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.
Dialogue
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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"Tree people" out there
God Bless You;
I'll sing it for you too.
Are you still there, "tree people"?
This is the Greek Theater.
They come to a place called the Greek theater and you´re met there by an MC wearing a long robe and smoking a cigar
.....looks like Guy Kibbie
....and that's what it is
...it's performers paradise.
Take a look behind you and see what I'm seein'
....like trees in the sky
....it's beautiful!
This is going to be special,
I promised that before I came back to this theater
We're going to do some things that you won't forget for a while
And thats where we're bound tonight, ok.
In Neil Diamond's song "Dialogue," the lyrics express a sense of gratitude towards the audience and the culmination of performers and their audience in a sacred space. Diamond begins by thanking the audience and acknowledging the "tree people" who are present. "Tree people" references those who are up in the cheap seats, and sometimes up in trees, who have a deep appreciation for music but may not have the financial means to be closer to the stage. He then sings "God Bless You; I'll sing it for you too," cementing the connection between the audience and Diamond as a performer.
Diamond then goes on to describe the Greek Theater, which he identifies as a place designed specifically for performers when they die. He imagines meeting an MC, or master of ceremonies, upon reaching the afterlife. He describes how beautiful the scene is, with trees high up in the sky, highlighting the importance of music and the connection between nature and performance. Diamond then declares that something special is going to happen that night, which will be remembered for a long time.
The lyrics of "Dialogue" emphasize the sacred space that is the Greek Theater, where performers and their audience come together in a celebration of music and life. Diamond expresses his appreciation for the audience and acknowledges those who may not have the means to sit closer to the stage. He then portrays the Greek Theater as a mystical space where performers go after they die, and the beauty of the setting emphasizes the importance of music and the connection between nature and performance. Ultimately, the lyrics promise that something memorable will happen that night, creating a shared experience between performer and audience.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you in the audience that pays
Expressing gratitude to the audience that paid to attend the show
"Tree people" out there
Addressing the audience by the nickname "tree people" due to their proximity to trees at the outdoor Greek Theater
God Bless You;
Sending a bless and well-wishes to the audience
I'll sing it for you too.
Promising to perform and entertain the audience
Are you still there, "tree people"?
Checking if the audience is still engaged and present
This is the Greek Theater.
Introducing the location of the performance as the Greek Theater
This is the place that God made for performers when they die.
Describing the Greek Theater as a heavenly place for performers to rest in peace
They come to a place called the Greek theater and you´re met there by an MC wearing a long robe and smoking a cigar
Elaborating on the afterlife concept at the Greek Theater and describing the figure of the MC
.....looks like Guy Kibbie
Comparing the MC to a specific person, as a humorous aside
....and that's what it is
Confirming the description of the Greek Theater afterlife
...it's performers paradise.
Affirming the idea that the Greek Theater is a heavenly place for performers
Take a look behind you and see what I'm seein'
Encouraging the audience to appreciate the beauty of the Greek Theater background
....like trees in the sky
Using a poetic metaphor to describe the tall trees surrounding the theater
....it's beautiful!
Expressing admiration and awe for the scenery
This is going to be special,
Anticipating a unique and memorable performance
I promised that before I came back to this theater
Referring to a previous promise to deliver a special performance at the Greek Theater
We're going to do some things that you won't forget for a while
Teasing the audience about the upcoming surprises and unforgettable moments
And that's where we're bound tonight, ok.
Confirming the plan and destination for the night's show
Contributed by Anna Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.