Sweet Caroline Kennedy

Ending more than forty years of speculation, Neil Diamond finally revealed the inspiration behind his mega-hit song “Sweet Caroline.” The lady being serenaded? JFK daughter Caroline Kennedy. The classic tune, written in less than an hour, was penned after the crooner saw a photograph of the ten year old standing next to her pony. Earlier today, the sixty-six year old told the Associated Press, ”"I've never discussed it with anybody before - intentionally, I thought maybe I would tell it to Caroline when I met her someday." That chance finally arrived earlier this month when he performed at the first daughter’s birthday party.

“Sweet Caroline” has gotten a bad rap over the last few decades, as it’s become a favorite for boozed up amateur bar performers, but no matter how many times it’s drunkenly belted off key, I will still love its sweet simplicity. The lyrics are naive and devoted, the background music repetitive and soothing. Knowing the song’s origins make it that much more meaningful. I’m also glad Neil settled on Caroline and not JFK sister Rosemary. The chorus wouldn’t have the same melodic flow, and besides, Frank Zappa already wrote a song about vegetables.


RELATED: neil diamond, caroline kennedy

Latest Headlines: Remembering Estelle Bennett Of The Ronettes Rant: Stop Defending Chris Brown The Setty Smooth Challenge: Are You Smooth Enough? 51st Grammy Award Winners Pearl Jam Hits Up The Studio CD Review: The BPA's I Think We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat Super Bowl Half Time: Bruce Springsteen Always Rocks, Never Ages Super Bowl: How Will Bruce Do?

---

blog comments powered by Disqus