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"Play Me"
Single by Neil Diamond
from the album Moods
B-side"Porcupine Pie"
ReleasedAugust 1972[1]
GenrePop
LabelUni 55346[2]
SongwriterNeil Diamond
ProducerTom Catalano
Neil Diamond singles chronology
"Song Sung Blue"
(1972) 		"Play Me"
(1972) 		"Walk On Water"
(1972)

"Play Me" is a 1972 song by Neil Diamond from his album Moods. The song, the first single from Moods,[3] was recorded in February 1972 in Los Angeles.[4] It was released as a single in May 1972 and peaked at #11 in the United States[1] in September of that year.[5] It was listed by Billboard as #27 of his best 30 songs.[6]

The "catchy pop-rock"[7] song is a medium-tempo waltz performed in 3/4 time at a standard tempo of 102 bpm.[8] Play Me features broken chords played on the acoustic guitar, courtesy of Diamond's long-time collaborator Richard Bennett.[8] While Bennett had played on a few songs on Diamond's 1971 album Stones, Moods was his first full collaboration with him, establishing Bennett as one of Diamond's essential players, playing on every Diamond album until 1987 and touring with him for 17 years.[9]

Reception

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Female praise

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"Play Me" is an audience favorite, especially among women, who carry signs that read "Neil, Play Me" to his performances[10] and scream "me, me, me" when he plays the tune, described as "an entreaty to romance".[11] Along with "Love on the Rocks" and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", it is one of the "baritone ballads" that have "60-year-old women erupting in girlish screams;"[12] it makes female audience members shriek[13] and swoon.[14] According to Melissa Ruggieri, writing for Media General about a 2008 concert, "Diamond [at 67] also still possesses the ability to charm, even though he didn't need to do much except wiggle his prominent eyebrows at women in the crowd to elicit schoolgirl-like squeals—'Play Me,' in particular, had a bizarre aphrodisiac effect."[15]

Singer/songwriter Mary Lee Kortes, while performing it in 2000 in New York, suggested that she had lost her virginity to the song.[16] Nancy Sinatra said, "'Play Me' is my favorite [Neil Diamond] song, because it is sexy."[17]

Critical acclaim

[edit]

It is widely praised by critics and musicians as well; it is among the top-ten favorite songs of American writer and critic David Wild. Wild was especially fond of the lines "You are the sun, I am the moon / You are the words, I am the tune / Play me",[8] and other writers have cited the lines as well.[18] Diamond himself has referred to those lines, for instance in an apology to a 2008 Columbus, Ohio, audience, for performing with a raspy voice while suffering from acute laryngitis.[19] Billboard described it as a "potent cut."[20] Cash Box described it as "a ballad about he, she and the music" and considered it to be "delicious".[21] Record World called it a "sweet and smooth ballad, seemingly born to be covered."[22]

Lyrical criticism

[edit]

The song also has its detractors, and "Play Me" is not the only Diamond song criticized by some for its lyrics. Janice Kennedy said the song was "an exercise in fingernail-on-blackboard painfulness: 'Song she sang to me, song she brang to me.'"[23] American humorist Dave Barry also cited those lines, claiming that they made him like the song.[24] Martin Pearson also criticised that line, commenting "Ugh! It's "brought", you horrible little American!"

Academic criticism

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This song has also created significant debates in academic circles regarding the development of language and meaning within language, especially within the context of popular American songwriting. "If "moose" pluralizes to "moose", but "goose" pluralizes to "geese", then why can't the word "brang" be used as the past participle of "bring" instead of "brought"?. Who says that "brought" is sacrosanct in that case?" argued singer-songwriter David Persons at a symposium on songwriting and creative writing held at Stephen F. Austin University.[25] "There really are no rules in the practical sense in creative uses of English, and I am always thankful that I am a native English speaker, as it has so many irregularities and non-rules that it must be near impossible to learn as a second language. New words develop from new meanings and linguistic demands, and Neil Diamond's writing has made several significant contributions to that development throughout his career as he has added his own personal mark of genius to The Great American Songbook. In this case the rule has to be "Neil Diamond wrote it, I heard it and that settles it, Brang is in fact a word."[25]

