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.
Love With The Proper Stranger
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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If I heard the bells and the banjos ring
If two certain eyes with the look of danger
Smiled a welcome warm as spring
If the beating in my heart
Sounded out a warning
"Don't let her,"
"Don't let her walk through the door"
Oh, yes, I'd know
However wild it seems,
You know I'd know
And I'd whisper
"Come take my hand, proper stranger"
"Don't go through life as a stranger"
"For I'm a poor proper stranger, too"
"Don't let her,"
"Don't let her walk through the door"
"This is the one you've been waiting for"
Oh, yes, I'd know
However wild it seems,
You know I'd know
And I'd whisper
"Come take my hand, proper stranger"
"Don't go through life as a stranger"
"For I'm a poor proper stranger, too"
In Neil Diamond's song "Love With The Proper Stranger," the lyrics explore the idea of love and connection with a stranger who possesses certain captivating qualities. The singer contemplates the possibility of falling in love with someone who captures their attention through the enchanting sound of bells and banjos. These instruments symbolize joy, celebration, and a sense of liveliness, suggesting that the singer is drawn to someone who brings vibrancy and excitement into their life.
The lyrics also mention "certain eyes with the look of danger" that could make the singer venture into a thrilling and risky romantic endeavor. The eyes convey a sense of mystery and allure, indicating that the singer is attracted to the unconventional and daring qualities in a potential partner. The welcoming smile described as warm as spring signifies the feeling of acceptance and comfort that this stranger would bring.
The singer expresses a deep understanding and intuition about this connection, recognizing that this person is the one they have been waiting for. Despite the seeming wildness or unpredictability of this love, the singer has an innate knowing that this is the right path for them. They extend an invitation, urging the proper stranger to take their hand and not go through life as a stranger, revealing their own vulnerability as a poor proper stranger in need of companionship and love.
Line by Line Meaning
I could fall in love with the proper stranger
I am open to the possibility of falling in love with someone I don't know well
If I heard the bells and the banjos ring
If there was a joyous and lively atmosphere around us
If two certain eyes with the look of danger
If I saw a captivating and intriguing gaze
Smiled a welcome warm as spring
If that person greeted me warmly and kindly
If the beating in my heart
If my innermost feelings
Sounded out a warning
Conveyed a cautionary message
"Don't let her,"
"Do not let her in your life"
"Don't let her walk through the door"
"Do not allow her to enter your world"
"This is the one you've been waiting for"
"She is the person you've been longing for"
Oh, yes, I'd know
Certainly, I would recognize it
However wild it seems,
No matter how unlikely it appears
You know I'd know
You can trust that I would understand
And I'd whisper
Softly, I would say
"Come take my hand, proper stranger"
"Join me and let us explore this connection, unknown yet familiar"
"Don't go through life as a stranger"
"Don't live your life feeling disconnected and unknown to others"
"For I'm a poor proper stranger, too"
"Because even though I may seem like a stranger, I also long for connection"
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELMER BERNSTEIN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind