About the song
In the world of music, there are few songs that have stood the test of time as effortlessly as Neil Diamond’s 1972 hit, “Song Sung Blue”. This iconic song, inspired by the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto #21, has become an integral part of Diamond’s legacy, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transcend generations.
Released on Diamond’s album Moods, “Song Sung Blue” was an instant success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and staying there for a week. The song’s impact was not limited to the US, as it also reached #14 on the UK Singles Chart. This achievement marked Diamond’s second #1 hit in the US, following 1970’s “Cracklin’ Rosie”, and cemented his status as a master songwriter and performer.
One of the key factors contributing to the song’s success was its universal message. As Diamond himself noted in the liner notes to his 1996 compilation album, In My Lifetime, “Song Sung Blue” conveys a “very basic message, unadorned”. The song’s simplicity and sincerity resonated with listeners, who responded to its call to come together and sing. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics made it an instant sing-along classic, with Cash Box noting that it gave the phrase “Everybody, sing!” new meaning.
The song’s impact was not limited to its commercial success. “Song Sung Blue” was also recognized by the music industry, earning two Grammy Award nominations in 1973 for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Although it did not take home the awards, the nominations were a testament to the song’s artistic merit and its place in the pantheon of great popular music.
Over the years, “Song Sung Blue” has become one of Diamond’s signature songs, and he often performs it during his concerts. The song’s enduring popularity has also inspired other artists, including a 2008 documentary about a Neil Diamond impersonator who was married to a Patsy Cline impersonator.
In conclusion, “Song Sung Blue” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its simple yet powerful message. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transcend generations. As a song that has become an integral part of our shared cultural heritage, “Song Sung Blue” remains a beloved favorite among music fans of all ages.
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Lyrics
Song sung blue
Everybody knows one
Song sung blue
Every garden grows one
Me and you are subject to the blues now and then
But when you take the blues and make a song
You sing them out again
Sing them out again
Song sung blue
Weeping like a willow
Song sung blue
Sleeping on my pillow
Funny thing, but you can sing it with a cry in your voice
And before you know, it get to feeling good
You simply got no choice
Me and you are subject to the blues now and then
But when you take the blues and make a song
You sing them out again
Song sung blue
Weeping like a willow
Song sung blue
Sleeping on my pillow
Funny thing, but you can sing it with a cry in your voice
And before you know, it started feeling good
You simply got no choice
Song sung blue
Song sung blue
Funny thing, but you can sing it with a cry in your voice