First time hearing Neil Diamond "I am... I said" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

Brings me to tears every time. Just the memories of my childhood come flooding back. Neil is a legend.

[@dannycasson1551]

You’ve stumbled upon a LEGEND. This man is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history. He’s got a huge repertoire full of wonderful songs. I love this guy…

[@kathleenmenker3853]

I’m amazed that anyone today has never heard of Neil Diamond! He’s such a legend in the music world! I’ve seen him in concert several times over the years. Fabulous! My favorites are Play Me, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother and Sweet Caroline.

[@joedirt688]

A real class act, a true performer in every sense of the word.

[@eclconsulting]

This song resonates with pain. Crying out "I am," knowing that no one will acknowledge your existence. Neil was the frog who dreamed of becoming a king (in music) and he became one. He got what he always wanted and it left him "lonely still." So many can relate.

[@newnotefinder8972]

“I AM” is him crying out to God but he feels that God is not hearing him. Exodus 3:14 says “God says to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you’ “.

[@Wellch]

Rent is low in L.A.?

[@frankiebowie6174]

@@Wellch That shows how old this song is LOL

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@newnotefinder8972 If you say so

[@risenfromthepyre]

I think it is about empowerment and a kind poignant awareness more than pain. It's Frank Sinatra's My Way for a younger generation.

[@thehorrorfanx]

Neil Diamond - huge huge HUGE rabbit hole! So many iconic hits. He even wrote songs for many other artists. Please dive in deep!

[@williambryan3346]

I am moved to tears every time I hear “I am, I said”. It’s simply a beautifully made song.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

As a 13 year old girl in 1975 I fell in love with Neil Diamond and bought every album he ever made. I don't know what it was about him that captured my spirit at 13 but today at 60 I still have such nostalgic love for this artist.

[@bigs1546]

Ah as a young teen I was in love with him too, mid sixties today..........he just had something indefinable. Magic. I think I loved Shiloh the most back then - but my faves have changed with my life and interests over the years - always a song for any occasion or phase of life.

[@snoopee11]

You are not alone

[@claudiajuarez5429]

Maybe it was the yarmulke.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

@@claudiajuarez5429 Nope, ha, it was that voice and the way his songs spoke to my teen angst I do believe. And as I aged, each era of my life found some new point of connection with his music. Just happy I never 'outgrew' it.

[@-Chunk]

Such an iconic voice. No one else sings like Neil Diamond. Just pure nostalgia in everything he sings. Love from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@belleferrar8898]

Neil is a true Diamond. His concerts were amazing because of his voice and intensity. Love me some Neil anytime and anywhere.

[@tonyherrera2570]

You should take a listen to one of Neil’s earlier hits…”Solitary Man”. It’s a wonderful song…👍🏼👍🏼

[@greg2976]

One of my favorites besides Forever in blue jeans!

[@saum02]

@@greg2976 same here

[@stevedahlberg8680]

YES!

[@wayne_twentyfive]

My favourite Neil Diamond song !!! .. Needs more reactions 🙏

[@garyfairhead3186]

I love that one too♥️

[@brianwashere7966]

Neil is the best male vocalist ever IMHO and a prolific song writer to boot. There is a whole BBC live performance you guys should react to. Its truly amazing the talent this man possessed.

[@maverick2242]

Neil stands alongside anyone, no doubt, but imo there is no best, music is so diverse, we had the King, the Prince, we had Queen, we had the Peter Pan, we had the material girl, so many so much great music that will live forever best is relative, though I will say genres certainly have the best eras, rock, metal , 70s 80s etc there definitely is a plateau of creavtiy, song writing, instrumentals vs day todays shit esp commercial shit that is digitally and vocally auto tuned shit, sure they’re are some great artists today but few get credit or commercial play, but Neil is right up here as an Artist songwriter with anyone.

[@patrickmurchison9145]

There are/have been so many great, talented male singers and Neil is one of my favorites, along with others from Tom Jones to Luther Vandross!!! Each has a special sound/vocal qualities and abilities!!! Best, is of course a personal and subjective determination!!!

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Roy Orbison would be my No1, but Neil definitely makes my top 3.

[@skilz8098]

As melancholy as it is there's still a beauty that comes from the soul.

[@cjr1324]

“I never cared for the sound of being alone.” Add this to the list of lyrics every song writer wished they’d written.

[@deborahmedeiros7089]

Amen!!

