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.
Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I
Look at the night and it don't seem so lonely
We filled it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when holding you
One, touching one
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline
I believe they never could
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
The lyrics to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline may seem straightforward and easy to understand at first listen, but a closer look reveals the complexity of the emotions expressed. The first verse begins with Diamond reflecting that he doesn't know where his feelings began or how they became so strong, but he is certain that they are growing. This is followed by a description of the timeline of the relationship – it began in the spring and blossomed throughout the summer. In the last line of the verse, Diamond expresses disbelief that the person he is singing about even exists and that they have come into his life.
The second verse speaks to the physical closeness between the singer and the person of his affection. He describes reaching out and touching, how good it feels, and how it fills a void that previously existed. He then goes on to describe a specific scenario where they are alone together, highlighting how they are enough for each other. The reference to "hurting running off his shoulders" reinforces the idea that the person he is with makes him feel safe and loved. The phrase "hands, touching hands/ reaching out, touching me, touching you" is repeated to emphasize the intimacy and connection between the two people.
Overall, the song is a celebration of a newfound love that has brought joy and contentment to Diamond's life. The lyrics are full of hope and optimism, reflecting the youthful energy of the time in which they were written. Diamond tells the story of two people who are finally able to find happiness and "good times" in each other's company.
Line by Line Meaning
Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
I don't know where this love started, it's a mystery to me
But then I know it's growing strong
But I do know that our love is getting stronger
Was in the spring
Our love began in the season of spring
And spring became the summer
Our love grew from spring to summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
I never could have imagined finding someone like you
Hands, touching hands
Physical contact between us
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Our hands are reaching out and touching each other
Sweet Caroline
Referring to his lover with a sweet nickname - Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Being with her makes everything feel better
I've been inclined
I've always had the feeling
To believe they never would
That things could never be this good
But now I
But now that I'm with you
Look at the night and it don't seem so lonely
Being with you makes even a lonely night feel less lonely
We filled it up with only two
We only need each other to fill the night
And when I hurt
When I'm in pain
Hurting runs off my shoulders
My pain disappears when I'm with you
How can I hurt when holding you
Touching and holding you makes me forget about the pain
One, touching one
Physical contact between us - one person touching another
Sweet Caroline
Referring to his lover with a sweet nickname - Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Being with her makes everything feel better
I've been inclined
I've always had the feeling
To believe they never would
That things could never be this good
Oh no, no
Expressing disbelief and joy at how good things are
Sweet Caroline
Referring to his lover with a sweet nickname - Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Being with her makes everything feel better
Sweet Caroline
Referring to his lover with a sweet nickname - Caroline
I believe they never could
I never thought good times like this were possible
Sweet Caroline
Referring to his lover with a sweet nickname - Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Being with her makes everything feel better
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Neil Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind