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.
Song for You
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs
I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my life in stages
Ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and
I'm singing this song for you
I know your image of me
Is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly
But darlin' can't you see
There's no one more important to me
And darlin' can't you please see through me
Cause we're alone now and
I'm singing this song for you
[Chorus]
You taught me precious secrets
Of a true love withholding nothing
You came out front and I was hiding
Now I'm so much better
And if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody
'Cause my love is in there hiding
I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You were a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
And we're alone and
I was singing this song for you
I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
And we're alone now and
I'm singing this song for you
And we're alone now and
I'm was singing this song, singing this song, for you
In Neil Diamond's "A Song For You," the lyrics reflect on a life well-lived, with all of its ups and downs. The opening lines speak of the many places the singer has been in his life, both geographically and emotionally. He acknowledges that he has made some bad choices and has even performed poorly on stage. Nevertheless, he's still grateful for the experience, and now he is singing just for one person.
The second half of the first verse is where the song becomes more personal. The singer talks to someone he loves, someone he's treated unkindly. He wants this person to know that they are the most important thing in his life, even though he's sometimes been less than his best self. He wants them to see through him and accept him for who he truly is, flaws and all.
The chorus then continues with a message of gratitude. The singer thanks the person for teaching him about love, for coming into his life and helping him to become a better person. He admits that before this person, he was hiding, not living his life to the fullest. But now, with their love as inspiration, he has found his voice and his true self.
The final verse is a declaration of love. The singer tells the person that he loves them in a place beyond time and space, and that they will always be a friend to him. He wants them to remember the good times they had together, even after he's gone. And in the end, he's still singing just for them, sharing his love through this song.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been so many places
I have experienced various things and visited many destinations throughout my life
In my life and time
Throughout my entire life span
I've sung a lot of songs
I have performed a great deal of musical numbers
I've made some bad rhyme
I have produced some poor lyrical choices
I've acted out my life in stages
I have portrayed myself in public life
Ten thousand people watching
Many individuals have observed my public performances
But we're alone now and
Despite the past, currently we, as a couple, are only accompanied by ourselves
I'm singing this song for you
This musical piece is dedicated to you
I know your image of me
I am aware of the perception you have of me
Is what I hope to be
That perception is what I aspire to become
I've treated you unkindly
I have mistreated you previously
But darlin' can't you see
However, you should also see
There's no one more important to me
No other individual holds more value in my life
And darlin' can't you please see through me
It would be ideal if you could see the true essence of my being
You taught me precious secrets
You imparted valuable knowledge to me
Of a true love withholding nothing
The elements and essence of authentic love without constraints
You came out front and I was hiding
You were upfront when I was avoiding confrontation
Now I'm so much better
Currently, I am greatly improved as a result
And if my words don't come together
If my language is not clear
Listen to the melody
Focus on the music accompaniment
'Cause my love is in there hiding
As my affection is concealed within it
I love you in a place
The area in which I love you is not limited to a physical location
Where there's no space or time
It extends beyond the boundaries of space and time
You were a friend of mine
You were someone I considered a friend
And when my life is over
Once I have passed on
Remember when we were together
Recall and cherish the time we spent together
And we're alone and
And we are currently the sole individuals present
I was singing this song for you
This song was performed expressly for you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Leon Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind