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.
Practically Newborn
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Runnin', hidin' myself
From a bad and sad kinda hurt
It ain't gonna work, oh no
Alibi'n
I've been tryin' to make believe
I could leave love alone
Heart made of stone
Give all the love that I got
But I never could before
You opened up, my door
Practically newborn,
Least that's the way I feel
Practically newborn,
I got me somethin' real
Anything you want,
Baby, you know I'll do
Yeah
Practically newborn,
Practically born for you
Me, I found me
Me, I found me a road
Take me out of my doubt and my fears
I said goodbye to tears
Stay around me, baby
Stay around me when I can't forget
What I let get me down
Look what I've found
Take love, why not
Give all the love that I got
I never could
Before you opened up my door
Practically newborn,
Least that's the way I feel
Practically newborn,
I got me somethin' real
Anything you want,
Baby, you know I'll do
Yeah
Practically newborn,
Practically born for you.
Practically newborn,
Least that's the way I feel
Practically newborn,
I got me somethin' real
Anything you want,
Baby, you know I'll do
Yeah
Practically newborn,
Practically born for you
In the song "Practically Newborn," Neil Diamond sings about finding a new love that has made him feel like he's been born all over again. The opening lines in the song suggest that he has been hiding from a hurt that he has been experiencing. He has been trying to make-believe that he can live without love, but he realizes that it's not possible. He then goes on to talk about the heartbreak that he has experienced in the past, which has left him with a stone heart. However, he finds someone new who has opened up his heart and made him feel alive like a newborn.
The chorus of "Practically Newborn" repeats the phrase "practically newborn" twice, emphasizing how much this new love has revived him. He claims that he has found something "real," and he concludes by promising to do anything for his new love.
The lyrics are simple, yet deeply emotional. Diamond's use of figurative language is effective in conveying the depth of his emotions. His lyrics portray his personal experience with heartbreak and his journey to find new love. The chorus provides a sense of hope and renewal, suggesting that we can always find something new and real after losing something precious.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin', hidin'
I am struggling to deal with my pain and have been avoiding my problems by running and hiding.
Runnin', hidin' myself
I have been avoiding facing my emotions and the source of my pain.
From a bad and sad kinda hurt
The pain I am experiencing is intense and unpleasant.
It ain't gonna work, oh no
My past attempts to avoid dealing with my emotions and pain have been ineffective and unsuccessful.
Alibi'n
I have been lying to myself and trying to convince myself that I can function without love.
I've been tryin' to make believe
I have been pretending to myself that I don't need love in my life.
I could leave love alone
I thought I could manage without love.
Heart made of stone
I have been emotionally closed off and have built up walls around my heart.
Take love, why not
Since meeting you, I have realized how much I want and need love.
Give all the love that I got
I am willing to give you all of my love and affection.
But I never could before
I have never felt this level of love and openness with someone else.
You opened up, my door
Meeting you has opened up my heart and allowed me to feel love in a new way.
Practically newborn, Least that's the way I feel
I feel like a new person, with a newfound ability to connect with and give love.
Practically newborn, I got me somethin' real
This love that I feel is authentic and genuine, and it is something I have been missing in my life.
Anything you want, Baby, you know I'll do
I am willing to do anything for you because I am so grateful for the love you have brought into my life.
Me, I found me
I have found a new version of myself that is open and willing to love.
Me, I found me a road
I have discovered a new path in life that includes love and connection.
Take me out of my doubt and my fears
Being with you has helped me overcome my doubts and fears about love.
I said goodbye to tears
I have let go of my past pain and am ready to move forward with you.
Stay around me, baby
I want you to stick around and be with me through this journey of love.
Stay around me when I can't forget
There may be times when my past pain resurfaces, and I need you to remain by my side during these times.
What I let get me down
My past experiences and emotions have caused me to feel defeated and discouraged at times.
Look what I've found
Despite my past struggles, I have found love and happiness in you.
Practically born for you
I feel like we were meant to find each other and that our love is meant to be.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carol
I agree! I bought this album as soon as it came out and fell in love with it immediately. š
Alyce V Henley
The song "Practically Newborn" came as a great surprise to some members and a well back to other who knew the song from the old days-and forgot about it--needless to say they wanted it here on YT also-- so thanks again Tenniscollector .......Alyce V
Alyce V Henley
Hey thanks, Tennis, I like it - very young voice, always sounds cool to me, lots of energy. I have the album but obviously never listened to the whole thing. I belong to a Neil Diamond site called "Sweet Caroline" I'm gonna try this on there, see what they think...Thanks again Alyce V
Caroline Cousins
Thank you ā¤šš¼
Rosa Alcaide
Hole guapo!!! Neildiššš
tenniscollector
Your welcome. Have you seen my other Neil Diamond Songs and video's ?
Alyce V Henley
Yes, I have watched some of your other ND songs etc
Wesley Petarda
Thank you !
Ryan Simpson Music
yes- true Neil