Chart history

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Notable covers

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Play Me

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Play Me" is a written and performed by American , released in August 1972 as a single from his eighth studio , Moods. The song's poetic explore the intimacy and of a romantic relationship, using metaphors of day and night to symbolize complementary lovers who find fulfillment in each other. It achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the chart and spending 11 weeks on the ranking. The track was recorded in February 1972 in , produced by and Tom Catalano, and features a gentle arrangement reminiscent of Gordon Lightfoot's fingerpicking style in songs like "If You Could Read My Mind." Released on , Moods marked a shift toward more introspective and mellow material in Diamond's catalog following the upbeat success of his previous single "Song Sung Blue." "Play Me" became a staple in Diamond's live performances, notably featured in a celebrated rendition on his 1972 live album Hot August Night, recorded at the Greek Theatre in . Critically, "Play Me" has been lauded for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, exemplifying Diamond's talent for crafting heartfelt ballads during his early period. The song's ambiguous narrative—possibly reflecting a current or past —has inspired interpretations ranging from romantic to metaphorical, including views of it as to musical inspiration or spiritual connection. It has been covered by artists such as and on their 2004 album Nancy & Lee 3, underscoring its enduring appeal among musicians.

Background

Writing and inspiration

"Play Me" was written solely by and composed in early 1972 for his eighth studio , Moods. The song's lyrics lend themselves to metaphorical interpretations, including as a to spiritual acceptance—for instance, the idea of accepting as savior, which stands in contrast to Diamond's Jewish background. A notable lyrical quirk appears in the line "Song she brang to me," where Diamond employs the non-standard "brang" instead of "brought," a choice rooted in his personal linguistic style to enhance rhyme and rhythmic flow.

Album context

Moods, Neil Diamond's eighth studio album, was released in July 1972 by . Produced by Tom Catalano, the album marked a shift to more introspective material following the folk-rock influences of Diamond's previous release, Diamonds in the Rough (1971). This transition highlighted Diamond's evolving songwriting toward themes of personal reflection and emotional depth, blending pop accessibility with intimacy. "Play Me" appears as the sixth track on Moods and was issued as the album's second single in 1972. The song's tender portrayal of longing and surrender contributes significantly to the album's overall tone of , underscoring Diamond's ability to craft poignant, relatable narratives within a polished production framework. As part of this commercial effort—Diamond's seventh major-label studio outing after leaving Bang Records—the track helped encapsulate Moods' position as a pivotal release in his discography, bridging his early hits with more mature artistic expression.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for "Play Me" occurred in early 1972 as part of the production for Neil Diamond's album Moods, which was completed and released in July of that year. These sessions followed Diamond's writing of the song earlier in 1972. Producer Tom Catalano, who co-produced the track with Diamond, oversaw the sessions with a focus on achieving a simple and intimate sound. The sessions took place in Los Angeles, engineered by Armin Steiner. Diamond recorded at various facilities in the area during this period.

Personnel and arrangement

Neil Diamond performed lead vocals and guitar on "Play Me". Richard Bennett played acoustic guitar, employing a pattern of broken chords that defines the song's rhythmic foundation. This marked Bennett's initial major studio collaboration with Diamond. Additional contributors included Lee Holdridge providing orchestration and conducting. These elements came together during the early 1972 recording sessions in Los Angeles. The arrangement unfolds as a medium-tempo in 3/4 time, clocking in at 102 beats per minute. It blends pop-rock sensibilities with orchestral flourishes, creating an intimate yet expansive sound.

Release

Single details

"Play Me" was released as a single in August 1972 on with the catalog number 55346. The B-side featured "Porcupine Pie," another track from Neil Diamond's Moods. Issued in the standard 7-inch vinyl format at 45 RPM, it marked the first single extracted from Moods and was aimed at pop and adult contemporary radio audiences.

