About the song
Inspiration:
- The album and title song were inspired by Neil Diamond’s experience attending a revival meeting in the late 1960s.
- He was struck by the power and energy of the event, as well as the desperation of some attendees seeking solace.
Themes:
- Religion and Faith: The album explores the concept of faith and salvation through the lens of a charismatic preacher, Brother Love. It delves into the allure and potential pitfalls of revivalism.
- Hope and Despair: The songs capture the desperation of those seeking answers and the hope offered by Brother Love’s message. There’s an underlying question of whether this hope is genuine or fleeting.
- Performance and Authenticity: The album explores the theatricality of revival meetings and the question of Brother Love’s sincerity. Is he a true believer or a showman exploiting people’s vulnerabilities?
Beyond the Title Track:
- While the title song is the most well-known, the entire album explores these themes through various characters and situations.
- It’s not just about Brother Love – it’s a broader commentary on faith, societal struggles, and the search for meaning.
Interesting tidbit: The album also features the iconic song “Sweet Caroline,” released a few months later.
Video
Lyrics
… Hot August night and the leaves hanging down
And the grass on the ground smelling sweet
Move up the road to the outside of town
And the sound of that good gospel beat
… Sits a ragged tent where there ain’t no trees
And that gospel group telling you and me
… It’s love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (part of the party)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
‘Cause everyone knows Brother Love’s show
… Room gets suddenly still and when you’d almost bet
You could hear yourself sweat, he walks in
Eyes black as coal and when he lifts his face
Every ear in the place is on him
… Starting soft and slow like a small earthquake
And when he lets go, half the valley shakes
… It’s love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (part of the party)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
‘Cause everyone knows ’bout Brother Love’s show
… Hallelujah, brothers
Halle-hallelujah, I said brothers
(Hallelujah) now you got yourself two good hands
(Halle-hallelujah) and when your brother is troubled
You gotta reach out your one hand for him
(Hallelujah) ’cause that’s what it’s there for
(Halle-hallelujah) and when your heart is troubled
You gotta reach out your other hand
(Hallelujah) reach it out to the man up there
(Halle-hallelujah) ’cause that’s what he’s there for
… Take my hand in yours
Walk with me this day
In my heart I know
I will never stray
Halle, halle, halle, halle, halle, halle, halle
… Love, Brother Love say (halle, halle)
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (halle, halle)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies (halle, halle)
And everyone goes
… I say love, Brother Love say (halle, halle)
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (halle, halle)
Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies
And everyone goes
… Love, Brother Love say
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show