About the Song:

“Play Me” is a 1972 hit by Neil Diamond from his Moods album, capturing the essence of romance and allure. Released as the album’s first single in May 1972, it became one of Diamond’s signature songs, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its catchy pop-rock melody and distinctive medium-tempo waltz beat in 3/4 time, Play Me remains a fan favorite, especially for its emotional and sensual appeal.

The song is driven by Diamond’s heartfelt lyrics, which create an intimate, almost seductive atmosphere. It features broken chords played on acoustic guitar by Richard Bennett, who became one of Diamond’s essential collaborators, contributing to every album from Moods through 1987. This collaboration marked the beginning of a long musical partnership, with Bennett’s guitar work providing a solid foundation for Diamond’s emotive vocals.

“Play Me” was widely embraced by audiences, particularly women, who often show their enthusiasm by holding up signs reading “Neil, Play Me” during live performances, with many even screaming “me, me, me” as Diamond croons the song. The song’s romantic undertones and sensual appeal have made it a consistent crowd-pleaser, often causing swooning and excitement among concertgoers.

The song’s lyrics, especially the lines “You are the sun, I am the moon / You are the words, I am the tune / Play me,” have been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike for their poetic beauty and resonance. These lyrics, along with its mellow melody, made “Play Me” one of Diamond’s most beloved ballads, regularly included among his best works. The song has even inspired memorable stories, with some fans claiming it marked significant moments in their lives, from romance to personal milestones.

Critics have lauded the track, with publications like Billboard calling it a “potent cut” and Cash Box describing it as a “delicious ballad about he, she, and the music.” The song’s timeless charm and sensual energy have solidified its place as a classic in Neil Diamond’s catalog, cherished for its ability to captivate listeners and remain an enduring favorite at his concerts.

Lyrics

She was morning
And I was nighttime
I one day woke up
To find her lying beside my bed
I softly said, “Come take me”
For I was lonely
In need of someone
As though I’d done someone wrong somewhere
But I don’t know where
I don’t know where
Come lately
You are the sun, I am the moon
You are the words, I am the tune
Play me
Song she sang to me
Song she bring to me
Words that rang in me
Rhyme that sprang from me
Warmed the night
And what was right
Became me
You are the sun, I am the moon
You are the words, I am the tune
Play me
And so it was
That I came to travel
Upon a road that was thorned and narrow
Another place
Another grace
Would save me
You are the sun, I am the moon
You are the words, I am the tune
Play me
You are the sun, I am the moon
You are the words, I am the tune
Play me

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