of his last concerts. It was easy, too easy, to see on his emotionless face, to see in his vacant eyes, that part of him was gone. It was so sad.. i cried.. Even though he still sang as incredibly as he had when he was a young turk out of NYC. We love you Neil! Thank you for the music!
Thank you, Mom, for the love you had for Neil becoming my love as well.
A GOAT song by a GOAT singer song writer.
Hell Yeah the story of his life, after I am I said his best ever song
Beautiful. I saw him in concert in the early 80's
Fabulous
How a man (Neil Diamond) who has it all with Fame, Wealth, Fortune and Super Stardom. A very loyal fan base throughout the world. Can still feel Lost, Lonely and Empty inside. Shows how much spirituality is needed more so today than ever before. It sure is a lot better than going to a psychiatrist the (Chair). Who does not care to even listen... Leaving him lonely still.
"And I'm not a Man who likes to Swear but I Never Cared for The Sound of Being Alone."-Neil Diamond. Awesome reaction Harry and heartfelt.
Went to a Neil Diamond concert 4 row from stage center floor in the late 80s. Still one of the best concerts I've ever been to.
My favorite is of his is "If you Go Away." Most lovely.
I've been a huge fan of Neil for over 45 years yrs. It brings me joy that you're doing these reactions. I know you're busy guy watch another reactions but you need to go in and search Neil's " Lady Magdalene" it is a favorite favorite of mine and it is so beautiful. Good for you you are going to fall in love with the best artist I think around Neils words and music l can't help the fact that I love him so much. He soothes my very soul!!! There's so many songs that you are just now acquiring his words and music to your liking so many more to choose from but please listen to the Lady Magdalene for me thank you so much
So many great songs for you to discover. You are definately on a road that will keep on giving. Where do you start? Play Me, Solitary Man, Cracklin Rosie, Crunchy Granola Suite, Kentucky Woman, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, or the all-time classic Sweet Caroline. So many more. Before he became a star Neil Diamond was responsible for writing many of the hits during the early to mid 60s. The dude is a genious!!
I grew up on Motown and R&B and Soul music. But yes, I do own Neil Diamond, Simon & Garfunkle and Grand Central Station CD's. I ain't all stupid!!!
Got to attend several of his concerts in his prime. A great entertainer. Watch his movie The Jazz Singer. Great music in that movie.
This has been my favourite ND song for about 60 years!
This is a song that speaks to one's soul. The words, his voice, and the delivery. His tone is beautiful.
Great song!!!
I have been to two of his concerts over the years. You should watch him perform live. He is still singing but has Parkinson's and that is a sad thing to happen to him. He and the Beegee's are my favorites. Unfortunately, we all get old but can still listen to their songs.
So difficult to choose a song. All of them are so sublime! I love ' Brooklyn roads ' and ' Juliet ' even if ' Juliet ' is not one of the most popular. I just love it ...
I love Neal Diamond. Thx 4 sharing.
That's absolutely what this song is about - reaching the success and realizing that doesn't bring the fulfillment he was looking for. You get it, and you get Neil Diamond! I'm so glad to find a kindred spirit who loves and appreciates Neil, his music, and his incredible voice as much as I do!! Can't wait for more!! 💗💗💗
He's a singular talent. Such a talented song writer, a singer who can really embody the lyrics and a consummate performer. He has a way of drawing you in and making you feel like he's singing directly to you. I saw him in concert in the late 70s and he was amazing.
I listened to Neil Diamond, Elvis, Simon and Garfunkel on a 8 track cartridge in the car en route to secondary school for 5 years, so I have my auntie Anne to thank for that
@HomeSlice97 they were/are, thanks 😊
Neil Diamond was a tremendous vocalist/songwriter and you will love the journey of exploring his music! Holly Holy, Cherry Cherry, Cracklin' Rosie, Song Sung Blue and Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show are songs you must get to one day! Cheers!
When I was going through a difficult time in my life it was his songs, words, poetry that pushed me into myself and then back to reality with necessary strength to carry on. I Am I Said and his Love at The Greek version of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" brought me through the full circle of self.
Harri Neil is one of the biggest entertainers/songwriters on the planet, the footage from the movie THE JAZZ SINGER of Neil doing ( coming to ) America is sensational. Take care buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
My absolute favorite Neil Diamond song. So self affirming. So positive.
The two prominant themes in Neil Diamond's songs are loneliness and the therapeutic value of music.
You need to watch him perform live. Amazing
Thank you for honoring Neil, listen to Morning side.
Oh how I love this man’s voice. And this song. 🎶
This man has a phenomenal voice.
Actually for a young man with self image and self love problems it is one of the most uplifting songs of all time. Thanks, Neil...I am, I said, God bless it, and no one cares not even the chair. But who cares because I am!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
I lovethat song so much got.nice lyrics I can feel his loneliness and feeling of emptiness in spite of his success still leaving him alone
How I wish I could tell to.him hey man! Don't be sad you're not alone literally yes but God is there see you survived your emptiness that aad part of you made you stonger I love Neil Diamond songs that song for me is the most saddest song he wrote😭
"Sweet Caroline", "Kentucky Woman", "Solitary Man", "Song Sung Blue"
I just came across your channel because I'm a big big fan of Neil diamonds his voice his words and his music has always soothed my soul. Neil had a lot of critics for a long time but he's finally got the Kennedy center honors he's got billboard icon awards he's got a hell of a Hall of Fame sidewalk people are been criticizing him but the fans which were called Diamond fans have been with him for over 40 years and I'm still a major fan I've been to eight concerts I love him so much I love him so much so you got to keep listening to him and find songs because he's spiritual he's a man of God I just love him to death so I'm so glad you found him and became a fan if you keep listening to him you will fall in love more with him he's a awesome man
And I want to say I'm so glad I came across your channel you seem like a really down-to-earth guy and you said it the best no I'm a new fan of yours there you go enjoy
Neil Diamond is almost exactly 3yrs older than I, so I've listened to his wonderful voice for most of his career. Many of his songs are favorites of mine, but much as I love this one it always makes me cry - it is so accurate in portraying human feelings...His voice is absolutely fantastic.
I can hear Diamond sing this... can you?
ua-cam.com/video/l5IedfcGeok/v-deo.html
Rent aren’t low anymore.
Yes he has a great voice!!! I listened to him so much in my twenties!!!❤️ And always ❤️
Great that you have discovered Neil Diamond. He's fabulous.
Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show is so under rated and such a good song. Got to see this great singer twice!!😎😎😎😎
I think the best credibility he gave this song ( Brother Love) was live on stage in London. He does a narrative at the beginning and the finish is real. Look it up.
I was lucky enough to be at the Bowl when he did Hot August Night the night they recorded it. Also saw the later Hot August Night in person. He was just so amazing. I still treasure the memories.
@@carolynwoolman3068 Hello Carolyn , Which 'bowl' was that -?..
Love the song "Play Me"
He did sing awesome
Play Me by Neil Diamond is one of the most beautiful songs!
Neil Diamond is tremendous. And this song is so deep. It makes you think. I love it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Check out "Hello" Another great one.
Neil Diamond is not only a fantastic vocalist, he's also one of the most prolific and successful songwriters ever. Please, please listen to his magnificent album "Taproot Manuscript". One side is pop songs, the other side is a glorious exploration of African music forms, many years before Paul Simon's "Graceland", (also a wonderful album).
I cannot upvote this enough. “Soolaimon” is a song that will surprise people who dismiss Neil Diamond as throwaway pop
Neil is one of a kind! I saw him in person and there are no words!
I saw him at the CapCenter just outside DC. It was SRO and no idea how many 1000’s could fill it. I’ve seen more artists from east coast to west, tiny venues to enormous ones. I’ve not seen another artist who could command his audience like Neil Diamond. His music never grows old or out of date.
A man's song. A man's voice. I've lived that moment long ago.
Hello Harri, Nice to see you again today. Thank you for this great song. I hope you and your family are enjoying Easter. Please try Gordon Lightfoot and the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and his other songs because if you love Neil Diamond you will love Gordon.
His voice has remained steadfast in his 50+ year career! So distinctive…you recognize it without any introductions! Ahhhhmazing!
One of my favorite songs from him. This and Brooklyn Roads.
Solitary Man is another winner.
My man say "and no one heard at all not even the chair" love it only Neil.
I have been A Huge Fan of Neil Diamond every since I was old enough to really appreciate music. He IS A PHENOMENAL SINGER/WRITER AND PERFORMER!
I’ve seen him in Concert every time he is within a day’s drive or every Time I CAN!! And YOUR 100% right on about Neil Diamond!❤
You nailed the meaning of this song. Your best reaction.
An amazing song about deep depression. So eloquently lays out the darkness in such a meaningful way. One of my all time favorites and one that has helped through my own dark times.
How so, this is real life if ever you relocated, been in the military, gone away to school. This happens it's common, it's not deep depression it's readjustment because after a time it dissolves with interaction..
I agree The Chair is the psychiatrist not listening..like talking to the wall. I AM I SAID is a mantra I try to remember when in the depths of depression.
A tremendous song. Great review. Look at some of his other tunes. A seriously great singer
Good review of a tremendous song. Yes, Neil's expression is very personal. Perfect fit for a song about a deep longing like this one. Thanks for giving such a deep and thoughtful reaction. :)
I am a big N.D. fan.
Neil Diamond has so many hits, not just his own but he wrote many hits for other artists including the Monkees. Hard to pick but one of my favorites is "Play Me".
Nice to see this one singled out...it's so subdued and introspective that I think it doesn't get the attention it deserves. I loved those earlier songs of his which were not so catchy, and the lyrics seemed somehow so stream-of-consciousness that they required some real analysis. "Stones", from the same album, has that same sort of feel.
incredible talent
Forever in bluejeans! A Diamond in the ruff. Great reaction, Harri.❤👊
Another rabbit hole. Many great songs to react to, if not, at least listen offline. ANYTHING off Hot August Night is worthwhile. A "live" version of any of his songs is as good or BETTER than the studio versions. Some additional noteworthy songs are, in no particular order are: SOLITARY MAN, BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW, CRUNCHY GRANOLA SUITE, CRACKLIN' ROSIE, FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS, AMERICA, KENTUCKY WOMAN, HOLY HOLY, THANK THE LORD FOR THE NIGHT TIME, CHERRY CHERRY, and of course his biggest hit, SWEET CAROLINE inspired by Caroline Kennedy. Sadly, Neil can no longer perform due to Parkinson's. He did a cute Covid parody to the tune of Sweet Caroline last year from his living room. Such a sweet, gentle, humble man. Never a scandal.
New sub. Thanks.
Oh yes! Great, great, song. One of his best. Another reactor, Jamel, hit in on the head when he understood that the chair is the psychiatrist. Very powerful song.
Some of my favorite Neil Diamond songs: Hello Again, Play Me, Stones, Beautiful Noise, Love On the Rocks, and so many more! The man doesn't have a bad song in his entire catalog!
"And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind". One of my favorites among many Neil Diamond songs.
Use to listen to "America" riding in the back of my parents Chevette back in the 80s. His voice is beautiful.
I love Neil Diamond’s voice too! It’s so easy to listen to and sing along with too. Try it in the car! 😍
Beautiful 😍😍😍😍 I ❤ Neil
Thank you for the reaction 😍🇦🇷🇦🇷
Definitely one of his best songs! One of the best singer-songwriters ever and a fantastic performer too. Try Holly Holy, or Brooklyn Roads (another personal song about his youth), or Stones, or.... The list is endless.
"Brooklyn Roads" is a very personal song of Neil's with wonderful, emotionally touching lyrics. The song can make people cry, but in a good way.
My favorite song. I lived in California but am a Jersey girl. This song was personal to me. Absolutely made me cry first time I heard it.
God certainly blessed Neil.
Neil....when I was about five my mom and sisters had a few of his LP's....and that's made me want to sing and play......nice treasure you found.
You must listen to. Cherry Cherry. By Neil Diamond . My favorite of his
A good old tune Harri. I have always enjoyed this one. Neil has a very calming voice.
As always, well chosen, Intelligent and insightful analysis. Greetings from Ireland.
He sought fame and fortune... and then struggled to deal with it.
Another brilliant song on the same theme is "Limelight" by Rush.
I think this song is about his dealing with being a star (king) in LA as compared to his life in NYC when he was a relative unknown (frog).
He was going through depression…The chair in this song refers to a shrink.
Got to listen to, Stones, my favorite song of his. So many other great songs of his. A rabbit hole if ever there was one.
There was so much fantastic music around in the 1970’s that I actually didn’t pay much attention to Neil Diamond even though his music got a lot of radio play. Plus my older sister was a fan of his and I thought I was way cooler than she was 😂. I am enjoying it now that I hear it again. I like your insights. Another fine reaction. 😊
Good choice my friend undoubtedly is the best ever green lyrically rich and his voice out of this world I have been listening to neil diamond since 1975 and now for the past 20 years I have been singing his songs too I mean publicly HERE are some of my favorites. Shiloh. Hello again. Sweet Caroline and offcource I am I said my national anthem
Neil is Jewish and was raised with a firm Torah teaching. He was pre-med when he decided music was what he was going to do. That informs so much of these lyrics. "I AM" is the name of God in the Old Testament/Torah. This is found in Exodus 3:14-16. He is so lonely and he's crying "oh God" and feels like God's not there and not listening. You got it right about the chair... The therapists aren't helping. He's so lonely and lost he feels empty and without existence except for his pain. When he sings "I'm not a man who likes to swear but I never cared for the sound of being alone," he's swearing because it's saying God isn't there, almost saying God doesn't exist. That's swearing to a man raised in a Jewish religious tradition that taught the Old Testament and absolutely reverence for the name of God. It's even blasphemous but it comes from pain not rebellion. It's very much like the Psalms where the Jews cry out to God when they feel abandoned and their enemies are about to defeat them. Those are known as Imprecatory Psalms, and this song is very much like those. Rather than being in blasphemous rebellion though, Neil is lonely, lost, and desperately hurting and as the Psalms say, God is near to those suffering and hurting. In this song he's crying out to God/ "I Am" - . Neil knows this about God and that's why the album versions end with him crying over and over "oh God," - he knows in his heart that God's there. He just wants to get past the aching desperate loneliness. But in the end he hasn't given up on his faith in God because as the song ends he continues to call out "I Am..." or Oh God over and over. This song is a cry to God from a heart filled with the despair of loneliness. Lyrically and musically it's gold! Poetic gold! I know this song just as intimately as Neil because I've been in that place where he was. Many people will relate to crying out to God in their times of loneliness and despair. Cry out... There is hope!
Deep, really deep.
Great song 👍
Being a native New Yorker this may be my favorite song by Neil!👍🏻❤️☮️🎼🎹🎤
I am I cry I am I said...Let the good times roll! Neil Diamond is a nostalgic walk down memory lane when songs told real stories💖Tysm Harri🤗👍👍
Diamond went to high school with Streisand. They sang in chorus together. Thought you'd like that. If you're a fan, maybe do a reaction to the movie The Jazz Singer (1981). It's so good, and I haven't seen anyone do it.
"And I am lost and I can't even say why". Most everyone can probably relate to that at one point or another in their lives.
He wrote the song during a dark time in his life when he was depressed. 'The Chair' refers to the chair his psychiatrist sat in. "I am" is a reference to his crying out to God for help, "I am" being one of the descriptive ways God refers to himself (Exodus 3:14)
Try his "Holly Holy,Stones,Play me" Forever in Blue Jeans, the list is endless!
There was a time when very few homes in Australia did not have a copy of his double LP 'Hot August Night'. It was a live concert at The Greek Theatre in L.A. Check it out.