Morningside
Neil Diamond Lyrics

Morningside
This is a reference to the place where the story takes place, suggesting that the events that transpire here are ordinary and happen in many other similar locations.

The old man died
An elderly man has passed away, indicating the end of his time on earth and the potential loss of knowledge or wisdom he possessed.

And no one cried
There was no mourning from those nearby, suggesting either a lack of emotional connection to the man or perhaps even animosity towards him.

They simply turned away
Those present didn't seem to care about the loss of the old man, brushing off his demise as if it didn't affect them at all.

And when he died
Highlighting the fact that his death was a certain event, a fact that couldn't be undone or changed.

He left a table made of nails and pride
The man's legacy is a table that he built himself - a testament to his hard work and his desire to leave something behind.

And with his hands he carved these words inside
The old man inscribed his feelings onto the table, demonstrating his dedication to the message behind it.

"For my children"
His message is simple: he did all of this for his children, as a way of passing something along to them after he was gone.

Morning light
A new day has begun, with the sun shining down on the events that have taken place and offering a sense of renewal or hope for the future.

Morning bright
The brightness of the morning reinforces this idea of new beginnings or a fresh start, and perhaps even hints at the idea of a brighter future for the living characters in the song.

I spent the night
The singer has been awake for a long time, perhaps unable to sleep due to the events that have taken place and their impact on him.

With dreams that make you weep
The artist is haunted by dreams that are deeply emotional and saddening, adding to the weight of the situation he finds himself in.

Morning time
Once again highlighting the idea of new beginnings and the potential for a fresh start that each new day holds.

Wash away the sadness from these eyes of mine
The singer is asking for relief from the overwhelming sadness and weight of the situation he's in, hoping to find some way to move past it.

For I recall the words the old man signed
The singer is reflecting on the meaning behind the table and the message that the old man left behind for his children, feeling the weight of the responsibility that comes along with it.

"And the legs were shaped with his hands"
Repeating the description of the table, highlighting the effort and care that the old man put into constructing it himself with great attention to detail.

"And the top made of oaken wood"
Providing additional detail about the materials used to construct the table, further emphasizing the time and care that the old man put into creating it.

"And the children sat around this great table"
The singer is recalling a scene where the old man's children were gathered around the table, suggesting a family gathering or reunion of some kind.

"Touched with their laughter"
The children are happy and enjoying themselves, highlighting the impact that the old man's creation has had on them and their lives.

Ah, and that was good
The artist reflects on this happy memory with a sense of satisfaction and nostalgia, offering a contrast to the sadness of the earlier parts of the song.

An old man died
Once again emphasizing the inevitability of death and the impact that it has on those around us.

And no one cried
Echoing the earlier line, implying once again that the old man was not greatly missed or mourned by those around him.

He surely died alone
Adding another layer to the sadness of the situation, highlighting the idea that the old man passed away without anyone around him.

And truth is sad
This line encapsulates the overall tone of the song, acknowledging the difficult and sad nature of the events described in the lyrics.

For not a child would claim the gift he had
The old man's creation is left behind, but none of his children seem to want it or be willing to take ownership of it.

The words he carved became his epitaph
The message that the old man left behind on the table becomes his legacy and monument, something that will be remembered long after he's gone.

"For my children"
The repetition of this phrase underscores the importance of family and legacy, even in the face of sadness and loss.