What is Neil Diamond’s song “America” about?

What is Neil Diamond’s song “America” about? What’s the inspiration behind that hit song?

Hear from Neil Diamond himself on what inspired this song:

“It was almost a hundred years ago. A little girl, twelve years old, was put on a train in Kiev, Russia, and made the journey twelve-hundred miles to Rotterdam in Holland. She then boarded a ship to make the great voyage to freedom in a place called ‘America.’ That little girl was my grandmother. She and her daughter, Rose, inspired me to achieve everything that I have achieved in my life. Her courage will never be forgotten; It sings in every song I sing. This one is for her.”

Dedicated to his grandmother who made the journey from Kiev nearly 100 years ago, watch Neil Diamond perform “America” live at the Greek Theatre, part of the new Hot August Night III concert.