🎵 About the Song
Few songs can turn a pub, wedding, or stadium into a full-throated choir like this one. Sweet Caroline is Neil Diamond’s ultimate feel-good anthem — written about Caroline Kennedy after he saw her photo in a magazine. It’s a song that somehow makes everyone feel like family, even if they can’t remember the second verse.
Played in A major on ukulele, it’s comfortably singable. If you want to match the original B major recording, just pop a capo on the 2nd fret — or check out our handy Transpose Without Tears guide.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords: [A], [D], [E]
- Strum: D DU UDU with a bright, even swing. Keep your wrist loose and punch the downbeats to land those “So good! So good! So good!” moments.
- Stay light on the verses — it’s all about that chorus lift.
- For extra showmanship, pause between “Sweet Caroline…” and “Good times never seemed so good” — that’s your moment to grin at the audience.
💡 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- Neil Diamond wrote it in under an hour and later revealed the Caroline inspiration live to the Kennedys.
- Fenway Park made it a ritual — it’s played every 8th inning at Red Sox games.
- Elvis covered it. So did Frank Sinatra. So yes, you’re in good company.
🌟 Final Word
This is your communal strum-along moment. Lean into it, play it loud, and if you’re not getting at least one big “BAH BAH BAH!” from your crowd, start again until you do.
