About the song
“Beautiful Noise” is a song by Neil Diamond, released as the title track of his 1976 album.
Background:
- The song was co-written by Diamond and Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band.
- The collaboration came about when Diamond was feeling creatively stuck and Robertson offered to help.
- The song was inspired by the sounds and energy of New York City, where both artists were living at the time.
- The album “Beautiful Noise” marked a significant shift in Diamond’s sound, incorporating more rock and folk elements than his previous pop-oriented work.
Themes:
- Urban Life: The lyrics vividly capture the hustle and bustle of city life, with references to street sounds, crowds, and the constant activity.
- Resilience: The song celebrates the enduring spirit of individuals who navigate the challenges of urban living, finding beauty and meaning amidst the chaos.
- Creativity and Inspiration: The lyrics touch on the artistic process, with Diamond singing about finding inspiration in the everyday experiences of city life.
- Nostalgia: The song evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, with Diamond reflecting on his early days as a struggling songwriter in New York City.
“Beautiful Noise” is a powerful and evocative song that captures the essence of urban life, with its mix of beauty, struggle, and creative energy. The song resonated with audiences and became a hit, solidifying Diamond’s status as a versatile and enduring artist.
Video
Lyrics
What a beautiful noiseComin’ up from the streetGot a beautiful soundIt’s got a beautiful beat
It’s a beautiful noiseGoin’ on ev’rywhereLike the clickety-clackOf a train on a trackIt’s got rhythm to spare
It’s a beautiful noiseAnd it’s a sound that I loveAnd it fits me as wellAs a hand in a gloveYes it does, yes it does
What a beautiful noiseComin’ up from the parkIt’s the song of the kidsAnd it plays until dark
It’s the song of the carsOn their furious flightsBut there’s even romanceIn the way that they danceTo the beat of the lights
It’s a beautiful noiseAnd it’s a sound that I loveAnd it makes me feel goodLike a hand in a gloveYes it does, yes it doesWhat a beautiful noise
It’s a beautiful noiseMade of joy and of strifeLike a symphony playedBy the passing paradeIt’s the music of life
It’s a beautiful noiseAnd it’s a sound that I loveAnd it makes me feel goodJust like a hand in a gloveYes it does, yes it does
What a beautiful noiseComin’ into my roomAnd it’s beggin’ for meJust to give it a tune