Written by David Foster & Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond’s stellar career brought the American superstar forty gold, platinum or multi-platinum certificated albums and an outstanding seventy hit singles on various Billboard charts. A few of those successful albums and singles were collaborations with David Foster.

“In the Eighties, Foster produced Diamond’s “The Best Years Of Our Lives” album and a couple of tracks on “Headed For The Future.” Among the singles, Foster co-wrote the fantastic ballad “This Time” and produced the AC hit “I Dreamed A Dream.”

The Canadian music maker’s first teaming with Diamond was on “Heartlight.” Released in 1982, “Heartlight” was predominately a collaboration by the singer with Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. Foster had a hand playing piano on the title track that became a big top five hit and also played fender Rhodes on “I’m Guilty.” He also co-wrote and co-produced the second single off the album, “I’m Alive.” Released in January 1983, this up-tempo goodie was well received on AC radios reaching #4 and was a Billboard’s Hot 100 hit peaking at #35. “I’m Alive” is a polished light rock affair with a very good melody and memorable hook. The song relies on synthesizers and guitars to backup Diamond’s classic baritone.

For Foster collectors we should note that he also appeared on Diamond’s 1984 album, “Primitive,” playing keyboards and arranging a couple of songs.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/i_m_alive.mp3|titles=I’m alive|artists=Neil Diamond]

Lead Vocals: Neil Diamond
Synthesizer & Piano: Alan Lindgren
Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Richard Bennett
Percussion: King Errison
Bass: Reinie Press
Piano & Keyboards: Tom Hensley
Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Doug Rhone
Percussion: Vince Charles
Drums: Ron Tutt

Arranged & Conducted by Alan Lindgren
Produced by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Neil Diamond & David Foster

Take a walk,
You can hardly breathe the air
Look around,
It’s a hard life everywhere
People talk,
But they never really care
On the street
There’s a feeling of despair

But everyday
There’s a brand new baby born
And everyday
There’s the sun to keep you warm
And it’s alright
Yeah, it’s alright

I’m alive
And I don’t care much for words of doom
If it’s love you need,
Well I’ve got the room
It’s a simple thing
That came to me when I found you
I’m alive
I’m alive

Every night
On the streets of Hollywood
Pretty girls
Want to give you something good
Love for sale,
It’s a lonely town at night
Therapy
For a heart misunderstood

But look around,
There’s a a flower on every street
Look around,
And, it’s growing at your feet
And everyday you can hear me say
That I’m alive
I wanna take all that life has got to give
All I need is someone to share it with
I’ve got love
And love is all I really need to live
I’m alive
I’m alive

And everyday
There’s a brand new baby born
And everyway
There’s enough to keep you warm
And it’s okay
And I’m glad to say
That I’m alive

And I don’t care much for words of doom
If it’s love you got ,well I’ve got the room
It’s a simple thing
That came to me when I found you
I’m alive
I’m alive
I wanna take all that life has got to give
All I need is someone to share it with
I’ve got love
And love is all I really need to live
I’m alive
I’m alive

And I don’t care much for words of doom
If it’s love you need,
Well I’ve got the room
It’s a simple thing that came to me

And thank God I’m alive
I can take all that life has got to give
If I got someone to share it with
I got love and love is all you really need
I’m alive