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.
O Come O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings Of Orient Are
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
We three kings of orient are
Following yonder star
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to that perfect Light
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Rejoice, rejoice
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect Light star of wonder
Star so bright
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's song "O Come O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings Of Orient Are" combine two traditional Christmas carols: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are." Each carol tells a different story, but the combination of these lyrics creates a unique interpretation.
In the first paragraph, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," the focus is on the anticipation and hope for the arrival of the Messiah. The lyrics express a desire for Emmanuel, which means "God with us," to come and ransom captive Israel. Israel represents those who are feeling isolated and in a state of mourning. There is a longing for the Son of God to appear and bring comfort and redemption. The repetition of "Rejoice, rejoice!" emphasizes the joy that accompanies the promise of Emmanuel's coming.
The second paragraph introduces the "We Three Kings of Orient Are" part of the song. It paints a picture of three kings from the East who are following a star in search of a significant event. They traverse various terrains – fields, fountains, moors, and mountains – as they follow the star. The star is described as a star of wonder, shining brightly and guiding them. Their westward journey is driven by the desire to find the perfect Light that the star represents.
The third paragraph repeats the "We Three Kings" verses, further emphasizing their quest and the gifts they bring. The repetition helps to reinforce the message of their determination to follow the star and the unity among the three kings.
The final line of the song, "O Rejoice, rejoice," serves as a bridge between the two carols. It brings back the theme of rejoicing and reminds listeners of the joyful anticipation of the arrival of the perfect Light, represented by the star. The repetition of the phrase "Westward leading, still proceeding" echoes the constant pursuit and dedication of the kings. The star is described again as a star of wonder and brightness, highlighting its significance and importance in guiding their journey.
Overall, these lyrics intertwine the anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah and the journey of the three kings, reflecting a message of hope, joy, and determination on the path to finding spiritual enlightenment and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
O come, O come, Emmanuel
Come, come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
And release the captive Israelites
That mourns in lonely exile here
Who are sorrowful in their lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Until the Son of God reveals Himself
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
Be glad, be glad! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Will come to you, O Israel
We three kings of orient are
We, the three kings from the East, are
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Fields, fountains, moors, and mountains
Following yonder star
Following that star in the distance
O star of wonder, star of night
Oh, star of amazement, star of the night
Star with royal beauty bright
Star shining with royal beauty
Westward leading, still proceeding
Leading westward, continuing to advance
Guide us to that perfect Light
Direct us to that flawless Light
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Carrying gifts, we journey a long distance
O Rejoice, rejoice
Oh, be glad, be glad
Westward leading, still proceeding
Leading westward, continuing to advance
Guide us to thy perfect Light star of wonder
Direct us to your perfect Light, oh star of amazement
Star so bright
Oh, bright star
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BeatlesAmiYumi
I really love Neil Diamond's version of this song! It makes me smile a lot.
Frugal Footloose
This song reminds me of my first Christmas in the US in 1992 while visiting my sister. I live in Scotland then. Since then whenever I think of "We Three Kings" song this version is what comes to mind. Simply unmatched.
Reepacheirp firewalker
I will always love your singing Neil thank you for sharing your talent with the world
rolling stone
The music of Neil Diamond is great and beautiful.
MalevolenTwat
god. I LOVE this man. Can't wait to see him in concert next summer =)
Kyrie Lambdin
love his version of this grew up listening to it every christmas
J. Cossette
Beautiful song. Magic.
Fredo Joaquim
Neil Diamond great baritone voice.🌟💖
Fredo Joaquim
Lovely, 💖so lovely,🌟 very special.🕊️
May God bless Neil 😇 Diamond.🌄
kyrie41686
Love his version of the song have two of his christmas albums