I went to see Song Sung Blue this week, one of the last big releases of the year, and honestly, I was bracing myself for one particular moment. The film is a unique take on the music biopic, focusing on Lightning and Thunder, a husband-and-wife duo who made a name for themselves as a Neil Diamond tribute act back in the ’90s in Milwaukee. I knew “Sweet Caroline” was coming, and I just had a feeling I’d be cringing when it played. Predictably, it happened, and I did! But that’s really just the beginning of what makes this movie interesting.
I Don’t Like Sweet Caroline
I have to be honest, despite Neil Diamond having written some fantastic songs, I really dislike “Sweet Caroline.” It genuinely bothers me – I can’t stand it when it comes on. Everyone else seems to love singing along, but I immediately want to escape the situation. It’s not just the song itself, but the whole experience, and honestly, it doesn’t help that it’s so closely associated with the Red Sox.
I admit, picking apart a song’s logic is silly, especially when I have such a strong dislike for “Sweet Caroline.” I don’t really have a reason to hate it – it’s not a bad song, but I’ve never enjoyed it. Even before it became a crowd-participation anthem with everyone yelling the lyrics and the “bah bah bah” part, it just didn’t click with me. I actually like a lot of other Neil Diamond songs! “Song Sung Blue” is fantastic, “Forever in Blue Jeans” is incredibly catchy, and “Cracklin’ Rosie” is a true classic. I even saw him in concert around 1983 – it was on the 4th of July, and his performance of “America” was really moving. But honestly, I could do without ever hearing “Sweet Caroline” again.
Mike ‘Lightning’ Sardina Loves Neil Diamond But…
Early in the film, Hugh Jackman’s character, Mike “Lightning” Sardinia, receives a suggestion from Claire (Kate Hudson, a Golden Globe nominee for her role): perform a tribute to Neil Diamond. He’s resistant at first, explaining that Diamond is a deeply meaningful artist to him. Claire dismisses his hesitation and suggests he simply sing “Sweet Caroline,” which again frustrates him, as he believes Diamond’s music is far more complex than that one song.
Something really interesting kept happening throughout the film. Everyone always requested “Sweet Caroline,” and poor Mike, the performer, would repeatedly explain that while it’s a fantastic song, he has so many other great ones too! It almost felt like he dreaded playing it, and honestly, I totally got it. Maybe I just like going against the grain, but I think a Neil Diamond cover band that refused to play his biggest hit would be amazing. I mean, Radiohead famously hates playing “Creep,” so why should this Neil Diamond tribute act be any different with “Sweet Caroline”?
What I loved most about Mike in the film ended up being one of the best parts of the movie overall – something I really didn’t expect. Despite not liking the song “Sweet Caroline,” it didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the film; it’s truly a great movie.
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2025-12-28 21:10