Introduction
“Cracklin’ Rosie” is a song penned and performed by Neil Diamond in 1970, featuring instrumental backing by Los Angeles session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine on drums, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Joe Osborn on bass, Al Casey on guitar, and Gene Estes on percussion – arranged by Don Randi. The track was part of Diamond’s album “Tap Root Manuscript.” In October 1970, it became Diamond’s inaugural American No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his third million-selling single. The song also made a significant impact on the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 3 for four weeks in November and December. Billboard ranked it as the No. 17 song of 1970. Additionally, it reached No. 2 on both the Australian Singles Chart and the Irish Singles Chart, with its best performance in New Zealand, holding the No. 1 spot for five weeks at the end of the year.
The Uni Records’ single version of “Cracklin’ Rosie” was in mono, while the stereo version appeared on the album “Tap Root Manuscript.”
The lyrics of the song, set against a captivating melody and arrangement, hint at a devotion to a woman, with some interpreting the lyrics as referencing a woman of the night:
“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’ …”
The song’s origin stories are somewhat uncertain. One tale suggests that Diamond, during an interview in Toronto, Canada, heard about a native Canadian tribe with more men than women. In this tribe, the lonely men would gather around the fire, drinking their wine together. This inspired Diamond to write the song. The title “Crackling Rosé” is also associated with an inexpensive sparkling wine once produced by Andres Wines of British Columbia, Canada, popular among the Indigenous population.
Reception for “Cracklin’ Rosie” was positive, with comparisons made to Diamond’s other hits like “Sweet Caroline.” It was deemed a “clever rhythm item” with the potential for significant sales, much like “Sweet Caroline” or “Holly Holy.”
Video
Lyrics
Aw, Cracklin’ Rosie, get on board
We’re gonna ride
Till there ain’t no more to go
Taking it slow
And Lord, don’t you know
We’ll have me a time with a poor man’s ladyHitchin’ 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 tuneOh, 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 babyCracklin’ 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
YeahOh, 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 babyCracklin’ 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
Ba ba ba ba ba ……