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.
Christmas Prayers
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And in my Christmas dreams
In every Christmas story told
In every song I sing
In every song I sing
When I hear people laugh and I see children play
Reminds me of that photograph
It's us on Christmas day
I see you standing there smiling down on me
As I untie the gifts that lie
Beneath our Christmas tree
And every Christmas day
I know I'll find you there
You'll always be the answer to
My every Christmas prayer
My every Christmas prayer
Grandmas, grandpas, fathers, mothers
Friends I've loved dear
Sisters, brothers, sons and daughters I once played with
Aunts and uncles I once stayed with
Their story will be told as long as love recalls
Those loved ones smiling down on me
The greatest gift of all
The greatest gift of all
The loved ones far and near
Will be forever there
It's Christmas up in Heaven too
With love beyond compare
With love beyond compare
Don't have to read the book of life
Behind the veil of tears
You'll always be right here with me
And in my Christmas prayers
You're in my Christmas prayers
The lyrics to Neil Diamond's "Christmas Prayers" beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season. The song talks about the memories and people who make Christmas special and how they will always be present in our hearts and prayers. Neil Diamond conveys his sense of gratitude and love towards his loved ones and celebrates their presence in his life. The song starts with Diamond praying for his loved ones, hoping they are happy and healthy. He then speaks about his memories of Christmas, the laughter, the joy, and seeing children play. These memories remind him of a photograph from a past Christmas spent with someone special.
Diamond then talks about the people in his life who he loves and who have left him too soon. They may no longer be with him, but their presence is felt as he unwraps his Christmas gifts, and every Christmas day. The song then goes on to say how the loved ones who have passed away still play an important part in our Christmas celebrations, their stories, and memories kept alive through the stories we tell about them. The song ends with Diamond expressing his belief that we can feel the love of our loved ones from beyond and how they continue to be with us, not just in spirit but in our hearts, and in all our Christmas prayers.
Overall, the song "Christmas Prayers" is a beautiful reminder of the joyous moments of the holiday season and the importance of love, family, and friendship. Neil Diamond's poignant lyrics resonate with anyone who has lost loved ones or cherishes the memories and traditions of Christmases past.
Line by Line Meaning
You're in my Christmas prayers
I am praying for you this Christmas season, hoping that all your needs are met.
And in my Christmas dreams
You are also in my thoughts as I sleep and dream of what the holiday season will bring.
In every Christmas story told
You are a part of every story and every memory that I have of Christmases past.
In every song I sing
You are present in every Christmas carol and every tune that brings joy and cheer to the season.
When I hear people laugh and I see children play
The sight and sound of happiness around me reminds me of the good times we shared together.
Reminds me of that photograph
I have a special photo of you and me from a past Christmas that I hold dear and cherish.
Of us on Christmas day
The photo captures a happy memory of us celebrating together on that special day.
I see you standing there smiling down on me
In my mind's eye, I can picture you looking down on me with love and warmth during this season.
As I untie the gifts that lie
I can imagine you watching me as I unwrap the presents that I have received.
Beneath our Christmas tree
The tree underneath which we celebrated many Christmases together.
And every Christmas day
Every year, on this day, I miss you and think of you fondly.
I know I'll find you there
I have faith that you are with me in spirit and I can feel your presence in my heart.
You'll always be the answer to
In times of need or when I feel sad, you are the one who brings comfort and peace.
My every Christmas prayer
Every prayer that I say during this season includes you and my wish for you to be happy and at peace.
Grandmas, grandpas, fathers, mothers
I remember and honor all the important people in my life who have since passed.
Friends I've loved dear
I think of all the close friends I have made over the years who have touched my life.
Sisters, brothers, sons and daughters I once played with
I remember the family members who are no longer with me, especially those with whom I shared many happy moments.
Aunts and uncles I once stayed with
I recall the memories of staying with my extended family during the holidays and the love they showed me.
Their story will be told as long as love recalls
I will never forget the memories and stories of my loved ones, as long as there is love in my heart.
Those loved ones smiling down on me
I can still feel the love and warmth from my loved ones who are no longer with me, looking down on me from heaven.
The greatest gift of all
The love and memories shared with my loved ones is the greatest gift I have ever received.
The loved ones far and near
The ones who are not with me during this holiday season, either because of distance or death.
Will be forever there
Their memory and love will remain with me forever, even if they are not physically present.
It's Christmas up in Heaven too
Even those who have passed away are celebrating Christmas in heaven.
With love beyond compare
The love in heaven is beyond anything we can feel on earth, and my loved ones there still love me.
Don't have to read the book of life
I don't need to know the future or the plan for my life. I trust that my loved ones are always there, guiding me and keeping me safe.
Behind the veil of tears
Even in the midst of sadness or grief, my loved ones are still watching over me and showering me with love and comfort.
You'll always be right here with me
My loved ones are never truly gone, they live on forever in my heart and memories.
And in my Christmas prayers
I will always remember and pray for my loved ones during this special season.
Writer(s): Neil Diamond
Contributed by Sarah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Dgrootkarzijn
You're in my Christmas prayers
And in my Christmas dreams
In every Christmas story told
In every song I sing
In every song I sing
When I hear people laugh
And I see children play
Reminds me of that photograph
Of us on Christmas day
It's us on Christmas day
I see you standing there
Smiling down on me
As I untie the gifts that lie
Beneath our Christmas tree
And every Christmas day
I know I'll find you there
You'll always be the answer to
My every Christmas prayer
My every Christmas prayer
Lyrics continue below
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Grandma's, Grandpa's,
Father's, Mother's,
Friend's I've loved dear
Sister's, Brother's,
Son's and daughter's,
I once played with
Aunt's and Uncle's
I once stayed with
Their story will be told
As long as love recalls
Those loved one's
Smiling down on me
The greatest gift of all
The greatest gift of all
The loved one's far and near
Will be forever there
It's Christmas up in Heaven too
With love beyond compare
With love beyond compare
Don't have to read
The book of life
Behind the veil of tears
You'll always be
Right here with me
And in my Christmas prayers
You're in my Christmas prayers
@karenwilliams8285
Absolutely LOVE this Song....Neil Diamond always writes such brilliant songs This is so Beautiful! Love him he gives such amazing concerts...I've lost count how many I have been to. My late husband was a fan too. Love Nei & his music! God bless him and his family at this Christmastime.
@georgekrider6304
My father died unexpectedly right after Christmas in 1998, my mother went to the hospital right after Christmas 2010 and died January 2011, this song hits the heart strings.
@debnky55
One of the most beautiful songs Neil has ever written - he is the ultimate song writer. I've loved him forever.
@noahmills.6643
I deeply appreciate you for being a fan. It gives me so much joy that I am able to put smiles on the faces and heart of many.🤗
@karenmcdunn3852
Mila Kunis...?? Really?? Why would Mila Kunis be replying for Neil Diamond?!?!?
@junepaul4763
This is so wonderful! Thank you so much and God Bless You Neil Diamond, for sharing your voice, songs and melodies with us!
@noahmills.6643
I deeply appreciate you for being a fan. It gives me so much joy that I am able to put smiles on the faces and heart of many.💖
@helenfearon4377
How absolutely beautiful... these could be the words of my life at Christmas.. I adore Neil Diamond..
@normajsierra2815
This is the first time I heard this song - Thank you Mr N.D. — Merry Christmas 2021 -and God Bless You in Every Great and Wonderful Way Granting All Your Prayers in 2022!
@sunflower-nf9gs
Amazingly beautiful. Thank you. You Neil are a gift to humanity