Song Sung Blue – Neil Diamond (Live)

“Song Sung Blue” is a gentle, reflective ballad written and performed by Neil Diamond, released in 1972 as part of his album Moods. Inspired loosely by the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, the song takes a minimalist and almost lullaby-like approach to discussing sadness and the healing power of music. Its simplicity is its strength—both musically and lyrically—capturing a universal sentiment in just a few lines: when you’re feeling down, singing a sad song can somehow make you feel better.

The lyrics revolve around the idea that everyone experiences sadness, but instead of suppressing it, we should acknowledge it. Diamond suggests that singing—especially singing a “song sung blue”—has a cathartic quality. The “blue” song represents sorrow, but also healing, as expressing one’s emotions through song can ease the burden. This theme resonated deeply with audiences, and its catchy, comforting melody helped the track become one of Diamond’s biggest hits.

“Song Sung Blue” became a chart-topping success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in the U.S. in mid-1972. Despite—or perhaps because of—its lyrical and musical simplicity, it was nominated for two Grammy Awards. It exemplifies Neil Diamond’s gift for crafting songs that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable. With its warm tone, gentle rhythm, and singalong chorus, it remains one of the most iconic songs in Diamond’s extensive catalog.