A Song “Hidden” for 40 Years
In 1977, Neil Diamond – one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of the 1970s – wrote a song for his close friend, Glen Campbell. At the time, Campbell was at the peak of his career, topping the charts with hits like Rhinestone Cowboy and Southern Nights. Neil gifted him this composition, and Campbell recorded it, making it part of his vast musical legacy. But here’s the twist: Neil Diamond himself never recorded the song. For decades, fans only knew it through Campbell’s voice, never imagining that one day Neil would return to it.
Why Did Neil Keep Silent?
The question naturally arises: why would Neil Diamond, who was known for passionately performing his own material, step back from this one? The reason was simple yet profound – respect. Neil believed that this song belonged to Glen. Instead of competing or overshadowing his friend, Neil allowed Campbell’s version to stand alone. It was a rare act of humility in an industry often driven by ego. While Neil went on to release dozens of timeless hits, he chose to keep this piece as part of Glen’s story.
The Moment 40 Years Later
Fast forward to 2016. At 75 years old, Neil Diamond finally recorded the song for his reflective album Acoustic Christmas. By then, he had announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis and was preparing for the twilight of his performing career. The difference was striking. Campbell’s version from the late 1970s was youthful, full of hope and clarity. Neil’s version, however, carried the weight of time – softer, fragile, filled with wisdom and melancholy. Listeners immediately felt the contrast: the same song, but two completely different lifetimes of experience.
More Than Just Music
The song became more than a track on an album; it symbolized the deep bond between two artists. Glen Campbell passed away in 2017 after his long battle with Alzheimer’s, and Neil Diamond gradually withdrew from the stage due to health struggles. In hindsight, Neil’s decision to finally sing the song himself felt almost like a farewell – a way to honor his friend and to preserve the music they both loved. He once admitted: “I’ve written many songs for myself. But some songs belong to others. This one belonged to Glen.”
A Lasting Legacy
Today, when fans listen to both versions, they hear not only different voices but also different eras of music history. The song written in 1977 carried the optimism of a golden age of country-pop. Four decades later, Neil’s performance reflected life’s fragility and enduring friendship. It stands as a reminder that music never truly fades – it waits, quietly, until the right moment comes to speak again.