Neil Diamond has emerged from retirement to unveil a new take on his seminal cut “Sweet Caroline”. Specifically, Diamond has reworked the song’s lyrics to encourage hand-washing and social-distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Hands / Washing hands/ Reaching out / Don’t touch me / I won’t touch you,” Diamond sings prior to the song’s iconic chorus.
In introducing the reworked song, Diamond says, “I know we’re going through a rough time right now, but I love ya, and I think maybe if we sing together, we’ll feel just a little bit better.”
Watch the full video, which also features a cameo from Diamond’s dog Shamrock, below.
In 2018, Diamond announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Stay safe out there! “Hands… washing hands..”
pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) March 22, 2020
Neil Diamond Reworks “Sweet Caroline” to Promote Hand-Washing: Watch
Alex Young