About the song
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a poignant ballad that originated as an unexpected twist of fate in music history. Originally conceived by Neil Diamond for the TV sitcom All That Glitters, the song took a different path when the show’s concept changed. Diamond expanded the track from a mere 45 seconds into a full-length song, enriched by the lyrical contributions of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The lyrics poignantly depict the emotional distance and heartache between two lovers who have drifted apart amidst the routines of life.
In 1977, Neil Diamond released the song on his album I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight as a solo performance. Shortly after, Barbra Streisand covered the song on her album Songbird in early 1978. The unexpected fusion of their solo recordings, created by a radio DJ as a personal gift, sparked widespread interest and unofficial duet versions began airing on various radio stations. The public’s overwhelming response to these duets prompted Columbia Records to bring Diamond and Streisand together officially for a studio duet.
Released on October 17, 1978, the official duet version of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone for both artists as their third chart-topping hit. The song’s success was bolstered by its heartfelt lyrics and the chemistry between Diamond and Streisand’s vocals, which resonated deeply with listeners. It sold over one million copies and achieved Platinum status, cementing its place in music history.
The song’s popularity extended beyond its chart performance, becoming a cultural phenomenon covered by media outlets worldwide. The compelling narrative behind its creation, from a DJ’s personal mixtape to an official studio recording, captivated audiences and contributed to its enduring legacy. The duet version’s impact was further solidified when Diamond and Streisand performed it live for the first time at the 1980 Grammy Awards, a moment that remains iconic in Grammy history.
Despite plans for a motion picture adaptation of the song starring Diamond and Streisand, subsequent projects took precedence, including Diamond’s role in The Jazz Singer remake. Nevertheless, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” remains a timeless testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring emotional resonance of its lyrics and melody, cherished by fans of both Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand.
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Lyrics
You don’t bring me flowers
You don’t sing me love songs
You hardly talk to me anymore
When I come through the door at the end of the day
I remember when
You couldn’t wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after lovin’ me late at night
When it’s good for you, babe
And you’re feeling alright
Well, you just roll over and turn out the light
And you don’t bring me flowers anymore
It used to be so natural (used to be)
Talk about forever
But used-to-bes don’t count anymore
They just lay on the floor ’til we sweep them away
And baby, I remember
All the things you taught me
I learned how to laugh
And I learned how to cry
Well, I learned how to love
And I learned how to lie
So you’d think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
(So you’d think I could learn how to tell you goodbye)
You don’t bring me flowers anymore
Well, you’d think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
Well, you don’t say you need me
And you don’t sing me love songs
You don’t bring me flowers anymore