Cracklin' Rosie
Diamond Neil Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Maybe a song
To sing when I want
Don't need to say please to no man for a happy tune

Oh, I love my Rosie child
She got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin' Rose, you're a store bought woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin'
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin' on

Play it now
Play it now, my baby

Cracklin' Rosie, make me a smile
Girl if it lasts for an hour, that's all right
We got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that don't ask no questions, yeah

Oh, I love my Rosie child
You got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin' Rose, you're a store-baught woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin'
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin' on

Play it now
Play it now
Play it now, my baby

Cracklin' Rosie, make me a smile
God if it lasts for an hour, that's all right
We got all night

To set the world right
Find us a dream that don't ask no question, yeah

Overall Meaning

"Cracklin' Rosie" by Neil Diamond is a jaunty folk rock song that is often interpreted as being about a woman or a bottle of wine. The titular Rosie is a "store-bought woman" who delights the singer with her ability to make him happy. The lyrics suggest that the singer and Rosie are on a journey of sorts, with the goal being to find a dream that "don't ask no questions." The singer celebrates their carefree existence, asking Rosie to "hang on" and enjoy the ride as they sing and play music together.

The song's upbeat tone and catchy melody belie a more complex meaning, however. Some interpret the lyrics as a commentary on the Vietnam War, with Rosie representing the soldiers who were sent off to fight and possibly never returned. Others see it as a poetic rumination on the ephemeral nature of happiness and the dangers of relying too much on external sources for fulfillment. Still others see Rosie as a metaphor for the joys and pitfalls of fame and fortune in the music industry.

Regardless of its meaning, "Cracklin' Rosie" remains one of Neil Diamond's most beloved songs, with its catchy chorus and energetic instrumentation inspiring sing-alongs for generations of fans.

Line by Line Meaning

Cracklin' Rosie, get on board
Let's begin this journey with Cracklin' Rosie

We're gonna ride till there ain't no more to go
We'll keep going until there's no way forward

Taking it slow
Let's take our time with this adventure

Lord, don't you know
God knows how much this means to me

Have made me a time with a poor man's lady
I've found love with an ordinary woman

Hitchin' on a twilight train
We're travelling on an uncertain path

Ain't nothing there that I care to take along
I don't need anything but the company of my love

Maybe a song
Perhaps a tune to lift our spirits

To sing when I want
To share our joyful moments with each other

Don't need to say please to no man for a happy tune
I don't have to please anyone to be happy with her

Oh, I love my Rosie child
I deeply love my beloved Rosie

She got the way to make me happy
She has a special touch that makes me happy

You and me, we go in style
We're living life in our own way

Cracklin' Rose, you're a store bought woman
Rosie, you may be from the city, but I still love you

You make me sing like a guitar hummin'
You bring music into my life

So hang on to me, girl
Let's stay together forever, Rosie

Our song keeps runnin' on
Our love will continue as long as we're alive

Play it now
Let's enjoy the music of our love now

Cracklin' Rosie, make me a smile
Rosie, just seeing you makes me happy

Girl if it lasts for an hour, that's all right
Even if our happiness is fleeting, it's still worth it

We got all night
We have all the time in the world together

To set the world right
We can make the most of our time together and create a better world

Find us a dream that don't ask no questions, yeah
Let's find a dream that doesn't seek answers or explanations

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@DoctorPepper445

1y↑47

Lyrics:
Oh, Cracklin’ Rosie, get on board
We gonna ride
Til there ain’t no more to go,
Takin it slow’
Lord, don’t you know?
We’ll have me a time with a poor man’s lady

Hitchin’ on a twilight train,
Ain’t nothing here that I care to take along
Maybe a song
To sing when I want
No need to say please to no man
For a happy tune

Oh, I love my Rosie child
You’ve got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin’ Rose, you’re a store bought woman,
But you make me sing like a guitar hummin’
So hang to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin’ on

Play it now, play it now,
Play it now, my baby
Cracklin’ Rosie, make me a smile
Girl, if it lasts for an hour, that’s alright
Cause we got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that don’t ask no questions
Yeah

Oh, I love my Rosie child
You got the way to make me happy
You and me we go in style
Cracklin’ Rose, you’re a store bought woman
But you make me sing like a guitar hummin’
So hang on to me girl
Our song keeps runnin’ on
Play it now, play it now
Play it now, my baby

Cracklin’ Rosie, make me smile
Girl, if it lasts for an hour, that’s alright
Cause we got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that don’t ask no questions
Ba ba ba ba ba
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Ba ba ba
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba

@jandenhartog398

41w↑1

Cracklin' Rosie, get on board
We're gonna ride till there ain't no more to go
Taking it slow
Lord, don't you know
Have made me a time with a poor man's lady
Hitchin' on a twilight train
Ain't nothing there that I care to take along
Maybe a song
To sing when I want
Don't need to say please to no man for a happy tune
Oh, I love my Rosie child
She got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin' Rose, you're a store bought woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin'
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin' on
Play it now
Play it now, my baby
Cracklin' Rosie, make me a smile
Girl if it lasts for an hour, that's all right
We got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that don't ask no questions, yeah
Oh, I love my Rosie child
You got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin' Rose, you're a store-baught woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin'
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin' on
Play it now
Play it now
Play it now, my baby
Cracklin' Rosie, make me a smile
God if it lasts for an hour, that's all right
We got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that don't ask no question, yeah

All comments from YouTube:

@richardrybarczyk1143

1y↑110

There will never be another singer songwriter like Neil Diamond. He has a unique talent that spans generations.

@laurieshaw7966

1y↑3

Yea but now there's Post Malone which 100% got his flow/style from Niel. Listen to this then go listen to 'Fall Apart' by post. Shits crazy

@craigdow8622

1y↑2

😃 YEAH!!!

@rereacee4775

1y↑2

Him and the Growlers have the same vibe

@cad_elf3433

1y↑4

I’m 34 and dancing to this with my 3 and 1 year olds

@mayaugust5777

52w↑4

This guy had a magic touch with words and a smooooth voice to create iconic classic songs . Long live this legend.

7 More Replies...

@LarryHowe

1y↑49

This is the song that takes me back to being a kid in 1970!! What a great time! Transistor radio in hand.. Pop music was perfect then!

@denisehall2906

1y↑65

SO Glad to have lived in the world at the same time as this man!

@user-zm4tu6ee7c

1y↑4

Absolutely ❤🥰

@parorejones

49w↑1

What a lovely thing to say!

@roblanger5546

51w↑20

I remember my grandfather playing this on his old record player, hes been gone for 24 years now but this song always reminds me of him

@user-mw6ni4gg3j

41w↑3

My mother used to listen to this as she layed on the floor in front of my grandmother’s console stereo, it gives me goosebumps. She passed away 13 years ago at 63, it feels like yesterday.

@jennymccauslan6313

1y↑23

No matter how many times I play his songs it feels like the first time… don’t ever get tired of listening to him and his beautiful loving masculine voice of his❤

@user-zm4tu6ee7c

1y↑1

Great music i been listening since the 80's William ❤

1 More Replies...

@leslieabrassart4236

1y↑66

The most beautiful voice in the world that will always have an effect on me. The poet of my heart. As I always says, it's not my generation but I' ve never heard before such a wonderful voice and I immediately fell in love with his exceptional way to write. He's absolutly unique ...

@ozieamaral1498

1y↑2

Leslie , you are right.

@thomasobrien447

46w

The poet of my heart. Awsome dont hold back . Not mine . But i get it.

@thomasbobbette7068

45w

Leslie....I couldn't have put it any better words ....I could try but words are beyond this man's unique voice!

@ewardnolan6062

1y↑10

This man has the most amazing voice-wow.

@bvbarmy_daniel1346

1y↑14

Recently got my self a copy of this on vinyl ❤ what a song.

@Smartass_Jedi

45w↑4

His greatest ever jam, which means its one of the greatest songs of the rock era. Masterpiece

@ritaroquetto5658

1y↑37

This is my second favorite out of all Neil's songs 💃💃🎸🎸

@Undercoverbrotherfromanother

1y↑5

Until you heard the next song and you say the same exact thing LOL

@user-vc9xk8su3n

44w↑2

Me, too!

@DoctorPepper445

1y↑47

@angeladerby2513

47w↑10

This brings back So many Amazing and Wonderful memories....Love this song, Love Neil Diamond...😊🤗👑♥️👑♥️👑🤗😊. Today is my Birthday, and this is the first song I am listening to and enjoying. 😊🤗👑♥️👑🤗😊Neil Diamond may not tell me Happy Birthday, but I am happy to be here and enjoy one of my Favorite songs today. Have a Safe, Blessed and Wonderful day everyone 😊😊😊😊😊 Angela from eastern North Carolina but live in Colorado now 😊😊😊😊😊

@ashlynharp5460

41w

Happy Belated! May God bless you with another wonderful year! Hope you enjoyed! Keep listening to awesome music!💖💖💖💖💖

@charlesfabrizio2084

47w↑31

I don’t remember my dad singing out loud in the car but while on a vacation road-trip in the 70s it’s the only song I ever recall him singing That memory is there forever.

@mrbag60

1y↑14

From 1966-1972 Neil definitely had it going on as far as top-notch songs and vocals were concerned. Solitary Man; Cherry-Cherry; You Got To Me; Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon; Thank the Lord For the Night Time; Kentucky Woman; Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show; Sweet Caroline, Holly, Holy; Cracklin' Rosie; I am,...I Said; Sung; Sung Blue. Add in a good producer, with great studio musicians and you have 3 minutes of inspirational AM radio magic.

@MickShaw-om8gw

43w↑4

My late neighbour had every song Neil ever made, i can see him now on his surprise 70th Birthday party on the dance floor letting himself go to these songs, R.I.P Bernard you live on through this guys' music.

@Esclavamente

42w↑2

This is such a beautiful image and story. My mother is in her 70s now and Neil was her guy, man, her JAM.
Thank u for sharing about Bernard. This music and Neil is deep-memory-happy-things music for so many ❤

@jandenhartog398

41w↑1

@ozieamaral1498

1y↑13

This song makes me live and relive

@greenwave819

52w↑9

when I was 20 I thought this was a cool oldie, 20 years later I know it is!!!

@RudyBaseball55

50w↑3

Call me nuts, but this is the song that reminds me of living in Pennsylvania in 2004. The first time hearing of Neil Diamond. Such an amazing musician and singer. And after all these years it still brings me back to the fall season out there the first time listening

@Petefx86

44w

Nothing nuts about it. A song can remind someone of a time, a place, a person, an experience, none of which has any correlation with the song's actual lyrics or meaning. Music can transport you back to the place you were when you first heard it. It's the best time machine ever invented.

@tbronk7996

47w↑2

Reminds me on AM radio as I was getting ready for school and some Neil Diamond would come on the radio always makes me smile

@bayardosanroman2889

42w

He escuchado miles de cantantes y NADIE tiene el color de voz de Neil Diamond !! Qué genio !! Qué increíble !! Pensar que ahora con autotune cualquiera canta y sin embargo no hay nadie que se le parezca !!!!

@baguette_man

1y↑33

My favorite song when skating or playing skate 3

@user-vc9xk8su3n

44w↑1

I was 16 years old when I first heard this song on the radio! Was still so naive that I thought this was a girl he was singing about!!! Too funny!!! Absolutely “fell in love” with this song, the lyrics, his voice, everything!!!

@Petefx86

44w

I also thought it was about him and a girl. Taking a quick little holiday together. But so what if it isn't? I still want to imagine that it is..

@TheNijntje

1y↑4

Always loving Neil's voice and his beautiful songs ❤❤❤❤❤❤

@silvioantonio5798

1y↑8

Alguém ouvindo essa música linda em 2023 !!!!que marcou época que saudade….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@tylerp3327

48w↑1

This is my go to karaoke song. I know it like the back of my hand. It’s the only song that I get applause lol. It’s an amazing fun song to sing

@carolinapinto7456

45w

Gosto muito deste artista

@reginamaura6821

1y↑11

Love this song ❤️ Contagious 💃🕺💃🕺

@juventusventuno9213

47w↑5

forgot this song. I was senior in HS in '89 and had Neil Diamonds tapes in my Jeep, cruising around and smoking small cigars, enjoying life :)

@garyvandecar2580

1y↑7

Best song of 1970, And it's all about a bottle of wine.

@kellypartin6500

49w

He put on a great concert when I took my Mother. She was my influence on great tunes by Neil. Then got to go see ND again.

@Raul-nv7rr

52w↑3

How can such an uplifting , carefree, happy-go-lucky song be about drinking the pain of loneliness away… funny. Life is full of ironies 😮

@cadopereira4450

49w

Ótimo

@lindadowns230

52w

Love❤️ he’s an Amazing Singer and this song is one of my favs a long with sweet Caroline

@BEVERLYFLECKENSTEIN-bv4wi

48w

My all-time. favorites Love you Neil ❤🎉😂

@user-nq2ym8gp6m

1y↑3

I love this song always ❤😍

@marissaclaridge7627

1y↑2

Simply wonderful!!!xxx

@notezz162

45w

this man is a total fucking legend, having songs stolen from him, and having his top hit which took him 30 minutes to write that he doesnt even like, i dont have enough worde, will remind me of my gramps and paps, Perfection of an artist❤❤

@ingotippenhauer7286

48w

Evergreen music...beautiful❤😊

@anacosta5783

1y↑3

1974. Talvez agosto. Sentada num banco de uma praça em Londrina, Paraná, ouvi está música vinda de algum lugar...

@donnabauerofbrilliancebyde1178

52w

He was just absolutely fabulous!
Until it went to his head and he felt the need to be a showman rather than a down to earth incredible singer.

@ozieamaral1498

1y↑3

For sure Neil has most beautiful and lovemaking eyes

@debramorris3640

40w

He's one of the Best

@kevinskad4life799

47w

Now this Is a Man who made some legedary sounds NICE ONE

@intuitivediane

1y↑8

God bless you Neil & your beautiful wife

@_I.Dreesen_

52w

This song reminds me of my grandma.
Her name is Rose

@Henners3197

1y↑2

Love skate 3 I’ll always remember this song from the game can’t wait for skate 4 hopefully

@ryancapps6435

43w

The one musician BOTH my parents could agree on lol

@miapacino1224

1y↑9

Cute and sings like a male angel.

@adityakantsharma

47w

Best
Beautifull song
Masterpiece
Rosie child
From 83-84
Best wishes

@rxminnn3967

1y↑3

Classic

@ianfoster2168

1y↑1

Midnight Mass has the bomb soundtrack

@user-go9dn2vp3l

46w

Omg they had a party and everybody was ripped singong and dancing to this and whatever else it was an experience lmmfao

@laurieshaw7966

Has anyone else noticed that Post Malone 100% got his style/flow of singing from Niel Diamond 💎! Listen to this somewhere around 1:55 and then Posts 'Fall Apart' Posts singing "Whippin in the foreign an the tears keep Rollin" the second time around sounds so similar!

@greerprice1178

Yes. All the Artists nowadays are taking tones and notes from the classics. It’s been happening for a long time now. Hate it, but there’s just no originality anymore.

@user-gd1dm7zi2b

41w↑1

Immer wieder schön anzuhören ❤❤❤😊

@augustamartinenghi7107

1y↑2

Quanto ao anjo e ao amor eterno q me referi e q ele esta aqi na terra e meu amor pra sempre nao esta no ceu e um anjo q me cuida aqi da yerra mesmo eborra ele nao note mas ele e o meu anjoamor inmcondicional minha vida e ele

@saggystevo

Ngl this sounds like he freestyled it ahaha

@workstationmark4103

47w↑2

That is a really good picture of him

@debramorris3640

40w

🎉absolutely love this❤

@johncooper9550

Cky enough to see this classic musician twice in the uk if he was british he would have been knighted a musical genius and a gentleman to go with it

@equusheart3344

1y↑2

To think he was drunk when he wrote this song 😂

@rapidzbreeze8715

1y↑2

childhood nostalgia from skate 3

@frankschiavone4557

1y↑5

Today's generation, Ain't nothing here i care to take along

@explosivegardenreboot

1y↑2

absolute tune even in 2023

@johnm4516

46w↑1

Expect a presence denny!😊

@carolinapinto7456

45w

E das músicas obrigada

@johnnichols2710

40w

Better times

@natashakershaw4222

41w↑1

He looks like a very much older Jerry Trainor.

@garethlloyd7103

44w↑1

Neil Diamond - Cracklin' Rosie (Audio)

@annabellamourao6575

50w↑1

❤❤

@LocalE25

1y↑1

Something Harpst 😮❤

@philipnorris6542

1y↑3

As in 1970 so in 2023, and beyond.

@mariaisildaribeirodias62

1y↑2

❤❤❤❤❤

@DebbieGopal2402

48w

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

@phillipicus7446

46w↑1

This is about wine, I drank yucky old wild Irish rose to this song since they don't have crackling rose anymore. 🥴

@tatumm6669

47w↑1

Neil Diamond is on Mt Rushmore

@izargarmendia2103

1y↑5

❤

@silviaalfaro9778

51w↑1

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@calvinbell4065

50w↑1

Good songs

@adityakantsharma

47w↑1

Best wishes

@izaiahterriquez9795

1y↑7

Skate 3 put me on

@James-ip1uh

45w↑1

I listen. To. This. Song. When. I. Was. Ten. I'm. Now. 63

@abathens

45w↑1

That arrangement is redonk

@NancyASMR

1y↑1

What frequency is this? Makes me instantly happy even though corny af

@dp6297

1y↑7

Big lib….but his songs do kick ass

@janetmcginty7712

51w↑1

According to Professor of Rock, Cracklin Rosie is a cheap Canadian wine bought in lieu of female company.

@denysesieders9035

51w

😊😊😊

@trevor8419

46w↑1

It’s alright.

@carolynwalker2914

1y↑2

So I had a friend tell me this song was about Neil and his penis. Is this true?! 😂😂

@michaelbennett8393

1y↑1

No. This is a song about inexpensive rose wine. Apparently. You might be thinking about Longfellow Serenade.

@williamrosenow6176

52w

I knew a woman in the 80s that whenever a Neil Diamond song came on that's all she thought about. He was a major sex symbol. I'm a guy so I don't get it but back then he was something. I know now that this song was about cheap wine but back then women were wild for his voice and him I guess but there were no videos. A good voice and a still pic was good enough in the 80s.

@TomMcGuireMusic6

49w

😊

@Shantae-June22002

40w

Skate 3 brought me here.

@alexander.cortez.

1y↑1

Salte 3 ❤

@JenniferBlatz-wo1yy

42w

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢😢😭

@peterdesrochers5695

44w↑1

❤😂🎉😢😮😅

@peterdesrochers5695

44w

Thank you Neil Diamond

@johnm4516

46w

Greenman im assuming!

@josesarabia8829

40w

Skate 3 thank you

@jadwillis8182

1y↑5

skate 3

@evek4785

Facts

@LiveWire_Guy

47w↑1

A lovely song about a man and his cheap bottle of wine. LOL.

@saggystevo

1y↑1

Skate 3 button ————->

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