For this week’s Song Lyric Sunday, writers were challenged to grab hold of a song containing the word touch or feel, in either the title or the lyrics. After scouring for the ideal tune, the track best suited for such a task is the walkout song of UFC middleweight Darren Till—“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. 

Some fighters fit into their walkout song, such as Till and “Sweet Caroline,” like a four-ounce glove. When the first few measures fill the air and the hard-hitting Scouser begins his strut, the arena, especially in his hometown of Liverpool, prepares to sing along at the top of their lungs. Much like the spirit of the lyrics, Till touches the hands of fans leaning over the guardrail on his way to the Octagon, and he uses his 74.5-inch reach and the dynamite in each of his fists to reach out and touch the presented openings of any opponent standing before him.

Lyrics of “Sweet Caroline”:

Where it began

I can’t begin to knowin’

But then I know it’s growin’ strong

Was in the spring

And spring became the summer

Who’d have believed you’d come along

Hands, touchin’ hands

Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ 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 fill it up with only two

And when I hurt

Hurtin’ runs off my shoulders

How can I hurt when holdin’ you?

Warm, touchin’ warm

Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ 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 believed they never could

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good…

Prompted from Song Lyric Sunday at: https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2020/03/28/senses/.