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.
I'm Alive
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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We can hardly breathe the air
Look around
It's a hard life everywhere
People talk but they never really care
On the street there's a feeling of despair
Everyday there's a brand new baby born
When its alright
Yeah, its alright
I'm alive
And I don't care much for words of doom
If its love you need
Well I got the room
It's a simple thing changed in me
When I found you
I'm alive
I'm alive
Every night on the streets of Hollywood
Pretty girls come to give you something good
Love for sale
It's a lonely town at night
Therapy for a heart misunderstood
Look around there's a flower on every street
Look around and its growing at your feet
Everyday you can hear me say
That I'm alive
I want to take all that life has got to give
All I need is someone to share it with
I got love and love is all I really need to live
I'm alive
I'm alive
Everyday there's a brand new baby born
Everyway there's enough to keep you warm
It's ok
And I'm glad to say
I'm alive
And I don't care much for words of doom
If it's love you got well I've got the room
It's a simple thing that came to me when I found you
I'm alive
I'm alive
And I don't care much for words of doom
If its love you need well I got the room
Its a simple thing that came to me and I thank god
I'm alive
I can take all that life has got to give
If I've got someone to share it with
In the song "I'm Alive" by Neil Diamond, the lyrics describe the current state of society and the hardships faced by many individuals. Diamond invites the listener to take a walk and observe the world around them. The air is thick, and there is an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness on the streets. People talk, but no one seems to care about each other. However, despite all the chaos, there is still beauty in the world, like the birth of a new baby or the warmth of the sun.
Throughout the song, Diamond expresses the idea that he is alive and that he does not care for words of doom. He acknowledges the challenges of life but instead chooses to focus on love and the moments of joy that come with sharing his life with someone else. He has found a simple thing that has changed him, and he credits this change to the person he loves. He is grateful for his life and ready to take on all the world has to offer.
"I'm Alive" is a powerful song about acknowledging the difficulties of life but choosing to focus on the positive aspects instead. It is a reminder that despite the hardships, there is still beauty and love in the world, and it is essential to appreciate it while we can.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk a walk
Let's go outside for a walk.
We can hardly breathe the air
The air quality is poor and affects our breathing.
Look around
Observe the surroundings.
It's a hard life everywhere
Life is difficult and challenging almost everywhere.
People talk but they never really care
People often talk without showing genuine concern or interest.
On the street there's a feeling of despair
The atmosphere on the street is depressing and hopeless.
Everyday there's a brand new baby born
Every day, a new life begins.
Everyday there's a sun to keep you warm
Every day, the sun provides warmth and light.
When its alright
When everything is going well.
Yeah, its alright
Yes, everything is fine.
I'm alive
I'm grateful and happy to be alive.
And I don't care much for words of doom
I don't want to hear negative or pessimistic comments.
If its love you need
If you're looking for love.
Well I got the room
I have enough space and capacity to love and be loved.
It's a simple thing changed in me
Love is a simple thing that transformed my life and my view of the world.
When I found you
When I met you and fell in love with you.
Every night on the streets of Hollywood
In Hollywood, there's always something happening at night.
Pretty girls come to give you something good
Attractive women offer something good, such as love or affection.
Love for sale
Love is often sold or traded in Hollywood, rather than given freely.
It's a lonely town at night
At night, Hollywood can be a lonely and isolating place.
Therapy for a heart misunderstood
Love can heal the pain and misunderstanding in someone's heart.
Look around there's a flower on every street
Even in difficult situations, there is beauty and hope to be found.
Look around and its growing at your feet
The beauty and hope is right in front of you, if you pay attention.
Everyday you can hear me say
Every day, I express my gratitude and joy for being alive.
That I'm alive
That I'm grateful and happy to be alive.
I want to take all that life has got to give
I want to experience everything that life offers, both good and bad.
All I need is someone to share it with
The ultimate goal is to share these experiences with someone you love and care about.
I got love and love is all I really need to live
Love is the most important thing in life, and it's enough to make life worth living.
It's ok
Everything is alright.
And I'm glad to say
I'm happy to report.
If it's love you got well I've got the room
I have enough capacity to love and care for you.
Its a simple thing that came to me when I found you
Love is a simple, yet powerful thing that I discovered when I met you.
And I thank god
I express gratitude and appreciation to a higher power.
I can take all that life has got to give
I'm capable and ready to handle any challenge or experience that comes my way.
If I've got someone to share it with
As long as I have someone to love and care about, life is worth living and enjoying.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID FOSTER, NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind