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.
Captain Of A Shipwreck
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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You're the reason for my today
Was tempest tossed, now I sleep soundly
Thanks to you I gladly say
That if your goldmine comes up empty
I'll be there to work the claim
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
Trust in me to share your burden
Stand by you where I belong
When life brings the day uncertain
I will soothe you with my song
And if your goldmine comes up empty
I'll be there to work the claim
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
I'll be first mate to your shame
Fear no flood in stormy weather
Fear no fire if winds arise
Flesh and blood, I'm yours forever
And forever, it never dies
And if your goldmine comes up empty
I'll be there to work the claim
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
I'll be first mate to your shame
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
You can find me up on the top deck
You'll be captain of a shipwreck
I'll be first mate to your shame.
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "Captain Of A Shipwreck" is a love song that conveys an unwavering commitment to a loved one. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that he was lost until his beloved found him, meaning that he had no direction in life until he met this person. He then goes on to thank them for being the reason for his "today," implying that his life has improved significantly since he met this person. The singer goes on to use the metaphor of a tempest-tossed sailor finding safe harbor to express his gratitude towards his beloved.
The chorus goes on to say that the singer will always be there for his partner, even if they face hardships like an empty goldmine or being the captain of a shipwreck. He offers to work with them diligently, going as far as to become their first-mate to take on their shame to ensure that they will overcome any troubles that come their way. The second verse continues with this commitment, promising to share the burden of life's uncertainties and be supportive through the struggles they may face. The final verse emphasizes an unbreakable and eternal bond, promising to always be there for them through any natural disasters or life's unexpected events.
Overall, "Captain Of A Shipwreck" is a beautiful love song that emphasizes loyalty and support through thick and thin. It's a song for anyone looking for a partner that they can trust and rely on, no matter what life throws their way.
Line by Line Meaning
I was lost until you found me
Before meeting you, I was without direction or purpose.
You're the reason for my today
You are the source of my present happiness and fulfillment.
Was tempest tossed, now I sleep soundly
Thanks to you I gladly say
I was once caught in a tumultuous storm, but now I am at peace and content because of you.
That if your goldmine comes up empty
I'll be there to work the claim
I pledge to support and stand by you, even if you face hardship or failure.
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
I'll be first mate to your shame
Even if you make mistakes or suffer setbacks, I will be there to assist and help you recover.
Trust in me to share your burden
Stand by you where I belong
When life brings the day uncertain
I will soothe you with my song
You can rely on me to help you carry your burdens and be there for you during uncertain times, providing comfort and support through music.
Fear no flood in stormy weather
Fear no fire if winds arise
Flesh and blood, I'm yours forever
And forever, it never dies
Do not worry about facing challenges or danger, because I am committed to you forever and my devotion will never falter.
If you're a captain of a shipwreck
You can find me up on the top deck
You'll be captain of a shipwreck
I'll be first mate to your shame.
If you face difficult circumstances, I will be by your side, even if it means acknowledging your mistakes and serving under you as a first mate.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind