Neil Diamond's Regret: The Story Behind 'The Pot Smoker's Song
Regrets come in many forms, from that extra drink you shouldn't have had to a questionable haircut choice. For Neil Diamond, one of his regrets is a song he wrote and recorded in the late 1960s called 'The Pot Smoker's Song'. Despite his impressive discography that includes hits like 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Solitary Man', this particular track stands out as one he would rather forget.
The inspiration behind 'The Pot Smoker's Song' came from Diamond's involvement in an anti-drug program in New York called Phoenix House. He wanted to shed light on the progression from casual drug use to addiction, but the execution of the song fell short of his intentions. The track features a mix of cheerful choruses about pot and spoken-word recordings of addicts sharing their stories, creating a jarring contrast that missed the mark.
Despite the well-meaning message behind the song, Diamond later admitted that he lacked the personal experience with pot to truly capture the subject matter authentically. 'The Pot Smoker's Song' was included on his 1968 album 'Velvet Gloves and Spit', a record that marked a turning point in his career. It was his first release for Uni Records, allowing him the creative freedom he craved after leaving Bang Records.
While 'Velvet Gloves and Spit' may not be Diamond's most celebrated work, it represented a new chapter in his career where he could explore different musical directions without constraints. The album, along with 'The Pot Smoker's Song', may not have been his finest moments, but they paved the way for his artistic growth and independence in the music industry.
Despite Diamond's reservations about the song and the album, they are still available on streaming platforms for fans to discover or revisit. While 'The Pot Smoker's Song' may not be a highlight of his career, it serves as a reminder of Diamond's willingness to experiment and push boundaries in his songwriting.