Meaning: The quote by Neil Diamond, "I've looked at photographs of myself during concerts and it sometimes looks as if I'm in a fencing move, with a guitar in my hands instead of a sword," is a fascinating reflection on the performative aspect of being a musician. Neil Diamond, a renowned musician and songwriter, is known for his charismatic stage presence and energetic live performances. In this quote, he draws a comparison between his movements on stage and the graceful, dynamic motions of a fencer wielding a sword.

One interpretation of this quote is that Diamond is acknowledging the physicality and athleticism involved in his performances. Like a fencer engaged in a duel, he uses his guitar as a tool to convey emotion, rhythm, and melody, engaging in a kind of musical "battle" with the audience. The comparison to fencing also suggests a sense of precision and skill in his craft, as both fencing and musical performance require a high level of technical proficiency and control over one's movements.

Furthermore, the quote may also speak to the theatrical and dramatic nature of live music. Just as a fencer's movements are carefully choreographed and imbued with a sense of artistry, Diamond's stage presence and guitar playing are likely to be similarly deliberate and expressive. The comparison to fencing evokes a sense of drama and spectacle, highlighting the visual impact of Diamond's performances and the sense of narrative that unfolds through his music.

It's also interesting to consider the symbolic associations of a sword versus a guitar. While a sword is traditionally associated with combat and conflict, a guitar is a tool for creating harmony and expression. By likening his guitar playing to a fencing move, Diamond may be emphasizing the power and intensity of his musical performances, as well as the emotional depth and storytelling inherent in his songs.

In a broader sense, the quote may also allude to the transformative nature of music and performance. Just as a fencer assumes a different persona and role during a match, Diamond's stage persona and musical identity may be a departure from his everyday self. The act of performing allows him to embody a different kind of energy and presence, akin to the focus and intensity of a fencer in the heat of a duel.

Overall, Neil Diamond's quote offers a unique and evocative insight into the artistry and physicality of live musical performance. It captures the dynamism, drama, and skill involved in bringing music to life on stage, and provides a glimpse into the mindset of a musician who sees his guitar not just as an instrument, but as a tool for storytelling and expression. Through this comparison to fencing, Diamond invites us to consider the parallels between the worlds of music and martial arts, and the captivating blend of athleticism and artistry that defines his performances.

In conclusion, Neil Diamond's quote serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the performative nature of being a musician and the parallels between music and physical expression. It offers a glimpse into the mindset of a performer who sees his role on stage as a form of artistic combat, wielding his guitar with the same precision and passion as a fencer with a sword. This comparison underscores the physicality, drama, and storytelling inherent in live musical performance and invites us to consider the profound impact of music as a form of expression and communication.