Neil Diamond says Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg inspired 'Sweet ...

Neil Diamond held onto the secret for decades, but he has finally revealed that President Kennedy's daughter was the inspiration for his smash hit "Sweet Caroline." "I've never discussed it with anybody before ...

[AGE]

Let me get this straight:
Neil Diamond, then 26, wrote the following lyrics after seeing the image of a 10-year-old girl:
"Hands, touching hands, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Oh, sweet Caroline
***
And now I, I look at the night, whooo
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two, oh
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulder
How can I hurt when holding you
Oh, one, touching one, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Oh, sweet Caroline...."
Doesn't this strike anyone else as just a bit creepy?

[schlomo]

AGE wrote:

Let me get this straight:
Neil Diamond, then 26, wrote the following lyrics after seeing the image of a 10-year-old girl:
"Hands, touching hands, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Oh, sweet Caroline
***
And now I, I look at the night, whooo
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two, oh
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulder
How can I hurt when holding you
Oh, one, touching one, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Oh, sweet Caroline...."
Doesn't this strike anyone else as just a bit creepy?

I have always found Mr. Diamond creepy. He's got at best an average voice, mediocre songs (I can't think of one that people would consider a classic in any sense) and an inexplicable superstar image. With Bette Midler and Barry Manilow he forms the third member of the how did anyone buy into them club.

[SkyHarbor]

Oh Memphis. I love you for being the birthplace/inspiration of so many great songs.

[peter THE VAYEOS]

I THINK IN MY MODEST OPINION AND TRYING NOT TO OFFEND ANYBODY, that Neil Diamond is a PRIVERT!

[ZACHARY QUILTY]

AMEN.

[NYC rocks]

I couldn't figure out why Massachusetts men have to hold hands when singing Sweet Caroline at that tiny ballpark in sillycity, USA until it was revealed that it's known as the Gay State, formerly the Bay State.

[Diamond]

schlomo wrote:

<quoted text>
I have always found Mr. Diamond creepy. He's got at best an average voice, mediocre songs (I can't think of one that people would consider a classic in any sense) and an inexplicable superstar image. With Bette Midler and Barry Manilow he forms the third member of the how did anyone buy into them club.

Hey d.o.u.c.h.e.b.a.g..........Yes , Neil Diamond has produced some great music over the last few decades, although not YOUR kind of music. Maybe I think YOUR superstars are worthless, but if millions of people have bought his/her CD/records/cassettes/8 tracks over the last bazillion years, the success speaks for itself. If you've ALWAYS found Neil Diamond creepy, perhaps it's because you've paid attention to him. That's how success starts, shmendrick. If people have made millions over the last 30+ years and still pack a venue with tens of thousands of people, THEY'RE SUCCESSFUL whether you like them or not!!! Now, for Thanksgiving, take your turkey and stuff it!

[Neil]

For those of you putting the man down..........he's pretty g.d. smart with this news about the inspiration for the song..........it'll now sell even MORE of his music. The goyim even buy his Christmas music! He's a smart man. Go Neil!

[Newsday]

pulled this story because of all the "Creepy Neil" comments it was generating. What else can one say - Neil Diamond is creepy.

[schlomo]

Diamond wrote:

<quoted text>
Hey d.o.u.c.h.e.b.a.g..........Yes , Neil Diamond has produced some great music over the last few decades, although not YOUR kind of music. Maybe I think YOUR superstars are worthless, but if millions of people have bought his/her CD/records/cassettes/8 tracks over the last bazillion years, the success speaks for itself. If you've ALWAYS found Neil Diamond creepy, perhaps it's because you've paid attention to him. That's how success starts, shmendrick. If people have made millions over the last 30+ years and still pack a venue with tens of thousands of people, THEY'RE SUCCESSFUL whether you like them or not!!! Now, for Thanksgiving, take your turkey and stuff it!

Thank you for your courteous and articulate response. I genuinely was hoping for a response that included an explanation of his appeal. Is it looks, voice, personality, etc.? And, I was particularly hoping for someone to list all his great songs. The songs I could come up with on my own (Crackling Rosey and Coming to America) just don't strike me as classics on anyone's best list of songs. I agree with those who are troubled by the lyrics of Sweet Caroline (singing to a 10 year old girl the words "touching me touching you" is disconcerting). And can you explain "good times never felt so good" when her dad and uncle had both been recently killed?

I guess I was unrealistic in my expectations that someone who liked him would give me an intelligent response. After all, when one's idol is attacked, the blindly loyal fan typically foments anger and hostility. That's why they call them fanatics. Frankly, I found your personal insults rather juvenile!

[Neil Diamond Fan]

If you think Neil Diamond creepy....take a good look at todays artist!

[Evan]

i thought Barry Manilow was gonna come to nashville after Billy Joel becuse Neil Diamond came to nashville after Elton John

[Bill]

She inspired the title of the song not the lyrics. Besides, the song was written years after he came up with a title. Goes to show what some of the pervs in this room have on the brain. That freaks me out

[takenitlight]

Wow! We might see Neil Diamond on the next Dateline Perverted Justice sting operation! Kind of sick...I'll never listen to that song the same way again...if I ever listen to any more of his music!
If this was about a republican family...Ah the Kennedy's like all press coverage to feel they are in the "Lime Light". Good/ bad, it doesn't matter to them.

I Thought some of his music was alright, but too cool to buy it growing up. Now I can never listen to it b/c he's a pervert! That sucks! I thought he made it up to boost sales & the Kennedy's paid him, but why risk being labeled a "Closet Pedophile" if you weren't. I guess he is a "Closet Pedophile"!

[Just An Observer]

I think he meant her name, the song title, was the inspiration. The guys' not a pervert, come on! Caroline's name was the inspiration for the title, not the content! God, why are some people so stupid! I saw you in concert at Joe Louis Arena, Mr. Diamond, and it was the thrill of lifetime. Enjoyed all yor music. The insults will pass. You're a gem!

[carina]

i think neil diamond should release a new song for christmas like chrismas is a new begining

[doom]

Please, please, please do not throw our country away. Do not vote for Hillary in '08!

[crystall balls]

doom: You are a babbling idiot, where you camefrom, Ibet is from Tennesee. the place of the most stupids idiot. I will vote for Hillary because she is the only one to vote for. The others must be from Tennessee thecountry ofBIG FOOT!

[Crystall rocks]

You, sir or madam, have just made my day. You absolutely clobbered doom with your witty comments about the hill people of Tennessee. The only things we have to fear are fear itself and Tennessee hill people joining the inbreds of Indiana. Go Hill-Dog in 08. Snukes for VP!

[Evan]

Neil Diamond was on tv this morning