Play Me - Neil Diamond (1972) 12/2/21

It's interesting to note that, for some people, their like or dislike of Neil Diamond's 1972 hit "Play Me" boils down to how they feel about two specific lyric lines.

For many critics, the line: "You are the sun, I am the moon. You are the words, I am the tune, Play Me" is genius songwriting. And for many members of the female persuasion, the line has always been interpreted as an invitation! For years, ladies of all ages would attend Neil's concerts and hold up signs that said, "Hey, Neil! play ME!" :-)

But on the other hand, the grammar police take exception to the lyric, "Songs she sang to me, songs she BRANG" to me..."

Understandable to a certain extent, since "brang" is colloquial slang. But on the other hand, Neil's use of the word can certainly be categorized as poetic license.

In any event, the "likes" of "Play Me" outrank the "dislikes" by a mile--just ask those ladies with the signs. :)

The chart positions are also proof: #3 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in both the US and Canada. It also reached #11 on Billboard's Hot 100.

"Play Me," by Neil Diamond: For MOST, it's a "Great Song of 1972!"