[@AnthonyL0401]

@Bamboo i was going to say the same thing about the same Seger lyric!

[@danielebowman]

So true!

[@Mamat5kdz]

Neil Diamond is like no other.. his songs will always live on!! Timeless!!! One of my favs is "Song Sung Blue"....

[@beeseewill2407]

That voice is one of a kind.Great story teller."I am I said "is one of my favorite Neil Diamond songs.

[@teri7398]

Neil Diamond is the MAN. He's written so many songs for others and hits in the 1960's Cherry Cherry, Thank The Lord For the Night Time, Cracklin' Rose, and hits in the 70's and movie with great songs in the70's, movies was The Jazz Singer. Love On The Rocks, America, Also song Crunchy Granola Suite, live version is a fun song. Lots of brass in that one.

[@howardbrown911]

Neil was a master song writer and vocalist. So many, many great songs!!!! You must listen to more of him.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, his "Sweet Caroline", "Song Sung Blue" and "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" are next for you!

[@MrKimmie129]

Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show! Amongst many others

[@skilz8098]

There at least 30 other songs you can add to that list... Just pick a random Neil Diamond Song and it almost doesn't matter which one.

[@marningritaguy]

Yup, those are great songs to start with.

[@enufots4621]

Solitary Man

[@Bill-vp3tr]

Watch the movie the jazz singer! Such a good movie with Niel Dimond!

[@johnmontgomery2784]

Brother Loves ❤️ traveling salvation.... is amazing 👏 🙌 😍 ❤️ ❤️ Neil is at his best!!!

[@debbievigneault7527]

Asia, you’re absolutely right. Nothing worse than being with someone who doesn’t even acknowledge your existence..

[@robharrowven6674]

Sweet Caroline and Cracklin’ Rosie are epic songs of his. He also wrote I’m a believer, which was sung by the Monkees of course.

[@sealdrup]

They play Sweet Caroline at sports stadiums and the response is 'Ba, ba, ba'.

[@Mamat5kdz]

And I'm a believer was done again by Smash Mouth for the Shrek movies! Luv that song!

[@vancelubben5300]

Cherry, Cherry was one of his early great songs

[@edwarddavis6827]

I think, you’ll like his duet with Barbra Streisand “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”. My favourites of his are “Be” - Jonathan Livingston Seagull. “Yes I Will” - Beautiful Noise. “Holly Holy”. But you must listen to “I’ve been this way before”. You MUST ❤️

[@leannmiller7153]

He was in deep depression after immersing himself into the character of Lenny Bruce for an audition. He had moved to LA, didn’t get the part and he was left in a dark space. The Chair refers to the mental health professional he was seeing. Love Neil Diamond! Wonderful singer/songwriter❤️❤️❤️

[@jbjacobs9514]

He may not have felt it, but he was always quintessentially NY, a sweet Brooklyn Jewish boy. He went to the same Brooklyn HS as my dad (Erasmus) (my dad graduated just before he got there). He is just a good egg!

[@edevard9048]

In a podcast interview some years back he said he was seeing a “shrink” when he wrote the song and it is a statement that, “I am, I exist, love me, and accept me as I am.”

[@jeffmitchell1123]

Neil Diamond from the late 60's to about 1976 is a great rabbit hole to go down... tons of hits

[@thomastimlin1724]

Well there was the jazz singer songs of 1980. Especially Hello Again.

[@kellylaflash1016]

Some of my favorites of his are after that - that rabbit hole goes to the mid 80's. 🙂

[@quintondees4501]

Neil Diamond is incredible! He has an incredible ability to tell a story

[@csw3287]

Neil Diamond's "America" is Incredible

[@nicolek1676]

I’m not American but I absolutely love this song

[@cheryla7480]

Guys, can’t believe you don’t know Neil Diamond, positively one of the most well known singers in the world. Also has done several movies. Some of his songs…..Brother Loves Travelling Salvation Show, Sweet Caroline, Red Red Wine, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Holly Holy, America, Song Sung Blue,, Cherry Cherry, Solitary Man, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon, Longfellow’s Serenade and many many more Ten number one hits, Grammy’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

He has SO many songs to discover, and he’s phenomenal.

[@arsenalmanic]

Love this tune. Love Neil Diamonds singing. A wonderful singer, and this is probably my fav song of his. An emotional/nostalgic singer/voice

[@robeskridge7948]

Gotta check out “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show”, “Cracklin Rosie”, “Sweet Caroline”! My cousin, David Lindgren, was Neil’s pianist/keyboardist and co-wrote “Hello, Again” with Neil.

