About the Song:

“Kentucky Woman” is a 1967 single by Neil Diamond that became one of his early hits, reaching number 22 on the US charts and charting in several other countries. It was also the final single Diamond recorded with Bang Records, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The song was a country-tinged track, influenced by Diamond’s experiences while touring with the Dick Clark Caravan, alongside acts like Tommy Roe and Billy Joe Royal.

According to Diamond, “Kentucky Woman” was written during a limo ride approaching Paducah, Kentucky, while on the tour. The song captured the energy and excitement of the teenage fan base that filled the concert halls. Despite its success, Diamond preferred to release the more personal “Shilo” as the single, but producer Bert Berns of Bang Records pushed for “Kentucky Woman” to be the one, which caused a rift between Diamond and the label. This disagreement eventually led to Diamond’s departure from Bang Records a year later.

While “Kentucky Woman” became a chart success, it was also covered by Deep Purple in 1968, who gave it a heavy metal twist that reached #38 on the US charts. Diamond, though appreciative of artists covering his work, found Deep Purple’s reimagining of his song puzzling. Despite the differences in style, the song remains a defining part of Diamond’s early catalog.

Diamond’s “Kentucky Woman” is remembered as a vibrant reflection of his early style, blending his roots in folk, rock, and country. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics about a love from Kentucky capture the spirit of a bygone era, and the song remains a fan favorite for its mix of nostalgia and passion.

Lyrics

Kentucky woman
She shines with her own kind of light
She’d look at you once
And a day that’s all wrong looks all right
And I love her
God knows, I love her
Kentucky woman
If she get to know you
She goin’ to own you
Kentucky woman
Well, she ain’t the kind
Makes heads turn at the drop of her name
But something inside
That she’s got turn you on just the same
And she loves me
God knows, she loves me
Kentucky woman
If she get to know you
She goin’ to own you
Kentucky woman
I don’t want much
The good Lord’s earth beneath my feet
A gentle touch from that one girl
And life is sweet and good
Ain’t no doubt
I’m talkin’ about
Kentucky woman
If she get to know you
She goin’ to own you
Kentucky woman
I don’t want much
The good Lord’s earth beneath my feet
A gentle touch from that one girl
And life is sweet and good
Ain’t no doubt
I’m talkin’ about
Kentucky woman
If she get to know you
She goin’ to own you
Kentucky woman
Kentucky woman
Kentucky woman

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