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.
Coldwater Morning
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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And like a child believing dreams
Always a dream to take you home
Day, after the day, there comes the night
There comes the knowing when you laugh
If you should laugh,
The night alone will hear
Coldwater morning
Take off your nighttime shoes
Coldwater morning
I've been waiting so long for you
One, knowing I'm one, hearing of two
Hearing of things that I once had
That you once had
And when the night would come
We'd sleep like one
Coldwater morning
Take off your nighttime shoes
Coldwater morning
I've been waiting so long for you
I've been waiting so long for you...
The song "Coldwater Morning" by Neil Diamond narrates the longing of someone who is reminiscing about the nights spent with a loved one, and how they would sleep like one. The lyrics begin with the concept of knowing that they are alone, and hearing of others in pairs; possibly referring to a recent breakup or loneliness. The singer is also trying to hold onto their dreams of having someone to come home to, while accepting the fact that reality brings in the night when they are left alone.
The chorus of the song, "Coldwater morning, take off your nighttime shoes" signifies a new beginning; the morning after a night of long wait for someone. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been longing for someone for a long time - maybe someone they once had a relationship with. As the song progresses, the singer continues to reflect on the memories that they had with their former partner when they would sleep as one. The lyrics, "hearing of things that I once had, that you once had" is evidence that there has been a significant event that led to the separation.
Overall, "Coldwater Morning" by Neil Diamond is a melancholic song that talks about coming to terms with loneliness, longing for someone, and looking forward to new beginnings. It is a song that people who have had a breakup or miss someone they love can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
One, knowing I'm one, hearing of two
I am aware of my individuality, but I am also aware of the existence of someone else or something else.
And like a child believing dreams
I believe in things that I hope for, even if they seem improbable or unlikely.
Always a dream to take you home
It is my constant dream to find a place where I belong, and to have someone to share it with.
Day, after the day, there comes the night
Life is a series of cycles, with each day ending and leading into a new night, and each night eventually leading into a new day.
There comes the knowing when you laugh
Through your laughter, I can sense your emotions and understand what you are feeling.
If you should laugh,
If you happen to laugh,
The night alone will hear
Only the darkness of the night will be present to hear us if we laugh.
And the night don't care
The night is indifferent to our emotions and does not judge or offer sympathy.
Coldwater morning
The morning that follows a cold night, or a new beginning that follows a difficult time.
Take off your nighttime shoes
Let go of the worries and troubles of the night, and prepare for a new day with a fresh start.
I've been waiting so long for you
I have been anticipating your arrival or an end to a difficult time for a very long time, and I am relieved to finally experience it.
Hearing of things that I once had
Remembering the possessions, experiences, or connections that I used to have or used to be a part of.
We'd sleep like one
When we were together, we were so comfortable and familiar that it felt like we were one entity rather than two.
I've been waiting so long for you...
I have been longing for a reunion or a return to a better time for a long time, and I hope that it will finally come soon.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind