About the Song:
Released in 1974, “Longfellow Serenade” is a standout hit from Neil Diamond, one of America’s most celebrated songwriters. Known for his prolific career, which included over 100 million records sold worldwide, Diamond’s songs captured the hearts of listeners during the 1960s and 1970s. “Longfellow Serenade” was a major success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spending two weeks in the top position. It also became his second #1 hit on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, following his previous success with “Song Sung Blue.”
The song draws its title and inspiration from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the renowned 19th-century American poet. Diamond revealed that the song was based on a romantic experience from his youth, where he used one of Longfellow’s poems to impress an older woman. The specific poem was likely “Serenade” from Longfellow’s play The Spanish Student
Written by Diamond and produced by Tom Catalano, “Longfellow Serenade” combines Diamond’s smooth, baritone voice with lush instrumentation, making it a timeless classic. The song reflects Diamond’s signature style of blending personal experiences with poetic imagery, creating a narrative that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. Despite being a product of its time, the song continues to evoke nostalgia for the 1970s era, with Diamond’s storytelling ability shining through.
“Longfellow Serenade” not only solidified Diamond’s reputation as a master of heartfelt ballads but also showcased his ability to draw inspiration from literature and his personal life, weaving them into a song that remains beloved by fans to this day.
Lyrics
Lonfellow serenade
Such were the plans I’d made
For she was a lady
And I was a dreamer
With only words to trade
You know that I was born for a night like this
Warmed by a stolen kiss
For I was lonely
And she was lonely
Ride, come on baby, ride
Let me make your dreams come true
I’ll sing my song
Let me make it warm for you
I’ll weave his web of rhyme
Upon the summer night
We’ll leave this worldly time
On his winged flight
Then come, and as we lay
Beside this sleepy glade
There I will sing to you
My Longfellow serenade
Longfellow serenade
Such were the plans I made
But she was a lady
As deep as a river
And through the night, we stayed
And in my way, I loved her as none before
Loved her with words and more
For she was lonely
And I was lonely
Ride, come on baby, ride
Let me make you dreams come true
I’ll sing my song
Let me sing my song
Let me make it warm for you
I’ll weave this web of rhyme
Upon the summer night
We’ll leave this worldly time
On his winged flight
Then come, and as we lay
Beside this sleepy glade
There I will sing to you
My Longfellow serenadeAdvertisement
