The meaning of “Sweet Caroline” is a classic love song, with the singer proclaiming that he has learned more from his partner than from anywhere else.

Lyrics

The lines are relatively straightforward, even by the standards of love ballads. The overarching impression felt and conveyed is one of adoration and pleasure on the part of the singer for the person being addressed. She has helped alleviate his feelings of isolation felt by him and provides a sense of balance in his life, as explained in the second stanza.

Considering the year it was released and the fact that it is probably the most well-known track in Neil Diamond’s entire discography. It is possible to speculate that this is one that became a standard in the music industry or an archetypal love song.

Was it Caroline Kennedy or his Wife?

Although “Sweet Caroline,” written by Neil Diamond in 1969, has long been assumed to be about President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, Diamond has always claimed that he actually wrote it for his then-wife. Indeed, you might assume it is about a romantic relationship.

In 2007, Diamond said that John F. Kennedy’s daughter Caroline, who was eleven at that time when the song came out, was the inspiration for it. He claims that he wrote the song when he was staying in a hotel in Memphis and saw the picture of young Miss Kennedy and was moved by the innocence of the girl and the excellence of the picture. Given that he also performed and sang the song at the 50th birthday party in 2007 of Caroline Kennedy, Coincidence? This is most likely not the case. We should probably take the crooner’s explanation with a grain of salt and accept the theory that the photo of a 9-year-old Miss Kennedy really inspired him. 

The lines sound like they come from a love story, and he even says as much at the song’s end. It’s no surprise that this phrase best captures the emotions of sports fans after a thrilling triumph.

It got played in the middle of the 8th inning of the Red Sox team’s baseball game at Fenway Park and was sung along by the England fans for years. It started being traditionally played during the play of the Red Sox team in 1997 when an employee played it for a player who recently had a baby girl named Caroline. Since then, it became a tradition to play it during the 8th inning of a Red Sox game in Fenway Park, Boston, and the England fans also readily adopted it and have sung it enthusiastically every time for years. Moreover, Diamond also sang it live during a baseball game in Fenway Park in Boston. 

In 2014, however, Diamond modified his tune by admitting that it was originally about his then-wife Marcia. He renamed the character Caroline so that the title would have three syllables.

Despite the widespread popularity among sports fans worldwide, an English DJ named Tony Parry is mainly responsible for the adoption of the song by English fans during Euro 2020, following the victory of England over Germany at Wembley. This likely also accounts for its popularity among female fans at the Women’s European Championship.

Release Dates & Reception

The song was released to the public in 1968 by Uni Records. It was a single track and part of Brother Love’s itinerant Salvation Show. Besides, the work entails Neil Diamond’s fourth album of its kind.

It exploded onto the American billboard in 1969, retained its place in the top charts for days, and has remained a popular hit ever since. The record, released on May 28th that same year, has become an anthem for sports fans across generations and continents. It’s also been featured in dozens of TV shows and movies like Family Guy, Glee, The Last Man on Earth, Fever Pitch, Ted 2, Spenser Confidential, and The Midnight Sky.

It has lately been adopted by English fans in honor of the successful candidacy of the Lionesses to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, which was decided on July 31st. But why are English football fans singing “Sweet Caroline” this year, and what is the lyrics’ meaning?

Lyrics

Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing
But then I know it’s growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who’d have believed you’d come along

Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I

Look at the night and it don’t seem so lonely
We filled it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when holding you

One, touching one
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline
I believe they never could
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Neil Diamond

Sweet Caroline lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Listeners of music from the 1960’s, might also appreciate the song The Weight by The Band.

Neil Diamond fans will also be interested in A Closer Look at the Lyrics & Meaning Behind America by Neil Diamond

Editor’s Note: This article was first published September 25th 2022 and last updated June 15th 2023.