I've Been This Way Before
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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And I've seen the flame
And I've been this way before
And I'm sure to be this way again
For I've been refused
And I've been regained
And I've seen your eyes before
And I'm sure to see your eyes again
For I've been released
And I've been regained
And I've sung my song before
And I'm sure to sing my song again
Some people got to laugh
Some people got to cry
Some people got to make it through
By never wondering why
Some people got to sing
Some people got to sigh
Some people never see the light
Until the day they die
But I've been released
And I've been regained
And I've been this way before
And I'm sure to be this way again
One more time again
Just one more time
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "I've Been This Way Before" revolve around the theme of life's cycles and the inevitability of going through certain experiences over and over again. Diamond talks about how he has seen both the "light" and "flame," implying that he has experienced both the joys and struggles of life. This makes him certain that he is likely to experience them again in the future. He reminisces about being both "refused" and "regained," suggesting that he has gone through difficult times and overcome them. He has also encountered familiar faces, referring to having seen someone's eyes before and being certain of seeing them again.
The chorus reinforces the idea of life's cycles and differences in how people cope with them. While some people can laugh, cry, and make it through difficult times, others can only make it through by not questioning why things happen. Some people can sing and express their emotions, while others are only capable of sighing. Finally, Diamond points out that some people never discover their inner light until they pass away.
Overall, the lyrics of "I've Been This Way Before" suggest that life is a never-ending cycle of ups and downs, and past experiences can prepare a person for times ahead. By acknowledging and accepting these experiences, Diamond implies that we can find strength in facing any obstacles that arise.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the light
I've experienced moments of clarity and understanding
And I've seen the flame
And I've encountered moments of passion and intensity
And I've been this way before
And I've been through similar experiences in the past
And I'm sure to be this way again
And I know I'll face similar situations in the future
For I've been refused
Because I've been rejected and turned down
And I've been regained
But I've also been accepted and gained back what I lost
And I've seen your eyes before
And I've looked into your eyes in the past
And I'm sure to see your eyes again
And I know I'll look into your eyes again in the future
For I've been released
Because I've been let go and freed from something
And I've sung my song before
And I've expressed myself in this way previously
And I'm sure to sing my song again
And I know I'll continue to express myself in this manner in the future
Some people got to laugh
Some people are fortunate enough to experience joy and happiness
Some people got to cry
While others have to face heartache and sorrow
Some people got to make it through by never wondering why
Some people cope by not questioning the reasons for their struggles
Some people got to sing
Some people are gifted with the ability to express themselves beautifully through song
Some people got to sigh
Others are burdened with the weight of their emotions and have to let out a heavy breath
Some people never see the light until the day they die
Some people never experience moments of clarity or understanding in their lifetime
But I've been this way before
But I've faced similar situations in the past
And I'm sure to be this way again
And I know I'll encounter similar situations in the future
One more time again
One more time, I'll face similar challenges and experiences
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@caroldavidson9133
I love Neil Diamonds gift of songs and God has given him and excitement
voice and it is a shame that people that gave him thumbs down
they don’t know what they are missing, I never had a chance to hear
him in person and I thank Jesus that I could listen to him on YouTube
I never got that chance to listen to him in person and I am happy
that I have made friends with such an awesome singer, he has
the voice of angels and I really mean that with all my heart, we
all should pray to God that He will heal Neil of the Parkinson’s
Disease because this disease will rob a person of their memory
and whatever it robs them of don’t put thumbs down put
thumbs up because of your pride or whatever, he is a good
singer and I can vouch for that, if I could I would go to his
concerts but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.
@marilynlevey3945
LEGEND🎉 you are so loved Neil, thank you for the beautiful music ❤️🎤🎶🎵🎶👏❤️
@murphysdad2
To everyone who has left a comment here. I'd like to thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts. After all these years (I'm 73 now) every time I listen to this song, it brings tears to my eyes.
@alanburns6857
Another N.D classic that makes the hair on your arms stand up.. Simply beautiful.
@wufter1
This man doesnt just sing songs he,s the story teller
@ANALINARRSS
Neil Diamond, I love you and I'll always do. You are the best.
@shamimhuq2134
Neil Diamond is the voice of God and God sings with music.
@JoanAvis-pi6sf
The one and only Neil Diamond such a wonderful voice. Can never be copied
@doughball1686
Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. And never. Ever. Stop.
I love you brother.
Amen
@rosequartz7453
For all of us who've been here before. 💜
@mariadangeli9043
Neil Diamond is a deeply wise, and spiritual man. Words to this song are profound. For me, I believe we will meet each other again. Death is not the end.