[@taun856]

"Shiloh" and "Brooklyn Roads" are two other of his songs with similar feels.

[@dagmar.6954]

One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. I had so many of his records. He had tons of hit songs. "Cherry, Cherry", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Sweet Caroline", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Longfellow Serenade", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". One of my favorites is "I Am, I Said" which is almost an autobiography of his life & fame. He wrote the song "I'm A Believer" which became a big hit for the Monkees in 1966. I was privileged to see him in concert twice. He was a great showman & his live performances were memorable.

[@jean-pierredevent970]

So many unforgettable songs made with a voice who was not a perfect instrument (? I think) while today they do all these techniques and lessons.

[@TheTish]

Another singer from my youth whose songs are deeply woven into the fabric of my life. I love Neil Diamond beyond measure, and the melodies he plays, the lyrics he sings that are the backdrop of my joys, and sorrows. I've been attending his concerts for decades. I've seen him nearly 2-dozen times. My heart dropped when he retired due to his health issues. And, if any of you listeners love Neil Diamond so much if you're in NYC to see "Beautiful Noise" the Neil Diamond story, on Broadway, it's a must! You'll be in tears and you'll learn more about what each song means and how it came into being.

[@grandmafaye7643]

“The human voice is the most important instrument at our disposal, yet it is one of the most difficult to understand or define. You either hear it, or you don’t. It either moves you, or leaves you cold…it is more than just a sound…it is the soul itself.” ~ Neil Diamond, 1974.

[@christinelegate8137]

Great reaction, guys. You both got the message and emotion of this song. Neil is one of the GOATs, with a huge amount of hits. Iconic voice too.

[@nitab1971]

Neil Diamond was a favorite of Princess Diana. He's another legend!! Fabulous singer songwriter. BJ nailed the meaning....a man feeling empty and unheard.

[@true1evanique]

I've heard this song many of times back in the day, but this is the first time I actually listened to the words. It made me think of how we search for outer circumstances to fulfill us, that never works. Going through the pain is where we eventually find who we really are that is not lonely. That is the "I am, I said."

[@cjr1324]

Put this guy in the same category as Elton John, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, etc. Singer/ songwriter. Neil has some really well-written songs and a very unique voice. Legions of die-hard fans too. This and Holly Holy are my two favorites. PS in case nobody mentioned this, I think “the chair” means his therapist.

[@mattosullivan9687]

Elton said that as well

[@warbaby5490]

Neil's songs are like tapestry . Interwoven with lyrics that make you visualize!

[@vincechampion3031]

So many great songs from Neil Diamond

[@kpatsfan]

Wow. Here I am 40 plus years later and I can not believe I can relate to a Neil Diamond song. Damn

[@markmurphy558]

A S a hard rock fan in my teens, I wasn't allowed to listen to Neil Diamond due to union rules, so I had to hide in the closet to appreciate his talent. A great songwriter and performer, he was known for his voluminous songbook and impressive stage presence. This is my favorite song of his.

[@risenfromthepyre]

He said have you ever heard the story of a "frog who dreamed of becoming a king and then became one"..and his story is THE SAME. This is a song of empowerment. I AM. I AM I CRIED. This is the story of every soul who comes to know its worth. The song of every poet, artist, musician and sentient being in the universe. The lonely refelection is just bacground for one caught BETWEEN TWO WORLDS. The path that leads to every ones's heart is inherently lonely but ultimately reveals that which has never has been alone and never could be.

[@gary17509]

You do not want to miss his live performance of this song 2012.

[@stuff3829]

My favorite Neil Diamond song. His voice is so passionate

[@54nomore]

This is a cry for help by Neil Diamond. Like the frog who dream of being a king and became one. Neil became an international superstar with over 100 top 40 hits. He became one of the greatest singer/songwriters in music history. And he attained wealth, fortune and fame too. Yet he still felt empty and alone inside. And when he discussed it with his therapist [The Chair]. Not even his therapist was paying attention to him. "I am... I said. To no one there. And no one heard at all. Not even the chair" "But I got an emptiness deep inside and I've tried, and it won't let me go. For I'm not a man who likes to swear but I never cared for the sound of being alone." What true introspection of a man who felt lost and alone. Even though he had it all...

[@visiblepixels4632]

So many great Neil Diamond songs. "Holly Holy" and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" are two of my faves- Check them out!

[@rayjennings3637]

His heart is in New York but the city has changed beyond recognition to him and has become completely impersonal leaving him lonely and wondering. The upshot being that you can never swim in the same river twice.

[@anthonyblakely399]

I Love me some Neil Diamond!!!! Love this song!!!! One of my favorites from him......when I first heard it in the 70's....I loved this song!!! And I have always identified with this songs message!!!

[@daddyguerrero]

ND is an American treasure. He has so many hits. Sweet Caroline is a must. I know you’ve heard that one; especially if you’re a baseball fan.

[@JennyJohn50]

I love this song. I can relate to this & cry sometimes when I listen, but just a beautiful song. He portrays everything he tries to with clarity, the images and the feeling. Thanks for the heartfelt reaction. ❤

[@rickrice2972]

I grew up listening to Neil Diamond in the 60's. Absolutely love his music,, there is no other like him. Awesome reaction!!! Y'all are great!!!!

[@donny1960]

Neil Diamond was a song writer in the old Brill Building in New York City. Him along with others (like Carol King) would sit in cubicles all day and churn out songs. Good songs .Even great songs. But they were faceless people in the entertainment industry. Part of the big "machine". Then he started singing his own songs and became a Superstar. One of the biggest names in Music, Television and Movies. This song describes his state of mind going from the bottom to the top. It sometimes can make you feel empty and alone. He is not the first, or last entertainer to feel that way. But he wrote the perfect song to convey that feeling. Thanks for all your time and effort. You two are a joy to watch.

[@Dee-JayW]

This song is about loneliness and depression. Neil thought he had the part of Lenny Bruce in a film, so moved from NY to LA, then the part fell through …hence “La’s fine, but it ain’t home, NY’s home but it ain’t mine no more” He was lost, he went into a deep depression and this song is his experiences. The Chair refers to whoever is sitting across from him (a therapist, Counsellor). YOU MUST react to this LIVE

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

I thank you both for having the openness of heart and mind to listen to different genres of music. You guys are special.

[@debigiroux1811]

Love Neil Diamond. I saw him in concert many years ago and it was great. So many great songs. Love the reaction you two.

[@johnthegreek5836]

This will always be my favorite Neil Diamond song, thanks for reacting to this beautiful song and he’s such a great songwriter

[@dannyowens7452]

You need to watch one of his live performances of this song........very touching

[@danaberman6929]

You need to react to more Neil Diamond. He has so many great songs. I saw him in concert and it was by far one of my favorites, and I have seen quite a few...

[@daricetaylor737]

This song brings me such feelings of remembered loneliness. I had graduated high school, needed to move out of my parents home and their emotional control and moved to SLC Utah. Thinking I would be moving into a huge other family of religious similar people only to find myself an outcast and unwelcome. I found myself wandering downtown Salt Lake walking the streets......bumping into strangers, looking up at the high rise buildings and thought entered my head, "if I were to die right here, would anyone notice me"? I was so profoundly lonely. It took me only one week to pack up and move back to my hometown in Northern CA where I met my soulmate. We will never leave our true home again, ever.

[@leeryder676]

I was just singing this to myself this afternoon while waiting at the vet. Such a great tune that sticks with you.

[@Ozefan2580]

Love me some Neil Diamond. He has so many great tunes. He's great driving music.

[@_Lisa_S_]

Oh, PLEASE do more from him! I loved seeing your reactions and how you broke this down , and felt what these lyrics are. Thank you ! xo

[@TheWynch]

I saw this man in concert so many times and every show was different. He has so many hit songs. Hope you got around to listening to more of his stuff.

[@thomasbianchino3116]

Neil Diamond is a national treasure. I highly advise diving into his catalog.

[@JeffreyWJeffJones]

I am a hip hop fanatic. AND the biggest Neil Diamond fan in the world. And you assessment was exactly what happened. He moved to LA for movies and making more music but he couldn't shake New York.

[@christianhansen3292]

coming to america is a famous song. he went to erasmus HS in Bklyn with barbara streisand.

[@michaelparsons5299]

What a lovely singer Neil is. I treausre the two times I seen him in concert x I know he is not well these days and all of my love, thoughts and prayers go out to him. He has brought so much joy through his music for so many decades x

[@robinbeerman4726]

Talented singer. Big catalog.

