America

Neil Diamond

About America

"America" is a song written and originally recorded by Neil Diamond, released in 1980 on the soundtrack album of Diamond's film The Jazz Singer. The song was a hit single in the United States in 1981, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Diamond's sixth number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard also rated it as the #62 pop single overall for 1981. Although the single version was a studio recording, it sounds live because of crowd overdubs in the song.  


Year:
2009
4:19
42 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Far
We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star
Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
Never looking back again
They're coming to America

Home, don't it seem so far away
Oh, we're traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

Home, to a new and a shiny place
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
Freedom's light burning warm
Freedom's light burning warm

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
Today, today, today, today, today

My country 'tis of thee
Today
Sweet land of liberty
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
Of thee I sing
Today

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Neil Diamond

Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present. As of 2001, Diamond had sold over 115 million records worldwide including 48 million in the United States alone. He is considered to be the third most successful adult contemporary artist ever on the Billboard chart behind Barbra Streisand and Elton John. His songs have been covered internationally by many performers from various musical genres. more »

11 fans

Written by: Neil Diamond

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Information
"America" is a song written and performed by Neil Diamond, it was released as a single in 1980.
Origin Story
This song was part of the soundtrack to the movie "The Jazz Singer" in which Diamond starred. It tells the story of immigrant communities coming to America.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also got to number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1981.
Religious References
The song references the Jewish experience. The phrase "Freedom's light burning warm" has been interpreted as a reference to the Statue of Liberty, which greeted immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.
Impact
"America" became synonymous with the immigrant experience and the 'American Dream'. It is frequently used in immigration debates and has also been used in political campaigns.
Cultural Milestone
The song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018.
Live Performances
Neil Diamond has performed "America" live on several occasions, notably during his concerts for the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.
Iconic Phrase
The lyrics, "Everywhere around the world, they're coming to America" is repeated throughout the song and has become an iconic phrase.
Social Commentary
The song sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of immigrants who come to America in search of a better life, serving as a social commentary.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered the song, exposing it to a wider audience and increasing its popularity.
Musical Style
'America' has a blend of rock-and-roll and gospel choir style, but is generally classified as soft rock.

Discuss the America Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "America Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19794233/Neil+Diamond/America>.

    Missing lyrics by Neil Diamond?

    Know any other songs by Neil Diamond? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    America

    1.6M
    9,663     512

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #8


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In Dolly Parton‘s hit song — who was the real Jolene?
    A A red-headed bank clerk who flirted with her husband
    B Her sister
    C Her best friend from high-school
    D A young fan who came on stage for her autograph

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Neil Diamond tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    America

    »