From poverty his star would steer
like Barbra,* just the same.
A Jewish boy who yearned to Hear
Them Bells ring out his name.
So blessed to have a fine guitar
when just sixteen years old,
a gift that would enrich him far -
he'd found his pot of Gold.
In poetry he'd spend his time,
enchant the girls at school.
The Art of Love he'd learn in rhyme -
a precious Diamond rule!
From Brooklyn Roads, his muse would soar,
he'd pen to gratify
but, bound by Pop, he wanted more -
to spread his wings and fly
To L.A. where his vocal range
would mellow and mature.
Sweet Caroline would mark a change,
a hit that would endure.
And other songs beyond compare
like Cracklin' Rosie too.
Inspired by Mozart, he would share
his heart in Song Sung Blue.
But though his hopes were coming true,
he battled fear and dread,
for stardom left him lost, askew -
he sang I Am...I Said.
His life had dealt him woeful knocks
of doubt, divorce, dismay
and Love (of fame was) On the Rocks;
he longed for Yesterday.
But Captain Sunshine would be true
and back to steal the show
with beaded shirts of vivid hue,
this Diamond was aglow.
In five decades his light has shone,
still here Another Day.
Defying illness, never gone,
his music's here to stay.
America (his anthem chimes)
that helped his kinfolk cope
to sail the seas in bygone times
and start their lives in hope.
For love has been his rock throughout,
a gem of fate that's cast.
With third wife, Katie, there's no doubt,
his Rainbow's here to last.
From heartthrob to a man of poise
whose faith would keep him strong
to rise above the glory noise
and sing his Freedom Song.
|