About the song
In the realm of music, there exist songs that transcend time and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. One such song is “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show,” written and recorded by the legendary Neil Diamond. Released in 1969, this song not only showcased Diamond’s exceptional songwriting skills but also cemented his position as a masterful storyteller.
The song tells the tale of Brother Love, a charismatic evangelist who travels from town to town, spreading the word of salvation. With its unique blend of gospel, rock, and folk elements, “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” is a powerful piece of music that has captivated audiences for decades. The song’s narrative is woven together with Diamond’s distinctive vocals, which convey the emotions and conviction of Brother Love’s message.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its middle section, where Diamond delivers a sermon in a style reminiscent of traditional evangelical preaching. This segment adds a layer of depth to the song, making it more than just a catchy tune – it’s an immersive experience that transports listeners to a bygone era.
The song’s production is also noteworthy, with the original 45 mix featuring a distinct mono sound, complete with extra reverb and a harmony vocal overdub. The album version, on the other hand, presents a more polished sound, with a shorter fade-out and a less prominent horn section. Despite these differences, both versions of the song have been widely praised for their energy and emotional resonance.
“Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” was a commercial success, reaching number 22 on the U.S. pop singles chart in 1969. The song received widespread critical acclaim, with Billboard describing it as a “powerful piece of rhythm material with a potent lyric.” Cash Box praised the song’s “revivalist sounds,” while Record World called it a “Memphis beauty.” The New Rolling Stone Album Guide would later describe the song as “genuinely demented,” a testament to its enduring appeal and influence.
Over the years, “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” has been covered by numerous artists, including Peggy Lee, Dolly Parton, and Sonny & Cher. The song has also been featured in various films and TV shows, including the 2019 movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Its inclusion in the film’s trailer and soundtrack served as a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
In conclusion, “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” is a song that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With its unique blend of gospel, rock, and folk elements, the song is a powerful and emotional experience that continues to captivate audiences to this day. As a testament to Neil Diamond’s exceptional songwriting skills and his ability to craft songs that transcend time and genres, “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” remains a beloved classic that will continue to inspire and influence generations of music lovers to come.
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Lyrics
… Hot August night and the leaves hanging down
And the grass on the ground smelling sweet
Move up the road to the outside of town
And the sound of that good gospel beat
… Sits a ragged tent where there ain’t no trees
And that gospel group telling you and me
… It’s love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (part of the party)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
‘Cause everyone knows Brother Love’s show
… Room gets suddenly still and when you’d almost bet
You could hear yourself sweat, he walks in
Eyes black as coal and when he lifts his face
Every ear in the place is on him
… Starting soft and slow like a small earthquake
And when he lets go, half the valley shakes
… It’s love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (part of the party)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
‘Cause everyone knows ’bout Brother Love’s show
… Hallelujah, brothers
Halle-hallelujah, I said brothers
(Hallelujah) now you got yourself two good hands
(Halle-hallelujah) and when your brother is troubled
You gotta reach out your one hand for him
(Hallelujah) ’cause that’s what it’s there for
(Halle-hallelujah) and when your heart is troubled
You gotta reach out your other hand
(Hallelujah) reach it out to the man up there
(Halle-hallelujah) ’cause that’s what he’s there for
… Take my hand in yours
Walk with me this day
In my heart I know
I will never stray
Halle, halle, halle, halle, halle, halle, halle
… Love, Brother Love say (halle, halle)
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (halle, halle)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies (halle, halle)
And everyone goes
… I say love, Brother Love say (halle, halle)
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (halle, halle)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
… Love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show