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.
Jingle Bell Rock
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin' and blowin' up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin' and prancin' in
Jingle Bell Square
What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell rock
What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin' in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell
That's the jingle bell
That's the jingle bell rock
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's Jingle Bell Rock are an ode to the festive spirit of Christmas. The song captures the joy of the season, with the jingle bells signaling the start of the festivities. The first line of the song sets the tone - Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock - and is followed by the image of the bells swinging and ringing, adding to the festive mood. The snowy landscape adds to the excitement of the season, with the bushels of fun adding to the sense of joy.
The chorus of the song further drives home the joy of the season, with the Jingle Bell Square becoming the scene of much dancing and prancing, adding to the frosty air. The singer then adds that it's the right time to rock the night away and encourages the listener to participate in the merrymaking. The mention of the one-horse sleigh adds a nostalgic touch, and the giddy-up jingle horse reinforces the sense of childhood wonder and excitement. The verse ends with an exhortation to mix and mingle with the jingling feet, creating the perfect scene for the Jingle Bell Rock.
In conclusion, Neil Diamond's Jingle Bell Rock is not just a Christmas song but a celebration of the season. It captures the essence of the festivities, with its jingling bells, dancing and prancing, and the one-horse sleigh. It encourages the listener to participate in the celebrations and create memories of the season that will last a lifetime.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
The sound of jingle bells accompanies a rock and roll beat.
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
The bells make a swinging sound and ring out joyfully.
Snowin' and blowin' up bushels of fun
The snowfall and wind create a playful atmosphere filled with merriment.
Now the jingle hop has begun
The festive gathering has started and everyone is ready to dance.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
The song's refrain reinforces the upbeat tone of the celebration.
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
The bells provide a musical accompaniment to the dancing and merrymaking.
Dancin' and prancin' in Jingle Bell Square
The people are joyfully dancing and moving in a designated festive area called Jingle Bell Square.
In the frosty air
The weather is cold and crisp, adding an extra layer of festivity to the celebration.
What a bright time, it's the right time
The atmosphere of the celebration is filled with light and it is the perfect time to celebrate.
To rock the night away
The celebration is not only joyful but it also continues late into the night with everyone filled with enthusiasm and energy.
Jingle bell time is a swell time
The jingle bell time is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and enjoy oneself.
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Part of the festivities includes riding in a one-horse sleigh, enjoying the beautiful winter scenery.
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
The horse pulling the one-horse sleigh is urged to keep moving by readers hopping on board and enthusiastically calling to it.
Jingle around the clock
The jingle bells continue to be heard as the celebration stretches late into the night and continues non-stop.
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
The people are dancing and mingling, moving their feet to the sound of the jingling bells.
That's the jingle bell rock
The song is about the joyous atmosphere created by the sound of jingle bells and the celebratory spirit of everyone involved.
That's the jingle bell
The theme of the song is highlighted once again, emphasizing the fun and excitement of the jingle bell festivities.
That's the jingle bell rock
The refrain of the song concludes the theme of the jingle bell festivities that are happening all around.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joseph Beal, James Boothe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind