About the song
“Love on the Rocks” is a poignant ballad written by Neil Diamond and Gilbert Bécaud, featured in the 1980 film *The Jazz Singer*. Performed by Diamond, the song was included in the movie’s soundtrack and released as a single, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks in January 1981. It also climbed to #3 on Billboard’s US Adult Contemporary chart and was rated as the #26 pop single overall for 1981. Despite its success in the United States, it performed less well in the UK.
The song “Love on the Rocks” was one of five collaborations between Diamond and Bécaud for *The Jazz Singer*. Interestingly, it began as a light-hearted, reggae-tinged number called “Scotch on the Rocks,” inspired by Bécaud’s drink of choice. A demo of this original version was released on Diamond’s career retrospective album *In My Lifetime* in 1997. However, recognizing its potential, Diamond and Bécaud rewrote the song as a more serious ballad, which resulted in the powerful version that fans know today.
In *The Jazz Singer*, the song is given a unique twist. English actor and singer Paul Nicholas, portraying a loutish, Billy Idol-like character, performs a punk/new wave rendition of “Love on the Rocks” to the displeasure of Diamond’s character, Jess Rubin. This contrast highlights the song’s versatility and depth.
Critics have praised “Love on the Rocks” for its emotional intensity and Diamond’s compelling delivery. Billboard critic Vicki Pipkin described it as a “powerful ballad in true Diamond style,” while other Billboard reviews called it “one of Diamond’s more powerful readings” and “a beautiful ballad featuring Diamond’s patented smoky vocals.” Record World highlighted the drama and tension in each line, suggesting it could fill an entire album.
Neil Diamond biographer Laura Jackson noted the song’s lyrics take “a sometimes cynical look at a man who is trapped in a relationship and is disillusioned with life.” AllMusic critic Johnny Loftus referred to it as a “lite FM favorite” and a “classic, raw-throated Neil.” Author T. Mike Childs rated it as a “terrific” ballad, and Pittsburgh Press music editor Carl Apone claimed that Diamond was at his best in *The Jazz Singer* with songs like “Hello Again” and “Love on the Rocks.”
In summary, “Love on the Rocks” stands out as a quintessential Neil Diamond ballad, blending raw emotion with lyrical depth. Its journey from a playful tune to a serious ballad underscores Diamond’s songwriting prowess and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The song remains a staple in Diamond’s repertoire, cherished by fans for its heartfelt delivery and timeless appeal.
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Lyrics
Love on the rocks, ain’t no surprise
Just pour me a drink, and I’ll tell you some lies
Got nothing to lose, so you just sing the blues
All the time
Gave you my heart, gave you my soul
You left me alone here with nothing to hold
Yesterday’s gone, now all I want is a smile
At first they say they want you, hear how they really need you
Suddenly you find you’re out there walking in a storm
And when they know they have you, then they really have you
Nothing you can do or say, you’ve got to leave, just get away
We all know the song
You need what you need, you can say what you want
Not much you can do when the feeling is gone
Maybe blue skies above, but it’s cool
When your love’s on the rocks
At first they say they want you, hear how they really need you
Suddenly you find you’re out there walking in a storm
And when they know they have you, then they really have you
Nothing you can do or say, you’ve got to leave, just get away
We all know the song
Love on the rocks, ain’t no big surprise
Just pour me a drink, and I’ll tell you more lies
Yesterday’s gone and now all I want is a smile