From HEARTLIGHT
Written by Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach & Carole Bayer Sager
In 1986, Billboard magazine honored David Foster with a special tribute. Among those who praised his work and talent were Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager who wrote him this dedication: “Dear David, “That’s What Friends Are For” could have been written for you and about you. You’re the greatest, love.” Bacharach and Bayer Sager were thankful to Foster for adding his golden touch through the years on many of their most successful productions. Foster played keyboards on worldwide hits including “On My Own” by Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald plus “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight. Foster’s trademark magic on the acoustic piano was also heard on “Heartlight,” another great collaboration between Bacharach and Bayer Sager. Released in 1982 by Neil Diamond, this beautiful ballad was a Top 5 Hot 100 hit and a #1 Adult Contemporary hit. The veteran superstar carries the gorgeous melody with an intense crescendo that leads to the powerful refrain. “Heartlight” was also the title track of Diamond’s album released that same year. The singer with Bacharach and Bayer Sager composed the bulk of the certified platinum album, tailoring it for the adult audiences of that era. Foster and Diamond also co-wrote “I’m Alive,” an up-tempo ditty that was another Top 40 entry and Top 5 Adult Contemporary hit at the beginning of 1983.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/hearlight.mp3|titles=Heartlight|artists=Neil Diamond]
Lead Vocals: Neil Diamond
Piano: David Foster
Drums: Jim Keltner
Guitar: Marty Walsh
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Synthesizer: Craig Hundley
Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
Arranged & Conducted by Burt Bacharach
Produced by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager & Neil Diamond
Lyrics
Come back again
I want you to stay next time
Cause sometimes the world ain’t kind
When people get lost like you and me
I just made a friend
A friend is someone you need
But now that he has to go away
I still feel the words that he might say
Turn on your heartlight
Let it shine wherever you go
Let it make a happy glow
For all the world to see
Turn on your heartlight
In the middle of a young boy’s dream
Don’t wake up too soon
Gonna take a ride across the moon
You and me
He’s lookin’ for a home
Cause everyone needs a place
A home’s the most excellent place of all
And I’ll be right here if you should call me
Turn on your heartlight
Let it shine wherever you go
Let it make a happy glow
For all the world to see
Turn on your heartlight
In the middle of a young boy’s dream
Don’t wake up too soon
Gonna take a ride across the moon
You and me
Turn on your heartlight now
Turn on your heartlight now