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.
Memphis Streets
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good paying job, girl
Bein' alone makes it hard
Find myself taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Work on the day shift
Come back to my three dollar room
I'm a ten dollar dreamer
And I'm going to make it come true
But now I'm taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Find myself taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you.
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Taking rides through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you.
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "Memphis Streets" detail a man who is making a journey to Memphis to pursue job opportunities but is struggling with loneliness as he experiences the city. The first verse describes the man driving a "59 Ford" to Memphis, excited about his "good paying job," but admitting that "being alone makes it hard." He goes on to say that he finds himself taking rides through the streets of Memphis, watching the view, but unable to get his mind off of his past lover. The chorus repeats these lyrics, emphasizing the man's preoccupation with his ex.
In the second verse, the man describes his life in Memphis. He works the day shift and returns to his "three dollar room." He is a "ten dollar dreamer," implying that he has hopes for a better future but is currently struggling. Again, he finds himself taking rides through the streets of Memphis to distract himself from his thoughts.
Diamond's lyrics capture the emotions of a man who is struggling with loneliness and the memories of a past relationship. The song paints a picture of a city with streets and views that the man may find beautiful, but he is unable to appreciate them fully due to his emotional state.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm headed for Memphis, ridin' a '59 Ford
I'm on my way to Memphis in an old Ford from 1959.
Good paying job, girl
I have a job that pays well, my dear.
Bein' alone makes it hard
Being alone is difficult for me.
Find myself taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you
I drive around Memphis, but can't appreciate the view because I can't stop thinking about you.
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental interlude
Work on the day shift
Come back to my three dollar room
I'm a ten dollar dreamer
And I'm going to make it come true
I work during the day, but my dreams are bigger than what my cheap motel room suggests. I believe I can make my dreams come true.
Taking rides through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you.
I keep driving through Memphis, unable to appreciate the sights because you're always on my mind.
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental interlude
Find myself taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you.
Once again, I drive aimlessly through Memphis, unable to appreciate the scenery because of how much I'm thinking of you.
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental outro.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind