Neil Diamond is a pretty cool cat. Yeah in a lounge act sort of way but I would say I am a casual fan. In the wake of the 'terror attack' on Boston everyone is flag waving and chanting and singing "Sweet Caroline", Diamonds classic tune.
Played at every Boston Red Sox game, the song was originally written in 1969 to offer solice to Caroline Kennedy. Now it has sporting arenas belting out the 'bah bah bahhhh', from New York to LA as a sign of solidarity. Its a great song- its a pathetic unity tune but hey, we have handled this entire event pathetically.
Neil disagrees with me though,
"“There is a lot of comfort that music can offer,” Diamond told The Associated Press. “In this particular situation, I’d much rather it not have happened than for ‘Sweet Caroline’ to become part of it. But it’s obviously offering comfort to people and I feel good about that.”
Diamond spoke last Thursday night at the Rock and Roll Hall induction ceremony. “I wrote it in a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee,” he said. “And I think there’s a little bit of God in that song. I always have felt that. There’s no accounting for what can happen to a song. But this one had something special to it.”
OK, now.. what the hell does this have to do with Boston, Kennedy, Baseball or Bombs?
Where it began,
I can't begin to knowin'
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, touchin' hands
Reachin' out, touchin' me touchin' 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 fill it up with only two.
It goes on but its the same ol' bit. The song has a damn catchy melody though. I suppose its jug headed down so people can mumble out the words, that may be the reason for it. But honestly if there were to be a tune all the arena's sang it should have been
Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles (aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves (aw, but they're cool people)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, you're the Number One place)
Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin, oh
That just once those doors weren't locked (I like to save time for
my baby to walk around)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)
No wait..that was far to positive a message right? Nevermind.