Neil Diamond Changes Lyrics To "Sweet Caroline" To Remind Followers To Wash Their Hands

Mar 24, 2020 by apost team

Adding to the many celebrities and musicians who are doing their part in both keeping us entertained and also well informed during the coronavirus crisis, Neil Diamond is no exception.

The musician posted a video on his Twitter telling everyone we'll get through this, before performing his hit song "Sweet Caroline", albeit with amended lyrics that remind us to wash their hands.

The video starts out with an endearing close-up of his dog before showing Diamond sitting by a fireplace, guitar in hand. He opens with a message of support to us all, stating: "I know we're going through a rough time right now, but I love ya, and I think maybe if we sing together, well, we'll just feel a little bit better. Give it a try ok."

He then immediately begins strumming his guitar, the familiar chords of his hit song "Sweet Caroline" instantly recognizable to any fans. However, once he gets to the song's bridge, instead of singing the usual lyrics, which go, "Hands, touching hands / Reaching out, touching me, touching you," he sings, "Hands, washing hands / Don't touch me, I won't touch you."

The genius lyrical switcharound is both clever and helpful to us all in these times. Not only does the song bring about a sense of community –– both in its advice about washing hands but also by connecting through music –– but it shows just how much Neil Diamond really cares about the wellbeing of everyone

apost.com

What's extra useful is that the new bridge is actually 20 seconds long when sung, which just so happens to be the minimum time limit that's recommended for washing hands. So sing it as you wash and have fun in the process!

Neil Diamond isn't the only celebrity doing his bit to raise awareness about good hygiene in the time of coronavirus. Actor and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been active on his Instagram, sharing videos about what to do and what not to do during lockdown. 

These include a handwashing demonstration video, with the help of his chihuahua Cherry; a heartwarming video telling people to stay at home and not go to restaurants, with cameos from his mini-horse Whiskey and mini-donkey Lulu; and even a video in a hot tub warning spring breakers to not go to the beach.

Celebrities that are helping the situation in other ways include musicians who are putting on home concerts via social media to keep us entertained. These include Keith Urban, who put on a 30-minute Instagram concert for his fans, which included his wife Nicole Kidman offering support by singing and dancing along; as well as John Legend and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

It's a trying time for us all, but it's shown us how easily we can come together to help one another, and that's an amazing thing.

What did you think of Neil Diamond's catchy new lyrics? Let us know down below and be sure to pass on to any friends and family who are Neil Diamond fans!