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.
Like You Do
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Closer than far
Sounds of forever still around
Lovers in love
Just like we were
'Cause being apart's a lonely sound
I say you never let me down, ye
And you make it feel like Christmas
Even when things go wrong
I hear the sound of Christmas in your song
All year long
Look at the sun
Shining on me
Nowhere could be a better place
Lovers in love
Yeah, that's what we'll be
When you're here with me
It's Christmas day
'Cause you make it feel like Christmas
Even when things go wrong
I hear the sound of Christmas in your song
All year long
That's how you know that's it true baby
Just look at us now
Part of it all
In spite of it all
We're still around
So wake up the kids
And put on some tea
Let's light up the tree
It's Christmas day
And, you make it feel like Christmas
Even when things go wrong
Say it now
I hear the sound of Christmas in your song
All year long
Yes, you know that I do, baby
All year long
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "I Feel You" captures the emotional closeness between two lovers. The first verse indicates that the couple is always together, no matter the distance as they create a 'cozy' atmosphere that is 'closer than far.' And in spite of the endless passage of time, their love remains strong, with the 'Sound of forever still around.' The second verse portrays the couple as being in a state of love, just like they were when they first met. Diamond explains that being apart is difficult because it can make one feel lonely.
The chorus of the song illustrates the depth of the singer's feelings for his partner. When asked how they have managed to stay together despite adversity, he merely states it is because she has never let him down. Even when things go wrong, she makes him feel like it's Christmas day - the happiest day of all. The repetition of 'Christmas day' in the second verse and chorus contrasts with the typical way Christmas is celebrated during the holiday season. The singer says his lover makes it feel like Christmas 'All year long' – love and closeness exist continually throughout the year, not only during the holiday season.
Diamond highlights how strong their relationship has been and continues to be despite adversity. The bridge of the song reflects on their journey and their obstacles. He acknowledges that they have been through so much but have survived it all. As a result, they are part of everything and still standing. The final verse suggests that they eventually will come together and celebrate it just as they did in the beginning. Overall, the song's message is that love can endure through hardships and adversities if the two partners work in unison.
Line by Line Meaning
Cozy we are
We are comfortable and content in each other's presence
Closer than far
Despite physical distance, we remain emotionally close
Sounds of forever still around
The memories and feelings of our love continue to resonate and endure
Lovers in love
We are two people romantically connected and committed to each other
Just like we were
Our love continues to be as strong as when we first fell in love
'Cause being apart's a lonely sound
When we are separated from each other, we experience loneliness and longing
And when people ask how we stay together
Others inquire about the reasons behind our successful and enduring relationship
I say you never let me down, ye
My partner has consistently been faithful, supportive, and dependable
And you make it feel like Christmas
My partner brings warmth, joy, and happiness into my life
Even when things go wrong
Despite setbacks or difficulties, my partner's presence and love remain a constant source of comfort and joy
I hear the sound of Christmas in your song
My partner's voice and actions evoke feelings of joy, love, and contentment within me
All year long
These positive feelings and experiences are not limited to a specific time of year, but rather endure throughout the year
Look at the sun
The world around me is beautiful and bright
Shining on me
I am grateful for the positive and affirming experiences in my life
Nowhere could be a better place
Being with my partner is a source of happiness and contentment, and there is no other place I would rather be
Yeah, that's what we'll be
Our love will continue to thrive and endure
When you're here with me
My partner's presence and love are a constant source of joy and contentment
It's Christmas day
Every day feels like a celebration and a source of joy when my partner is with me
Say it now
These feelings of love and contentment cannot be expressed only through actions and behavior, but must also be articulated in words
Yes, you know that I do, baby
My partner is aware of and reciprocates these feelings of love, joy, and contentment
Just look at us now
Despite any challenges or obstacles, our love has endured and grown over time
Part of it all
Our love is an integral part of our lives, and has shaped and influenced our experiences and decisions
In spite of it all
Despite any difficulties, challenges, or setbacks, our love has remained strong
We're still around
Our love continues to endure and thrive
So wake up the kids
Let's share and celebrate our love with those closest to us
And put on some tea
Let's take some time to relax and enjoy each other's company
Let's light up the tree
Let's infuse our lives with joy, hope, and positivity
Yes, you know that I do, baby
My partner is aware of and reciprocates these feelings of love, joy, and contentment
All year long
Our love and happiness endure and thrive throughout the year
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind