Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer and songw… Read Full Bio ↴Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer and songwriter, born in Brooklyn, NY.

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.

Jungletime
Neil Diamond Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jungle time,
Time for the fight and it's time for the fury
Jungle time
Settin' it right and then takin' the glory
Jungle time, rumble time
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Strut your stuff

Lay it all out
Like you don't care who knows it
Strut your stuff,
You keep your cool
While the other guy blows it
Strut your stuff, hangin' tough
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Jungle time, rumble time, tumble time
Hey, I'm walkin' proud
Me and the boys
Got a date with the angels
Walkin' proud
We and them boys
Ain't exactly like strangers
Walkin' proud, talkin' proud
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Jungle time, rumble time, tumble time
Hey, I'm checkin' out
This ain't my style
And it it ain't my persuasion
Checkin' out,
Guess I ain't built for this kind of occasion
Checkin' out, steppin' out
Mama, mama, mama, mama,
Mama, mama, mama, mama
Jungle time rough, tough, tumble time

Jungle time rough, tough, tumble time
Jungle time rough, tough, tumble time

Overall Meaning

Neil Diamond's song "Jungletime" is an upbeat tune that embodies the raw energy of a fighting spirit. The lyrics suggest that it is time for battle, and the only way to survive and thrive is by embracing the jungle and all that comes with it. The author encourages his audience to "Strut your stuff," to lay it all out and show the world what they've got. He also speaks about keeping calm and cool while the other side loses their head, indicating that a level head is necessary in the midst of chaos. Diamond and his boys have a "date with the angels," signifying that they are ready to enter the fray, confident and unafraid.

However, the song takes a turn with the line "Guess I ain't built for this kind of occasion." Suddenly, the narrative voice wavers, suggesting that perhaps this jungle is not the right fit for him. Despite this, he repeats the command to "strut your stuff" and continues to describe the rough, tough, and tumble nature of the situation. Overall, the song is about harnessing the power of the jungle to overcome obstacles and thrive, but also acknowledging when it is not meant for you and having the strength to step away.

Line by Line Meaning

Jungle time,
It's time for action and conflict in this wild environment called the jungle.

Time for the fight and it's time for the fury
It's a moment to confront an opponent or a situation, and emotions are running high.

Jungle time
Again, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of the situation in the jungle.

Settin' it right and then takin' the glory
Making sure that justice is served and then basking in the recognition of success.

Jungle time, rumble time
Yet another repetition of the idea that it's time for a physical and emotional clash.

Baby, baby, baby, baby
A repeated expression of the singer's confidence and excitement.

Strut your stuff
Displaying one's abilities and confidence.

Lay it all out
Giving it your all, leaving nothing behind.

Like you don't care who knows it
Acting without concern for how others might perceive you.

You keep your cool while the other guy blows it
Staying calm and collected while the opponent is losing their cool.

Strut your stuff, hangin' tough
Continuing to show off your skills and determination despite difficulties.

Hey, I'm walkin' proud
Expressing his sense of pride and confidence.

Me and the boys got a date with the angels
He and his group are embarking on a significant and possibly dangerous mission.

We and them boys ain't exactly like strangers
Though different, the singer's group and those they are encountering share similarities.

Walkin' proud, talkin' proud
Repeating his earlier comment regarding his confidence and self-assuredness.

Hey, I'm checkin' out
Expressing the desire to leave this situation.

This ain't my style, and it ain't my persuasion
He feels out of place and uncomfortable.

Guess I ain't built for this kind of occasion
He realizes that he is not suited for this kind of environment.

Checkin' out, steppin' out
Leaving the situation and moving on to something else.

Mama, mama, mama, mama,
A cry of frustration or disappointment.

Jungle time rough, tough, tumble time
A final repetition of the song's earlier themes of roughness, toughness, and conflict.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

01Beautiful Noise3:27

02Stargazer2:28

03Lady-Oh3:52

04Don't Think... Feel3:26

05Surviving The Life3:31

06If You Know What I Mean

07Street Life

08Home Is A Wounded Heart2:42

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comment Fredo. You may also wish to view these videos –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqaQFq9P11M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7FeamFSUW0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2P_pxnhW8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otw22AtDkaA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYbZ98LIRE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkgO53f0xpo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h06FopQAY4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xIjvezsrC8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZGnaO8TI0k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--LjjLH7QNA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkQTfLGWI_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USoCzMd23Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSdtKls9AXs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5RY97qvtzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki2YCa-9SA0

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments Vera. You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJW49zSIzTJHU-aHctTSTjpA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXnMNeIDvNDvNRVbGx0C6As

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Take care, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comment Lynn, he is that. The great Muhammad Ali referred to Neil as "The King of the Stage".

You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comment Mara. Here is my latest upload - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8zXvlcUlkk

You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJU8LKacrSGLyZCKMB8jkQhL

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJW49zSIzTJHU-aHctTSTjpA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXnMNeIDvNDvNRVbGx0C6As

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Take care, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

6y↑1

Thanks for your comment Diane. That was back in 1988, 30 years ago. Neil was 47 back then. We all age... that's life. You may also wish to view these videos -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--LjjLH7QNA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkQTfLGWI_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USoCzMd23Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxnMxG8qdvc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSdtKls9AXs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sdQX6k22EQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th0oVqfpC_8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki2YCa-9SA0

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJW49zSIzTJHU-aHctTSTjpA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXnMNeIDvNDvNRVbGx0C6As

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Take care, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comment Andrea. Much has happened in the ensuing 3 years since I last replied to Steven. We are hoping for the best for Neil.

You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJU8LKacrSGLyZCKMB8jkQhL

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJW49zSIzTJHU-aHctTSTjpA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXnMNeIDvNDvNRVbGx0C6As

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Take care, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments. Did not notice that. Thanks. You may also wish to view these videos -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8d7SDR_6Uw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USoCzMd23Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZGnaO8TI0k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxnMxG8qdvc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSdtKls9AXs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1grMBts_kzw

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments Lori. You may also wish to view these Playlists -

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJU8LKacrSGLyZCKMB8jkQhL

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXMpzUrgs6wXO97_25GZEaX

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJUrQTolzDH1lH_i1ewy75wq

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJW49zSIzTJHU-aHctTSTjpA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo2q_F5rvzJXnMNeIDvNDvNRVbGx0C6As

Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Take care, Doug

All comments from YouTube:

Patricia Gonzalez

3y↑1

Hermoso, guapísimo, 😍 nadie como el , su música preciosa, te amo Neil Diamond ❤️
Gracias

Fredo Joaquim

5y↑5

Yah! Jungletime, an interesting uptempo from Neil Diamond 💎 the best singer and songwriter ever.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Vera Lucinda Mathias

4y↑2

Neil cantando e dançando? Muito bom.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Lynn Kylmanen

4y↑4

He's awesome!!!!

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Victoria Chinavare

2y↑1

Beautiful Neil diamond. Thank you for all the great music thru the years.love you God bless.🌹🙏♥️

Mara Dubric

3y↑2

He is just wonderful,he is perfect ❤️

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Amanda Kristi

7y↑3

Just saw him last night in concert. Great show! Wish he would have worn the sparkles like this.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments Amanda. Lucky you! Sorry, but those days of the sparkly shirts are long gone, they went out with the 80's! Don't know if you're aware, but those shirts weren't made of glitter, but were actual glass beads and they were heavy! Neil had a family in Nicaragua who made these shirts for him. At one of his concerts the beads worked they way loose and pandemonium broke out as fans seated in the front rows scrambled to collect them as souvenirs.

Please check out our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

Diane Zak

6y↑7

He looks fantastic there!!

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

6y↑1

Sweetpea027

9y↑4

WOW !!!! I have not seen this video . Neil Diamond can really dance & move his feet wonderfully to the rhyme. He is in great control of the band . Thanks for sharing !!!!

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

9y↑2

@Sweetpea027 You don't know what you've missed, Sweetpea027! I suggest you purchase the DVD (please see my notes above). You'll love it, guaranteed. Neil Diamond: Mover and Groover! 8-) I'm not usually one to upload marketed videos, not my style. I very much prefer to create my own. I do make exceptions ever now and then.

Steven Reynolds

7y↑3

I miss Neil dancing like this he didnt move or dance around much at the concert on July 18th, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. Miss those days of Neil. I grew up listening to Neil since I was 5 years old. My grandparents got me hooked on him they long have passed away and when me and my sister went in July I cried to several songs that were their favorite Neil songs.
My granny passed away in 2003 and my papa passed away last year.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Andrea Walbridge

3y↑1

He wouldn't have been able to move like this in 2017 as he already had Parkinson's, although he didn't announce it and stop touring until 2018.

Steven Reynolds

6y↑1

Thanks

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Many thanks for taking the time to post your comments and for subscribing to my channel Steven, much appreciated. It’s called the ageing process. When Neil performed this song in the above video he was a rather sprightly 47 years old, he is now 76. That would explain a lot.

Your grandparents had great taste in music and that instilled in you, at a tender age, that same love and appreciation. You are indeed so very fortunate.

Please check out our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ for more great videos and information. Best wishes, Doug

Steven Reynolds

7y↑2

This was the first song at the concert at the AAC in Dallas, Texas on July 18th, 2017 when I went with my sister.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comment Steven, I thought that the opening number 'In My Lifetime' for his 50th Anniversary World Tour was pretty much set in stone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIcHbQ8QIxg

Margaret Rameshwar

7y↑2

First time I am hearing his song Neil s as wonderful. As ever great dance moves what a great singer and entertainer he s the bs ver

Carolyn Chimes

7y↑2

I just watched Neil dance fantastic I am so glad that I grew up in the 60 s I'm from up state New York my self I wish this man could be cloned but no he is one of a kind plus that voice he is truly blessed a men c

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments Carolyn. That he is, that he is. Please visit our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

Margaret Rameshwar

7y↑2

I am looking at this video again,look at his dance moves he is really a fantastic dancer I believe that we were from the same era love him forever.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Thanks for your comments Margaret. Please check out our Neil Diamond dedicated website - https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/ Best wishes, Doug

Rosa Alcaide

6y↑2

Muy bueno el vidio Neildi 💃💃💃👋👋👋

Joana Sousa

Very nice. I knew about this brief 'contact' with the gangs. Among others, this is something else I share with ND. I was also shot in an eye with a BB gun. I alsk have a small hole in the left eye . I was 10. No, I wasn't in a gang. It was "friendly fire". LOL.
nice song and nice video. Thank you

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

🙄😊

Joana Sousa

@NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL I didn't shoot myself. We were kids and there was a bb gun available and it was an accident. Yes, I do have a tiny hole, unnoticeable on my keft eye. It was a big scare for the adults but for me it was really cool. It nade me the center of attention. Silly, but I was 10.

NEIL DIAMOND CENTRAL

Wow! When you say shot in the eye and that you have a small hole in your left eye, do you actually mean your eye or the area surrounding your eye? !0 and messing with a BB gun? 😲 My pleasure.