About “Song Sung Blue”

Neil Diamond’s “Song Sung Blue” is a unique blend of melancholy and upbeat charm. Unlike most songs about sadness, this track manages to convey the essence of melancholy without ever sounding truly sorrowful. It was Diamond’s second #1 hit and his last solo chart-topper, though he would later return to the top in duets.

The song’s concept is simple: it’s about the cathartic power of music. Singing about sadness can help us channel our emotions and feel better. Yet, despite the theme of sadness, “Song Sung Blue” is anything but a sad song. With its breezy, upbeat melody, Diamond delivers the message with a warmth and positivity that made him a star. In fact, he often referred to it as “a glad song” in performances, highlighting its ability to lift the spirit rather than dwell in sadness.

The melody of “Song Sung Blue” was inspired by the second movement of a Mozart concerto, and it fits seamlessly into the pop world. Diamond, along with producer Tom Catalano, crafted a simple but captivating arrangement, blending a relaxed guitar strum with a rich Fender Rhodes, soft strings, backing vocals, and harmonica. There’s no strong rhythm driving the song, but the elements come together to create a relaxed yet poignant atmosphere.

Interestingly, Diamond wasn’t particularly fond of the song. He admitted that he never paid much attention to it and considered it a “very basic message” with no elaborate structure. However, the song’s potential didn’t escape the attention of Russ Regan, head of Diamond’s Uni label, who recognized its hit potential. And a hit it became, standing as one of Diamond’s signature songs.

Despite its lighthearted delivery, “Song Sung Blue” serves as a perfect example of the way music can uplift us, even when singing about sadness.

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