About the song
Neil Sedaka, a name synonymous with the golden age of pop music, crafted a timeless ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. “Solitaire,” released in 1973, is a poignant reflection on loneliness, isolation, and the universal human yearning for connection. Sedaka’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic prowess have solidified this song as a classic, touching the souls of listeners across generations.
The song’s introspective nature is immediately evident as the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar sets the stage. Sedaka’s voice, rich and emotive, draws the listener in with its vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary figure, adrift in a world that seems indifferent to their presence. The phrase “I’m just a solitaire, playing this game of life” encapsulates the song’s central theme of feeling alone and disconnected.
Sedaka’s songwriting prowess is on full display in “Solitaire.” His ability to craft relatable and evocative imagery allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level. The lines “I’m searching for someone to share my life with” and “I’m tired of playing this game alone” convey a universal longing for companionship and love. The repetition of the word “solitaire” throughout the song serves as a constant reminder of the protagonist’s isolation.
The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective. The acoustic guitar provides a gentle backdrop for Sedaka’s vocals, allowing his emotional delivery to take center stage. The addition of strings towards the end of the song adds a touch of grandeur and reinforces the song’s emotional impact.
“Solitaire” has endured the test of time due to its timeless message and Sedaka’s masterful performance. The song’s ability to evoke feelings of loneliness, longing, and hope has resonated with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Neil Sedaka or simply discovering his music for the first time, “Solitaire” is a must-listen. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the midst of isolation, we are never truly alone.
Video
Lyrics
There was a man
A lonely man
Who lost his love
Through his indifference
A heart that cared
That went unshared
Until it died
Within his silence
And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
And by himself it’s easy to pretend
He’ll never love again
And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love
It always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire
A little hope
Goes up in smoke
Just how it goes
Goes without saying
There was a man
A lonely man
Who would command
The hand he’s playing
And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
And by himself it’s easy to pretend
He’ll never love again
And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love
It always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire
And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire