America
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star
Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream
On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
Never looking back again
They're coming to America
Home, don't it seem so far away
Oh, we're traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm
Home, to a new and a shiny place
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
Freedom's light burning warm
Freedom's light burning warm
Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America
Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
Today, today, today, today, today
My country 'tis of thee
Today
Sweet land of liberty
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
The song "America" by Neil Diamond is a patriotic ode to the United States of America and the hopes and dreams of immigrants who leave their homes in search of a better life in the country. The first verse speaks to the experiences of these immigrants, who have traveled far without a home but not without hope. They only want the freedom to be themselves and to pursue their dreams. The chorus repeats the phrase "They're coming to America," which alludes to the many waves of immigrants who have come to the US seeking a better life. The second verse describes a new and shiny place that the immigrants hope will become their home, and focuses on freedom as the core value of the American Dream.
The song is a powerful representation of the American Dream and the way it attracts people from all over the world to come and seek a better life in this land of opportunity. Neil Diamond's lyrics are very evocative of the struggles and triumphs of immigrants, and he captures the feeling of hope and possibility that characterizes the American Dream. The repeated phrase "They're coming to America" gives the song a sense of urgency, as if the immigrants are racing towards their goal of freedom and prosperity.
Line by Line Meaning
Far
We have been traveling long distances.
We've been traveling far
We have been traveling long distances.
Without a home
We don't have a permanent place to live.
But not without a star
We have a direction or goal to aim for.
Free
We want to be able to live our lives without any constraints or restrictions.
Only want to be free
We want to be able to live our lives without any constraints or restrictions.
We huddle close
We come together as a group for support and comfort.
Hang on to a dream
We hold on to our hopes and aspirations.
On the boats and on the planes
We are traveling by sea and air.
They're coming to America
People from all over the world are migrating to America.
Never looking back again
People are leaving their past behind to start a new life in America.
Home, don't it seem so far away
Our original home feels very distant and far away.
Oh, we're traveling light today
We are traveling with minimal belongings or possessions.
In the eye of the storm
Despite the difficulties and challenges we face, we remain calm and centered.
To a new and a shiny place
We are going to a new, promising location.
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
We will settle in and give thanks for our good fortune.
Freedom's light burning warm
The light and idea of freedom is a comforting presence for us.
Everywhere around the world
People from all over the globe are coming to America.
Every time that flag's unfurled
When the flag of America is raised and displayed, it symbolizes the freedom and opportunities that America offers.
Got a dream to take them there
People have dreams and aspirations that they hope to achieve in America.
They're coming to America
People from all over the world are migrating to America.
Got a dream they've come to share
People have aspirations that they hope to achieve in America and also hope to contribute to the country.
Today
This is happening in the present moment.
My country 'tis of thee
Referring to America as 'my country', this is a patriotic and nationalistic sentiment.
Sweet land of liberty
Describing America as a country which values and promotes freedom and liberty for all.
Of thee I sing
I am proud and patriotic of America and its values.
Today
This is happening in the present moment.
Of thee I sing
I am proud and patriotic of America and its values.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Neil Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@skipyglez
Far
We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star
Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream
On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
Never looking back again
They're coming to America
Home
Don't it seem so far away
Oh, we're traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm
Home
To a new and a shiny place
Make our bed and we'll say our grace
Freedom's light burning warm
Freedom's light burning warm
Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America
Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
Today, today
Today, today, today
My country 'tis of thee (today)
Sweet land of liberty (today)
Of thee I sing (today)
Of thee I sing
Today, today, today
Today, today, (today, today)
@2099nightfall
A transcript excerpt from VH1 Storytellers:
"This next song, you all might like. Few people know that I am fueled creatively by my massive hatred of immigrants. [ Kenny intros “America” ] Gary and I have gone on for hours about how much we hate foreignors. Right, Gary?
Gary: Leave me out of this, man.
Neil: NO, I WILL LEAVE YOU IN!! [ back to story ] Well, my love of this great and beautiful nation, and my hatred of all people with dark skin, led me to write this. On the boats and on the trains. They’re coming to America. Never looking back again. Just do the best you can! You hate your keyboard player because he’s black! Never had the courage to tell him sooo—AAUUGGHH!! AAUUGGH!! OW!!
Kenny: Hey, man, you’re a wreck!
Neil: Ow! Come on.. I think I tore some stitches. Come on, Gary, help me out..
Gary: No, that’s enough, Neil, man, you gotta chill out.
Neil: I’ll smack you in the mouth, I’m Neil Diamond!"
@danemartin5674
I believe there was a vast difference for meaning when this song was written. What a beautiful beautiful song.
@ritaroquetto5658
Neil, thank you so much for sharing this true musical gem with us. I'm just here enjoying your voice and your songs. God bless you. 🙏🙏❤❤
@phildendron4702
I am grateful to you Niel, for this beautiful song… I came to America from the Philippines 40 years ago. America has given me education, wealth, friendships and love. I had challenges but a lot of dreams came true. I am thankful and happy to serve America.
I appreciate my American citizenship This is the land of opportunities( plural) and freedom.
@LuisFigo4
God Bless you and your family
@tanyafaltinson4516
Wow!! The energy blows my mind everytime! You nailed it! Thank you Neil!! 🎶❤🎶
@clxmasisland6724
One of the best 4th of July Independence Day songs for a fireworks display.
@user-yw7ty7cm2k
Neil's energy is phenomenal in regards to this piece of work... saw him 2wice LA forum in the 80s. He really lights up the stage with elegance and grace... such a powerful authentic performace.. ❤
@tamraarmstrong1433
Apparently her grandpa played my four year old daughter this yesterday. She woke up singing it. So I'm playing it for her. ❤
@NatashavanBeurden-wu9ij
Such beautiful music. It was amazing when it came out and it has been rediscovered by people of all ages ever since. I love it and always have. ❤️💕❤️💕❤️
@birgitkniepert5284
A wonderful fantastic brilliant song "America "of Neil Diamond, I love this song and Neil Diamond forever, Neil is for me the best singer and songwriter for all time.🙋♀️😘❤️💎🎤🎶🎵🎹🐸🎸🍒🍷