Inspired by the daughter of John F. Kennedy, Sweet Caroline has taken on a new lease of life a million miles away from its original conception. Once an ode to the former president's 11-year-old daughter, the song is now the staple of multiple sport events.
As well as going on record and declaring that it was Kennedy's daughter who prompted him to write the song, Neil Diamond has also provided interviews stating that his then wife, Marcia, was the inspiration for the lyrics.
Whatever the true purpose of Diamond's intentions, the song is now arguably the anthem of England's Euro 2020 squad and the team took great delight in singing along with the fans following their semi-final win over Denmark.
Who sang Sweet Caroline?
Neil Diamond wrote and performed the song, released initially in May 1969. Elvis Presley also covered the song to a great reception.
Why is Sweet Caroline sung at England football games?
After the Euro 2020 last-16 win over Germany, Wembley DJ Tony Parry said he made a judgment call to play Sweet Caroline instead of Fat Les's 1998 World Cup anthem Vindaloo, once the obligatory rendition of 'Three Lions' (It's Coming Home) had concluded.
He told Talksport: "I was going to play Vindaloo, but went with my gut. Even the German fans were belting it out in the end. It's a song that all fans can enjoy.
"The match director said in my in-ear, 'The world's been closed for 18 months… let 'em have it'."
However Northern Irish football fans are quick to point out that they've adopted the tune as an unofficial crowd anthem at their games for years, including after a 2005 1-0 success against the English.
Which other sports play Sweet Caroline?
The most notable other place you can hear this song on sports coverage is just before the main event of a Matchroom Boxing event in the UK, which are promoted by Eddie Hearn who reportedly loves the song.
Elsewhere in boxing, Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion who loves to belt out karaoke tunes before and after big fights, has also sung the song publicly in the past as well as 'Don't Wanna Miss A Thing' by Aerosmith.
Plus, Liverpool fighters Rocky Fielding and Darren Till have also used the song as part of their ring entrances.
The overall concept of retro singalongs at sports was arguably popularised by the rowdy crowds found at British darts events, where enthusiastic tables of beer-clutching sports fans sing along to the words of every thing played over the house speakers — even when there aren't many words at all!
In the United States, the song gets decent playtime at sporting events as well. Baseball's Boston Red Sox have used it, as have the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
Why do fans add "so good! so good!"?
Because fans tend to do silly little fun things like that! Adding the extra "so good"s after those words come up in the actual lyrics in an overexcited chant-like fashion is all part of the light-hearted charm, and also makes the sporting version of it distinct from your typical karaoke session.
Sweet Caroline lyrics
Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I
Look at the night and it don't seem so lonely
We filled it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when holding you
One, touching one
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline
I believe they never could
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good