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.
You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' Round Your Face
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Horseflies keep hangin' 'round your face
Kentucky moonshine
Could never take your place
And your eyes
Could give me goose bumps down to my toes
Feel like the only rooster in the hencoop,
And I guess it shows.
Mary Lou Jane (oh Mary Lou Jane)
Oh what a fine name (what a fine name)
And you're nothing like them females
From Dover City
(nothin' at all)
Front teeth missin'
(hee, you got your front teeth missin')
And that's fine for kissin' (oh, feels so good)
You're more loyal than my dog Sam,
And twice as pretty (and that's goin' some)
You're so sweet,
Horseflies keep hangin' 'round your face
Kentucky moonshine
Could never take your place
And your eyes
Could give me goose bumps down to my toes
Feel like the only rooster in the hencoop,
And I guess it shows.
I can't forget (oh, no)
When we first met (first)
Well, it was bull wrestling time
At the county fair rodeo
(or is it ro-de-o)
And I almost cried (wept)
When you took first prize
(first prize, sweetheart)
Well,
You just looked them critters in the face
And down they'd go
(they never had a chance)
You're so sweet,
Horseflies keep hangin' 'round your face
Kentucky moonshine
Could never take your place
And your eyes
Could give me goose bumps down to my toes
Feel like the only rooster in the hencoop,
And I guess it shows.
You're so sweet,
Horseflies keep hangin' 'round your face
Kentucky moonshine
Could never take your place
And your eyes
Could give me goose bumps down to my toes
Feel like the only rooster in the hencoop,
And I guess it shows
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's song "You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' 'round Your Face" paint a picture of a charming, down-to-earth woman who captivates the singer. He describes her as sweet and loyal, with eyes that give him "goose bumps down to [his] toes." She's not like the other females in her town - missing her front teeth and not fazed by bull wrestling at the county fair rodeo. The singer is smitten with her and feels like the only rooster in the hen coop, with horseflies swarming around her face as a testament to her appeal.
The song is likely a tongue-in-cheek tribute to a woman the singer finds endearing, regardless of her flaws. The humorous lyrics, southern drawl, and upbeat instrumentation make for an entertaining listen. Additionally, the use of regional slang and nods to Kentucky moonshine and rural culture give the song personality and depth.
Line by Line Meaning
You're so sweet
You are a wonderful person
Horseflies keep hangin' 'round your face
You are so kind and warm that even annoying bugs like horseflies like to be close to you
Kentucky moonshine
Could never take your place
Even the best moonshine from Kentucky can't match your sweet personality
And your eyes
Could give me goosebumps down to my toes
When I look into your eyes, it gives me a wonderful feeling of excitement and joy
Feel like the only rooster in the hencoop,
And I guess it shows.
Being with you makes me feel so special and loved that it's obvious to everyone around me
Mary Lou Jane (oh Mary Lou Jane)
Oh what a fine name (what a fine name)
And you're nothing like them females
From Dover City
(nothin' at all)
Your name is beautiful and unique, and you are nothing like the women from the town of Dover City
Front teeth missin'
(hee, you got your front teeth missin')
And that's fine for kissin' (oh, feels so good)
You're more loyal than my dog Sam,
And twice as pretty (and that's goin' some)
Even though your front teeth are missing, you are still a fantastic kisser and more loyal and beautiful than my dog Sam
I can't forget (oh, no)
When we first met (first)
Well, it was bull wrestling time
At the county fair rodeo
(or is it ro-de-o)
And I almost cried (wept)
When you took first prize
(first prize, sweetheart)
Well,
You just looked them critters in the face
And down they'd go
(they never had a chance)
I remember when we first met at the rodeo and you impressed me so much by winning the bull wrestling contest with ease
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind