From the 1960s to the 1980s, Diamond was one of the more successful pop music performers, scoring a number of hits. As critic William Ruhlmann writes, "as of 2001, he claimed worldwide record sales of 115 million copies, and as of 2002 he was ranked third, behind only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most successful adult contemporary artists in the history of the Billboard chart."[1] As of May 2005 he has sold 120 million records worldwide, including 48 million records in the U.S.[2]
Though his record sales declined somewhat after the 1980s, Diamond continues to tour successfully, and maintains a very loyal following. Diamond's songs have been recorded by a vast array of performers from many different musical genres.
Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and then in 2000 was given its Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the early part of 2011.
In 2008 Neil Diamond scored his first ever Billboard number one album with "Home Before Dark", the album also became his first studio album to get to number one in the UK.
Amazing Grace
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and fortress be,
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
The story of amazing grace it was written over 200 years ago
by a sailor whose life was spared by the grace god
on a ship on a stormy see where he survived while
the seaman who took his watch perished inspiring these words
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
The lyrics to Neil Diamond's Amazing Grace are based on the classic Christian hymn of the same name. The opening line of the song, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound," sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which explore themes of salvation, redemption, and faith. The next line, "That saved a wretch like me," acknowledges the singer's own shortcomings and flaws, and the grace they receive in spite of them. The line "I once was lost but now am found," emphasizes the transformative power of grace, declaring a before-and-after shift in the singer's life. The final line of the verse, "Was blind, but now I see," uses blindness as a metaphor for ignorance or spiritual darkness, and suggests that the singer's newfound faith has given them a greater understanding and clarity.
The second verse of the song, which appears to be an addition by Diamond rather than a part of the original hymn, references passages from the Bible that promise protection and security for those who put their trust in God. The inclusion of this verse adds another layer of affirmation and reassurance to the song, emphasizing the idea that faith can provide strength and stability in the face of life's challenges.
In the final stanza, Diamond echoes a line from the original hymn, "When we've been here ten thousand years," which uses hyperbole to suggest an eternal lifespan. The repetition of the phrase "We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun" reinforces the idea that faith is an ongoing journey, and that each day brings new opportunities for gratitude and worship.
Overall, Diamond's version of Amazing Grace is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of faith, as well as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
This song about the grace of God is truly incredible and brings sweetness to the ears.
That saved a wretch like me.
I, who was once considered worthless or of no value, was saved by this grace.
I once was lost but now am found,
I used to be wandering aimlessly, without direction, but now I have been found and given purpose.
Was blind, but now I see.
I was once unable to fully comprehend or understand the truth, but now I have clear sight and understanding.
The Lord has promised good to me.
God has promised to do good things for me and provide me with what I need.
His word my hope secures.
I am confident in God's promises and trust that they will be fulfilled.
He will my shield and fortress be,
God will protect and defend me against harm and be my source of strength and security.
As long as life endures.
This protection and security will continue for the duration of my life.
When we've been here ten thousand years
After spending an incredible amount of time in heaven,
Bright shining as the sun.
We will be illuminated and radiant like the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
We will continue to praise and glorify God for an eternity and will never run out of time to do so.
Than when we've first begun.
Our love and devotion to God will only continue to grow stronger and deeper, never diminishing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND, DP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@petersickman5560
@lapalad thanks.
Its not discussed much in our culture the dad dayghter connection. Actually society seems to ignore family ties for less significant distractions and divisions .
Im glad u are back in uk.
Surprised to get a reply back after commenting on a 5 year old
comment.
From Austrailia toUSs to uk.
Amazing .
Hope you share this with your daughter.
Dads do really miss their kids
@W.O.T.W.
I am so very happy to hear Neil Diamond is a Messianic Jew also, saved by our Messiah Yeshua Jesus!!!!!
@graememaxwell3113
I am so sad that you are so gullible to still believe in ancient bullshit.
@teresadbrownbrown3785
Amen
@billgebhart420
Sounds like Neil Diamond experienced Amazing Grace and is now a brother, a saint of the Lord.
Another beautiful Soul was added to the Kingdom.
Thank you Father.
❤😊
@teresadbrownbrown3785
Amen
@nancyfair5607
Amen
@williamtruett2813
This man has been a beloved musician for me for about 50 years. I absolutely love "Brother Love" but this is even more awesome. God loves this man as do so many of us.
@marysmith27
ND has found the pearl of great worth; and it shall not be taken from him, as with Mary Magdalene! When one meets Him the joy is unmistakeable. This is the work of the HS! His soul is rejoicing in this song. Praise to Christ forever! Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!
@rodneycremeans9992
Greatest praises to Jesus Christ.
@teresadbrownbrown3785
Amen amen