Neil Diamond Changes Lyrics to 'Sweet Caroline' to Promote Good Hygiene in Coronavirus PSA
Neil Diamond made some changes to one of his most well-known songs while trying to pass a message to his fans during the coronavirus pandemic.
During a time when many need the assurance of their favorite celebrities, Neil Diamond took a different approach to educating the masses.
Musician Neil Diamond attends 2018 Songwriter's Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images
[Neil Diamond] stopped touring after he announced that he had gotten a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
According to Today, the 79-year-old uploaded a video of him performing an acoustic version of "Sweet Caroline."
Neil Diamond performs onstage at the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive 'Power of Love Gala' benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 07, 2020 | Photo: Getty Images
While the move was nothing new, what grabbed everyone's attention was the fact that he changed the lyrics to focus on the significance of actively practicing good hygiene in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The "Forever in Blue Jeans" crooner began the video by stating:
"Hi, everybody, this is Neil Diamond. And I know we're going through a rough time right now, but I love ya, and I think maybe if we sing together, well, we'll just feel a little bit better..."
Although the singer started the song with its first stanza maintaining its famous lines, Neil quickly switched things up by crooning "Hands, washing hands/ Reaching out/don't touch me, I won't touch you."
The song's original lyrics state, "Hands, touching hands/ Reaching out/ touching me, touching you." Fans loved the clip so much that they liked it over 100,000 times, retweeted it over 50,000 times and dropped just as many replies.
Neil Diamond performs during New Year's Eve 2018 in Times Square at Times Square on December 31, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images
While many thanked him for using good music to raise hygiene awareness, which is very needed in these times, others claimed that he was a "national treasure."
The experience must have been a thrill for Neil, who stopped touring after he announced that he had gotten a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Today revealed that the "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" hitmaker's announcement came through his website where he expressed his gratitude to his longtime fans and supporters.
Today added that his statement came three days before his 77th birthday on January 24, and six days before he was supposed to receive a lifetime achievement award at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Neil Diamond performs at the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2016 | Photo: Getty Images
During his career, Neil sold more than 150 million albums and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
We at AmoMama do our best to give you the most updated news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is constantly changing. We encourage readers to refer to the online updates from CDC, WHO, or Local Health Departments to stay updated. Take care!