Lady Magdalene
Neil Diamond · Serenade [1974]
he'd give you his soul if you asked him for some.
A child in his way for he needs to believe
that love is a song for each man to sing.
The man on the left is a prize unwon
a candle unlit and a song unsung.
Believing that love is a dreamer's dream,
the man on the left the me in between.
Lady Magdelene, I can hear your distant trumpet
calling from the morning mountain,
singing to the passing river.
Take me home, show me peaceful days before my youth has gone.
The man in between waits between the two
not hearing the lie and not seeing the true.
Unknowing what is and denying what seems
and there he will sleep the man in between.
Lady Magdelene, I can hear your distant trumpet
calling from the morning mountain,
singing to the passing river.
Take me home, show me peaceful days before my youth has gone.
Lady Magdelene, make the sound of silent thunder
calling from the lips of Abraham
make a sound that we may wonder, where we are.
Take us to you soul for we have wandered far.
The man on the right was a man undone
the man on the left like a prize unwon.
And God only knows what their time will bring
or what will become of the man in between.
Lady Magdalene
Neil Diamond's "Lady Magdalene" appears on his 1974 album *Serenade*, a collection that showcases his signature blend of pop sensibilities and spiritual themes. The track reflects Diamond's recurring interest in religious iconography and personal introspection, characteristic of his work during the mid-1970s. While the song does not explicitly quote scripture, it engages with the cultural and emotional resonance of the Virgin Mary figure, a motif Diamond explored in various compositions throughout his career. The recording exemplifies the polished production style of the era, featuring Diamond's distinctive vocal delivery and songwriting that balances narrative storytelling with melodic appeal. It stands as a testament to his ability to weave complex spiritual concepts into accessible pop music, contributing to his enduring legacy as a songwriter who frequently drew upon biblical and historical imagery to explore universal human experiences.