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.
Free Life
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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Scratch on my head
Pick me a tune
Sing it like a black man
Oh, oh, oh, mm, mm, mm
Aw Free life
You know my name
And burn it in the window
Oh, oh, oh, mm, mm, mm
Talking 'bout round, brown ladies
And maybe some wine
All be fine
If she ain't no belle, hell, it's okay
I won't pay no mind
We'll just have us a time
Free life
I'll wait right here
But I ain't no kid
Believin' in the bible
Oh, oh, oh, mm, mm, mm
Ah, free life
The lyrics to Neil Diamond's song Free Life describe a carefree and easygoing approach to life. The singer of the song is someone who is unencumbered by societal expectations and is free to indulge in simple pleasures like scratching their head, playing music, and singing like a black man. The reference to singing like a black man suggests a desire to emulate the authenticity and soul of African American performers.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of liberation and a rejection of conventionality. The singer is not concerned with material possessions or social status, as exemplified by the line "If she ain't no belle, hell, it's okay / I won't pay no mind." Instead, the focus is on enjoying life in the moment and being true to oneself.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Free life" several times, emphasizing the central theme of the song. The line "I'll leave on a light / And burn it in the window" suggests a willingness to leave a light on for anyone who is seeking this kind of free, authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Free life
Living a life without limitations, rules or boundaries.
Scratch on my head
Deeply considering and thinking about something, potentially a problem.
Pick me a tune
Creating and selecting a melody or song that one desires to hear and enjoy.
Sing it like a black man
Singing with soul, passion and emotion as if one is inspired by the rich tradition of black music.
You know my name
My identity is clear and recognizable, and I have a sense of self-awareness.
I'll leave on a light
I will keep the flame of hope and optimism alive, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity.
And burn it in the window
My light will be visible and noticeable to others, offering inspiration and guidance.
Talking 'bout round, brown ladies
Referring to women of color, specifically those who are voluptuous and beautiful.
And maybe some wine
Relaxing and enjoying oneself with a drink of alcohol.
All be fine
Despite initial concerns, everything will work out and be okay.
If she ain't no belle, hell, it's okay
It doesn't matter if the woman isn't conventionally attractive, as long as she has other qualities that are pleasing.
I won't pay no mind
I will not be concerned with superficial or shallow characteristics, and instead prioritize true connection and enjoyment.
We'll just have us a time
The focus will be on having fun and enjoying each other's company.
I'll wait right here
I have patience and am willing to wait for something to happen.
But I ain't no kid
Despite my willingness to wait, I am still mature and experienced.
Believin' in the bible
Having faith and trusting in a higher power or religious text.
Ah, free life
Continuing to embrace the idea of living without limitations, rules or boundaries.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind