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.
Do It
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't hide the yearnin' away
Say what you want to say
'Cause if you let her go,
You'll always know you blew it
Go to it and do it
Yeah,
Do it, yeah
Tell her, just how much you love her
And that no other
Could do what she does to you
'Cause if you take your time
You're gonna find you blew it
Go thru it and do it
Yeah, do it,
Yeah, do it
'Cause if you take your time,
You're gonna find you blew it
Go thru it and do it
Yeah, do it.
Do it, go and do it
Neil Diamond's song 'Do It' speaks about taking risks in love and not letting opportunities pass by. The song urges listeners to express their emotions and speak their hearts out before it's too late. According to the lyrics, we need to seize the moment to avoid any regrets in the future. The chorus, "Do it, while your soul's still burnin'," emphasizes the urgency of acting on our emotions and not letting them fizzle out after a while.
The song's verses and chorus make use of simple language and repetitive phrases to drive home its message. The song directly addresses a loved one, asking the person to express their feelings and not hide their yearning away. The lyrics encourage listeners to tell their love interests how much they love and appreciate them, and not let their love go unexpressed. The song's lyrics take on a playful tone, with the artist urging listeners to "Go to it and do it" and stating "Yeah, do it, yeah" repeatedly.
Line by Line Meaning
Do it, while your soul's still burnin'
Act on what you feel passionate about and don't hold back, because time is limited
Don't hide the yearnin' away
Don't suppress your desires or feelings
Say what you want to say
Speak your truth and communicate your feelings
'Cause if you let her go, You'll always know you blew it
If you don't take action and express your feelings, you'll regret it later
Go to it and do it
Act on your desires and make things happen
Tell her, just how much you love her
Express your love and affection to the person you care for
And that no other Could do what she does to you
Tell them how special they are and that you don't want anyone else
'Cause if you take your time You're gonna find you blew it
If you wait too long, you may miss your chance
Go thru it and do it
Face your fears, take action and make things happen
'Cause if you take your time, You're gonna find you blew it
Reiterating the importance of not waiting too long
Go thru it and do it
Emphasizing the need to take action and not wait
Do it, go and do it
Encouraging action and making things happen without hesitation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MAC DAVIS, MARK JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
aer shamus
this remains one of his greatest, though greatly under appreciated as well as under played; so short and yet so powerful; an absolute classic
Ansie Stassen
Can listen this song over and over Love it
Kay Britt-Vermette
I love this song. It reminds me so much of beloved husband. He and I were so happy and suddenly cancer cut his life short and now he lives in Heaven. And, I am alone listening to Neil Diamond's wonderful music. Thank you, Neil, for making the music and thank you YouTube for making it possible to hear it.
pbailey232
@Jane Wilkinson sorry for your lose.
Jane Wilkinson
Your words are mine exactly. Same story. Love this song.
Zelda Verster
Still the best love song everrr. One that makes my heart yearn.
Jack Owens
Great song, should have rated higher than #36 on the charts at the time. Neil's songs are timeless.
Els S
I hear this and I’m swept back to a different world. As if no time has passed.
Rich Beaudry
I had proposed to my girl friend. One rainy night we were waiting for a cab in front of a hotel when I held her and sang this song to her. Later that evening she said, "Yes!" That was 48 years ago and we are still together. Very special song to me...
Joseph W Richard
Beautiful Man