Stones - Neil Diamond (1971) 11/11/22

In an old interview, Neil Diamond described today's "Great Song of 1971" as follows: "Stones, to me has always meant things that hurt people; things that cause pain and that's what the song is about. It's a desperate love song"

Most fans and critics think it goes quite a bit deeper. Online discussions center around the premise that Neil's "Stones" are emotional and psychological, as opposed to physical, and how the couple in the story will never be whole--or together--until they can leave their individual "stones" behind.

That's just one of many similar theories,and personally, I think part of what makes "Stones" a "Great Song" is the fact that discussions of what it all means have continued for 50-plus years!

In late 1971, the song reached #2 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart and #14 on the Hot 100.

According to several sources, Neil never sang it in concert after 1972. Perhaps it was too painful?

"Stones" by Neil Diamond: a "Great Song of 1971!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTrVkJrnm1Y