Promotion

Uni Records launched an aggressive radio airplay campaign for "Play Me" upon its release in August 1972, positioning it as the from Diamond's album Moods. The effort was spotlighted in industry trade publications, including , where the track debuted as a new entry on the chart for the week ending August 12, 1972, reflecting targeted promotion to adult contemporary stations. similarly highlighted its potential, with columnist Kal Rudman labeling it an "immediate giant" in the August 5, 1972, issue, underscoring 's (under MCA distribution) confidence in its chart trajectory. Diamond integrated "Play Me" into his extensive 1972 touring schedule, where live renditions became a highlight that captivated audiences. During his ten-night sold-out residency at the Greek Theatre in in August 1972—later captured on the live album Hot August Night—the song drew enthusiastic responses, particularly from female fans who often swooned, held up signs reading "Neil, Play Me," and expressed romantic fervor during performances. These concerts amplified the single's buzz, transforming it into a staple of Diamond's stage repertoire and fostering immediate fan devotion. Predating the MTV era, "Play Me" received no official music video, relying instead on broadcast television for visibility. Diamond promoted the track through appearances on variety shows and specials in 1972, such as his French TV concert special in Paris, which helped extend its reach beyond radio and live tours despite the absence of visual media production.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Play Me" was released as a single in August 1972 and debuted on the US on the chart dated August 12, 1972, entering at number 87. It steadily climbed the chart over the following weeks, achieving its peak position of number 11 on the chart dated October 7, 1972. The single spent a total of 11 weeks on the , including 7 weeks in the top 40, before dropping off the chart in November 1972. On the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, "Play Me" peaked at number 3, reflecting its strong appeal to adult audiences. In , the song reached number 6 on the RPM Top Singles chart. It also peaked at number 14 on Australia's Go-Set chart.

Certifications and sales

"Play Me" has not received any RIAA or certifications as of November 2025. Despite peaking at number 11 on the , the single's commercial performance did not meet the threshold for official recognition by the RIAA, though estimates based on its chart trajectory suggest sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. Its popularity on adult contemporary radio further bolstered the parent Moods, which earned RIAA certification on July 12, 1993, for 500,000 units shipped. The album Moods has achieved global sales of over 3 million copies, with the strong reception of "Play Me" as a key single contributing to this figure. Internationally, the single saw modest commercial results, charting at number 25 in the and lower positions across various European markets, reflecting limited sales outside .

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in August 1972, "Play Me" received positive attention from music trade publications for its emotional depth and Diamond's expressive performance. described the track as a "potent cut" from the Moods album, noting its rapid climb on the Hot 100 chart, where it advanced from No. 87 to No. 55 in its second week. Similarly, Cash Box praised it as a "delicious" exploring the intimate connection between "he, she and the music," emphasizing its immediate programming potential following the success of "Song Sung Blue." highlighted the song's "sweet and smooth" qualities as a ideally suited for covers.

Lyrical and academic analysis

Academic examinations position such elements within the broader evolution of pop songwriting, where non-standard fosters a sense of intimacy and emotional immediacy, reflecting mid-20th-century shifts toward expression in mainstream compositions. These motifs align with contemporaneous explorations of relational dynamics in singer-songwriter traditions, emphasizing emotional exposure over narrative precision. Interpretations of the lyrics extend beyond romance to spiritual metaphors, with some readings framing the song as a hymn where the beloved represents a divine or redemptive force guiding the narrator's through verses of longing and harmony. This dual layering—romantic versus allegorical plea for spiritual union—highlights the in Diamond's wording, allowing for multifaceted scholarly . While initial reviews often acclaimed the track's melodic warmth, these deeper critiques reveal tensions between and artistic in its lyrical construction.

Legacy

Notable covers

"Play Me" has been widely covered by various artists, reflecting its simple structure and emotional appeal, with over 50 documented versions per SecondHandSongs. One of the earliest notable covers is the 1974 duet between Neil Diamond and Shirley Bassey, performed live on Bassey's BBC television special, which was re-highlighted on social media in 2025 for its tender interplay. In 2014, Josh Groban delivered a live orchestral rendition of the song during his Summer Symphony Tour, emphasizing sweeping strings and his baritone vocals to enhance the song's waltz-like intimacy. More recent interpretations include ' acoustic cover released in April 2020 during his "Kitchen " series, capturing a stripped-down, heartfelt vibe amid the . In 2021, performed a live version at The Space in , infusing the track with her Broadway-trained power and emotional depth during a residency show. Eddy Chapman offered a contemporary take in his 2022 cover, blending introspective with modern production elements.

Cultural impact

"Play Me" has maintained enduring popularity as a staple in Neil Diamond's live performances across decades, often featured in concerts from the through the 2000s, symbolizing his signature romantic style that emphasizes emotional vulnerability and connection. Fans frequently discuss the in online communities for its intimate , which evoke a deep sense of personal resonance and have become emblematic of Diamond's ability to craft heartfelt narratives in . The song's exploration of intimacy themes has contributed to its influence on pop songwriting, where it blends romantic and metaphorical elements to depict human closeness, occasionally leading to misinterpretations in media and analyses that view it through a spiritual lens rather than purely romantic. For instance, some interpretations see the lyrics as an for a divine or transcendent relationship, highlighting the transformative power of itself over literal romance. Its chart success, reaching number 11 on the in , further solidified its legacy status within Diamond's catalog. In 2025, platforms have seen revivals of the song through fan s and discussions of performances, underscoring its ongoing cultural relevance amid renewed interest in Diamond's work via acts and events.

References

  1. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/neil-diamond/play-me
  2. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1972-10-21/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/moods-mw0000650073
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-august-night-mw0000098473
  5. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/300828/all
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/album/nancy-lee-3-mw0000497037
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/84944-Neil-Diamond-Moods
  8. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/neil-diamond/moods/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/2113399-Neil-Diamond-Play-Me
  10. https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/neil-diamond-through-the-decades
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/963600-Neil-Diamond-Moods
  12. https://totallyguitars.com/lessons/2776-play-me
  13. https://www.richard-bennett.com/discography
  14. https://songbpm.com/%40neil-diamond/play-me-13dc3c86-8773-4133-a4f6-6995dde275ff
  15. https://musicvf.com/song.php?id=30271
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/747416-Neil-Diamond-Play-Me
  17. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1972/BB-1972-08-12.pdf
  18. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/72/Record-World-1972-08-05.pdf
  19. https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/50-golden-years
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS4tnGFJdKM
  21. http://hitsofalldecades.com/chart_hits/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2041&Itemid=52
  22. https://top40weekly.com/2013/08/12/us-top-40-singles-week-ending-12th-august-1972/
  23. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1972-10-07/
  24. https://tsort.info/music/sc6f5p.htm
  25. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Neil+Diamond&ti=Moods#search_section
  26. https://chartmasters.org/neil-diamond-albums-and-songs-sales/
  27. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1972/BB-1972-08-19.pdf
  28. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1972/Cash-Box-1972-07-29.pdf
  29. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/72/RW-1972-08-12.pdf
  30. https://www.whosampled.com/Neil-Diamond/Play-Me/covered/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZb4lkj4Oxc
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmnsn8RYPnE
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoycR_hFRw
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuGCa1FIjcA
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ76C9BTWvY
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqQit0vrzA
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA5SFuynJfo
  38. https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/albums-from-the-vault-the-1970s
  39. https://www.facebook.com/neildiamond/videos/you-are-the-sun-i-am-the-moon-these-renditions-of-neil-diamonds-play-me-has-us-f/1246746144163179/
  40. https://www.facebook.com/groups/455423251297117/posts/3063267183846031/
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