Neil Diamond – Kentucky Woman

About the song

Background

• Inspiration: Neil Diamond wrote “Kentucky Woman” in 1967 and stated that the song wasn’t inspired by a specific woman. Rather, it was meant to capture the general feeling he had about women from the American South.
• Success: The song quickly became a hit, solidifying Diamond’s status as a rising star. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and played a role in his move to a bigger record label.
• Cover Versions: Numerous artists have covered “Kentucky Woman”, including the popular rock band Deep Purple.

Lyrics

Here’s a brief look at some key lines in the song:

• Opening: “Kentucky woman, take me home, Kentucky woman…” This establishes a strong sense of longing from the get-go.
• The Woman: The lyrics don’t define the woman in great detail. She’s described with simple, idealized characteristics like “soft spoken” and “gentle touch”.
• The Narrator: The narrator is caught between wanderlust and longing for home. His journey (“gettin’ lost, gettin’ lonely”) contrasts with the comfort the Kentucky woman represents.

Themes

• Longing and Home: The song strongly evokes a longing for home and the comfort of familiar surroundings. Kentucky here is more than a place – it represents stability and a sense of belonging.
• Idealized Womanhood: The “Kentucky woman” is a romanticized symbol of femininity, offering softness, gentleness, and a place to return to.
• Nostalgia: The song taps into a nostalgic feeling for a simpler, potentially idealized past. There’s a hint of sadness at what has been left behind or is out of reach.

Video

Lyrics