[@royalway12]

Neil is an American Treasure. Many songs, many hits.

[@robinlabouche2230]

One of the best singer/songwriters ever !!!!!!!

[@jjsteel43]

This is one of my favorite songs of his. Thank you for reacting to it. I feel like that at times

[@michaelparsons5299]

What a lovely singer Neil is. I treausre the two times I seen him in concert x I know he is not well these days and all of my love, thoughts and prayers go out to him. He has brought so much joy through his music for so many decades to one and all x

[@deboraharmstrong3002]

You will be happy to know that Neil *got* the help he needed for his troubles (which included a crippling degree of stagefright) and we are the beneficiaries Thank heaven!

[@wpollock1]

I am not a Neil Diamond fan, but his voice is fantastic and the production of his songs (and the use of instruments) is top notch.

[@carolynnewcomb2153]

He said he did write this when he was struggling with depression. Definitely one of my fav song of his! Lots more great hits for you to check out!

[@brianforgie7724]

Neil Diamond is a great example of what music can do. I am 60 and when i was a young one and a teen in the 70s Neil Diamond was big but he was your mothers music and your aunts music. Put Neil on at a teen house party back in the day you would have got strangled lol. Many years later i got what Neil was all about. Great singer and song writer and the dude has a vast catalogue. Never thought i would be a Neil Diamond fan but ya man the man has got the goods

[@ChuckHackney]

For me one of the most special songs and lyrics ever put to music. About self worth, love and validation, something I struggled with for many years . Plus my knickname is frog, and there is that line in the song that goes. "Did you ever hear about a frog who dreamed of being a king.. then became one." That was and is me.❤❤❤❤

[@nicolek1676]

I’m so glad you guys have discovered Neil Dimond. I grew up with him being played in the house by my parents

[@andrewwesley1946]

Love your channel and your reactions. And love me some Neil Diamond too. He's a legit hit machine, gold, platinum, multi-platinum sales. Great singer, songwriter and artist.

[@patrickannunziato9473]

I love this song. It brings me back to my childhood in the late 70s and early 80s.

[@joannevardakis873]

Neil diamond my all time fav🤗

[@philtarbox8256]

"Solitary Man", "A Modern Day Version of Love", "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon", "Holly Holy", "If You Go Away"... you can't go wrong with any of these Neil diamond songs

[@TexasMagnolia]

This resonates with me. In 2003, my husband’s job transferred us to Ohio…Leaving the only home I’ve ever known, Texas. And, my family. My soul has died.

[@badhabitbabbitt7655]

Never heard of Neil Diamond? Wow..he holds close company in my book with Aretha, James Brown, Elvis, John Denver, Cher, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, & Michael Jackson.

[@edithmaxim2041]

He has so many great songs. Try Brother Love Traveling Salvation Song. You have got to see him live.

[@brgilbert2]

Neil Diamond, one of the greatest song writers of the last 50 years in my opinion.

[@jon-ei8iz]

This is a story about his rise to fame through his music ,coming from humble life in New York to performing everywhere between New York and la

[@CC-Wulf]

Love both of your reactions and how you described your emotions towards this song.

[@maureendennis1736]

One of the best concerts I went in my lifetime. Awesome show. That was in 1984

[@jon-ei8iz]

Neil diamond was a global superstar in the 70s 80s this is one of many fantastic songs he sang

[@judywarner-fehr6816]

Please listen to more. Neil is wonderful.

[@paxonearth]

I'm a songwriter, and my love for this song is off the charts. Wow.

[@retiredslamjamm]

Sweet Caroline and Cracklin Rosie are my fav Neil Diamond songs

[@reha1066]

All of his songs are AMAZING! Neil Diamond was in my parents 8 track set AND in some albums. I grew up with his music in my ear. Such a strong singing voice.

[@johnnielson4341]

This is about leaving home to pursue your dream, reaching your dream, making it to the top and realizing what you lost getting there.

[@calebjohnson8718]

I was STOKED to see you guys do a reaction on this song. I am almost 40. My mom raised me on Neil Diamond, absolutely LOVE his songs! You guys should also do Shilo!!

[@veraluciasilva9057]

Por incrível q pareça eu descobri Neil Diamond através de David nilsson...na mina adolescência não tive o prazer de ouvir..vim conhecer agora poucos meses atrás...ele é maravilhoso...adorooo❤❤