Saturday and Sunday were the best weekend
That we’ve had for many years
The NEC in Birmingham,
To see the living legend here
Sure he’s been to Birmingham, many times before
But I’ve always been out of reach
We booked for Saturday way back in March
But Sunday’s front row seats were just a peach
And so on Saturday, in our eagerness to see
We got to the Arena way to soon
We walked around for hours it seemed not knowing what to do
Eventually settling for a coffee with no spoon
The people starting filing in, bags searched and questions asked
To see Neil Diamond, Live right here was everybody’s task
We looked at all the merchandise
Bought more than we could afford
Then found our seats and waited
Waited for that first chord
The Overture was first in line
America rocked our socks
Then Mission of Love, Hello Again
And then Love on The Rocks
Neil picked up his guitar right then
A signature just like mine
With a grin as wide as a Cheshire cat
He yells “lets go back in time”
Solitary Man was next in line
Followed by The Boat That I Row
Cherry, Cherry and Red, Red, Wine
And we still had ages to go
A rocking I’m A Believer
Before Neil slowed the pace right down
The “sensitive man” song Play Me
Then came September Morn
This whole scene was repeated
On that Sunday night so rare
I was still surprised to see those girls
With the glitter in their hair
A disappointing Soolaimon
It missed some shine and sheen
And then it slows done once again with
If You Know What I Mean
A Beautiful Noise soon followed
Then came that special song
The front row ladies swooning
Would “HE” really sing their song
My eyes were disbelieving
As he walked across the stage
It was Alice he was singing to
A “Girl” less than half his age
She went up when he beckoned
The kiss took place right there
Some envious eyes from ladies
With glitter in their hair
And then the moment was over
Neil sang some ballads so
HPTSIY and then BPOM
both from TCO
Forever In Blue Jeans stirred the crowd
“Let me hear you now” was the call
Then Starflight played with flair but loud
And then a hush fell on the Hall
Neil spoke of Vince in quiet tones
Still sad after this short time
His dedication chilled the bones
He sang Captain Sunshine
Holly Holy followed this
With heartfelt lyrics flowing
Then he lightened up the mood
The audience soon got going
Sweet Caroline with wo-wo-wo’s
Repeated with so-so goods
The “Flowers” duet with Linda Press
Was indeed so very good
And then as if by magic
A baby grand appeared
A treat in store for all Neil fans
Rarely on the ivory’s heard
Yes I Will / Lady Magdelene
Was played with pure panache
Then picking up the beat once more
Shilo was next in the stache
The “Heroes” were the next in line
To receive the “Diamond” praise
The police, the fire crews and military
The real “Heroes” of today
And so he sang that Hollies’ song
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
I Am…I Said was next in line
And we knew that it was over
To screams and shouts of More! More! More!
The man returned again
Cracklin’ Rosie rang out loud
To the roof and back again
Brothers and Sisters came the cry
The last song in the “jam”
It was Brother Love with sermon
And then GOODNIGHT Birmingham
We sat there stunned, in silence
It was all “Done Too Soon”
The audience filed out the hall
Leaving that cavernous room
Well there is always next time
I feel privileged to have seen the man
The guy whose songs I sing and sing
The Solitary Man
So when I’m next performing
My tribute act to Neil
I’ll remember well the NEC
And just how it made me feel!!