Neil Diamond Updates ‘Sweet Caroline’: ‘Hands… Washing Hands…’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Neil Diamond is doing his part to help educate the public on the importance of practicing good hygiene during the Coronavirus pandemic. The music legend posted a new version of his classic, “Sweet Caroline,” on March 22 with updated lyrics, relevant for these times.
The original lyrics to his 1969 hit are filled with the key phrase, “hands… touching hands… reaching out… touching me… touching you…”
Those are now replaced with: “hands… washing hands… reaching out… don’t touch me… I won’t touch you…”
Watch his fireside performance below.
Diamond first came to renown as a songwriter, writing early hits for The Monkees (“I’m a Believer” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” among others) and Jay and the Americans (“Sunday and Me”).
He has achieved 37 Top 40 singles including “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am… I Said” and “Cherry Cherry.” “Sweet Caroline,” released in May 1969, reached #4 on Aug. 16, 1969.
On March 7 of this year, Diamond gave a surprise performance at a charity benefit in Las Vegas. In 2018, he announced that he was retiring from touring as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
Watch Diamond’s updated version of “Sweet Caroline”
Stay safe out there! “Hands… washing hands..” 🎶 pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) March 22, 2020
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationWonderful gesture, warm-hearted Neil Diamond. Your last name says it all.
Thank you!!