“Red Red Wine” is a song penned and originally performed by the legendary Neil Diamond in 1967. Diamond, a Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter, is a titan of American music, known for his prolific output and distinctive baritone voice. With a career spanning over five decades, he has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has achieved numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s topped the Billboard charts numerous times with hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Song Sung Blue.”
“Red Red Wine,” while not one of Diamond’s biggest hits in its original release, holds a special place in his discography for its simple yet resonant lyrics. The song is a melancholic ballad about finding solace in alcohol after a heartbreak. The titular “red, red wine” becomes a temporary escape from the pain of lost love, a way to numb the emotions and forget the absent lover. Diamond’s interpretation is raw and emotional, conveying the vulnerability and desperation of the heartbroken narrator.
While Diamond’s original version charted modestly, reaching number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s the subsequent reggae cover by UB40 in 1983 that propelled the song to global fame. However, audiences initially responded well to Diamond’s original version, appreciating its honesty and the universality of its theme. Many found solace in the song’s portrayal of heartbreak and the temporary escape offered by the “red, red wine.” Although overshadowed by UB40’s interpretation, Diamond’s original recording remains a testament to his songwriting prowess and ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.