Since time immemorial, music has been a vehicle for expressing emotion, telling stories, and connecting with people.
One of the many artists who have used this medium to great effect is none other than American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, one of the most iconic singers and songwriters of all time.
His music spans various genres, from folk rock to pop rock, and has touched millions of hearts and souls.
One of his most famous Neil Diamond songs is Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon, a poignant ballad about a young woman who faces criticism and judgement for her choice of lover.
But what inspired Diamond to write this song? How did it become a hit in the 1960s and again in the 1990s?
And what is the meaning of the song Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon?
Neil Diamond: The Man Behind the Song
Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1941. He developed a passion for music at an early age and started writing songs when he was 16.
He dropped out of college to pursue a career in the music industry and signed his first contract with Columbia Records in 1962.
However, he soon realised that he was not happy with the direction and control that the label had over his music.
He decided to become an independent artist and write songs for himself and other artists.
One of the songs that he wrote for himself was Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon, which appeared on his second album, ‘Just For You’, released in 1967.
The song tells the story of a young woman who is in love with a man who is older and more experienced than her.
She faces opposition and disapproval from her friends and family, who think that he is bad for her.
He, on the other hand, encourages her to follow her heart and assures her that she will soon become a woman in his eyes.
The Song’s Reception: A Hit in the 60s
The song was a success in the United States, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also charted in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised Diamond’s soulful voice and compelling lyrics.
Billboard magazine called it a “sure-fire chart topper,” and Cash Box magazine predicted that it would see a lot of Top 40 play.
The song also resonated with many listeners, especially young women who could relate to the song’s protagonist and her dilemma.
The song captured the spirit of the 1960s, a decade of social change and rebellion where many young people challenged the norms and expectations of their parents and society.
The Song’s Resurgence: A Classic in the 90s Thanks to Pulp Fiction
The song gained a new wave of popularity when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s cult film Pulp Fiction in 1994.
The film used a cover version of the song by the alternative rock band Urge Overkill, which gave the song a more modern and edgy sound.
Tarantino, who is known for his eclectic and influential soundtracks, discovered the song when he bought a copy of Urge Overkill’s album Stull in a record store in Amsterdam.
He loved the song and decided to use it in a crucial scene in the film.
In the film, the song plays in the background as Uma Thurman’s character, Mia Wallace, snorts heroin, mistaking it for cocaine, and overdoses.
John Travolta’s character, Vincent Vega, who is supposed to look after her, rushes her to a drug dealer’s house and injects her with adrenaline to save her life.
The scene is one of the most memorable and shocking moments in the film, and the song adds to the tension and drama.
The contrast between the romantic and nostalgic tone of the song and the violent and dark tone of the scene creates a powerful effect.
The film was a huge hit, both critically and commercially, and the soundtrack sold over three million copies.
The song also reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 37 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s exposure in the film boosted Diamond’s popularity among a new generation of fans and increased the sales of his back catalogue.
The Song’s Meaning: A Controversy
Despite the song’s popularity and acclaim, it has also been the subject of controversy and debate.
Some people have interpreted the song as a celebration of paedophilia, as the song implies that the young woman is underage and the man is much older.
They have also criticised the song for being sexist and patronising, as the man seems to have control and authority over the woman and her sexuality.
Others have defended the song, arguing that it is not about paedophilia but about a consensual and loving relationship between two adults.
They have also pointed out that the song is not sexist but rather empowering, as the woman makes her own decision to be with the man and to become a woman on her own terms.
Diamond himself has never revealed the exact meaning or inspiration behind the song.
He has only said that he wrote it from the perspective of the man and that he wanted to capture the emotion and intensity of the situation.
Additionally, he has stated that he was unaware of the controversy and that he never meant to offend anyone.
Influence and Legacy
Numerous other artists have covered the song, including Cliff Richard and Jackie Edwards in the same year.
The Biddu Orchestra did their take on the song in 1978, and 16 Volt gave it a spin in 1998.
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon has also been used in several films and TV shows, including ‘War Dogs’ (2016), ‘The Upside of Anger’ (2005), ‘Sorority Boys’ (2002), ‘Supernatural’ (2015), ‘Friends’ (1995), and ‘Family Ties’ (1983).
Conclusion
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon is one of Neil Diamond’s most iconic and enduring songs.
It has been a hit in two different decades, thanks to its original version and its cover by Urge Overkill.
It has also been a part of one of the most influential films of all time, ‘Pulp Fiction’.
The song has touched and moved many people with its soulful and captivating lyrics and melody.
However, it has also sparked controversy and debate with its ambiguous and controversial meaning.
The song remains a mystery and a masterpiece, a testament to Diamond’s talent and legacy.
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Neil Diamond Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon Lyrics
Verse 1
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
I love you so much, can’t count all the ways
I’ve died for you girl and all they can say is
“He’s not your kind”
They never get tired of putting me down
And I’ll never know when I come around
What I’m gonna find
Don’t let them make up your mind
Don’t you know
Chorus
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Soon, you’ll need a man
Verse 2
I’ve been misunderstood for all of my life
But what they’re saying girl it cuts like a knife
“The boy’s no good”
Well I’ve finally found what I’ve been looking for
But if they get their chance they’ll end it for sure
Surely would
Baby I’ve done all I could
Now it’s up to you
Chorus
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Soon, you’ll need a man
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Soon, you’ll need a man
