About the song
“Solitary Man,” penned by the prolific Neil Diamond, stands as a testament to both his songwriting prowess and his enduring impact on the music industry. Originally recorded in late January 1966 for Bang Records, this introspective ballad marks Diamond’s debut as a solo recording artist. Despite its initial modest chart performance, peaking at No. 55 on the U.S. pop singles chart, “Solitary Man” has since become a revered classic, resonating with listeners across generations.
The song delves into the theme of solitude amidst the quest for love, a narrative that Diamond himself identified with deeply. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists including T. G. Sheppard, Gianni Morandi, Chris Isaak, Johnny Cash, and HIM, each rendition bringing a unique interpretation to Diamond’s poignant lyrics and haunting melody.
Diamond’s personal connection to “Solitary Man” is palpable. In a 2008 profile, The Daily Telegraph underscored how the song epitomized Diamond’s own journey as a songwriter and musician—literate, introspective, and melodically innovative. He candidly admitted that the song was a reflection of his own experiences, drawing parallels between his life and the solitary figure portrayed in the lyrics.
Following a resurgence in Diamond’s career with Uni Records in the late 1960s, Bang Records re-released “Solitary Man” in 1970, propelling it to No. 21 on the U.S. pop charts and No. 6 on the Easy Listening chart. Critics lauded its solid dance beat and impeccable production, affirming its timeless appeal and commercial success.
Diamond’s meticulous approach to recording is evident in the song’s history, with two distinct versions initially cut—one featuring harmonized vocals and a wordless female chorus, and another showcasing Diamond’s solitary voice. This duality underscores the song’s versatility and enduring relevance.
In a retrospective by Rolling Stone in 2005, Dan Epstein hailed “Solitary Man” as a masterclass in musical efficiency—an anthem of heartbreak and resilience compacted into a succinct two-and-a-half-minute composition. Its poignant lyrics and evocative melody have cemented its status as a cornerstone of Diamond’s repertoire, embodying the melancholic loner persona that has characterized much of his illustrious career.
In essence, “Solitary Man” transcends its origins as a debut single to become a timeless meditation on love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. Neil Diamond’s enduring legacy as both a songwriter and performer is encapsulated in this seminal work, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its raw emotion and universal themes.
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Lyrics
Melinda was mine
‘Til the time that I found her
Holding Jim, loving him
Then Sue came along, loved me strong
That’s what I thought
Me and Sue, but that died too
Don’t know that I will
But until I can find me
The girl who’ll stay
And won’t play games behind me
I’ll be what I am
A solitary man, solitary man
I’ve had it to here
Bein’ where love’s a small word
Part-time thing, paper ring
I know it’s been done
Havin’ one girl who’ll love me
Right or wrong, weak or strong
Don’t know that I will
But until I can find me
The girl who’ll stay
And won’t play games behind me
I’ll be what I am
A solitary man, solitary man
Don’t know that I will
But until I can find me
The girl who’ll stay
And won’t play games behind me
I’ll be what I am
A solitary man
Solitary man
Solitary man
Solitary man