Solitary Man was Neil Diamonds first hit as a solo artist. The song deals with themes of love and loneliness, with Diamond expressing frustration over past relationships that did not last and a resolve to be a solitary man until finding true love. It is considered one of his most introspective and personal songs.
Key: Em
Em
D
e --------------- - B ----------0---- -
Em
Am
G
Em
Belinda was mine 'til the time that I found her
G
Am
G
Am
Holdin' Jim, and loving him
Em
Am
G
Em
Then Sue came along, loved me strong, that's what I thought
G
Am
G
Am
Me and Sue, but that died too. CHORUS:
G
C
G
D
Don't know that I will but until I can find me
D
C
G
D
A girl who’ll stay and won't play games behind me
D
Em
D
Em
D
Em
I'll be what I am A solitary man Solitary man VERSE:
Em
Am
G
Em
I've had it to here being where love's a small word
G
Am
G
Am
A part time thing, a paper ring
Em
Am
G
Em
I know it's been done havin' one girl who loves me
G
Am
G
Am
Right or wrong, weak or strong CHORUS:
G
C
G
D
Don't know that I will but until I can find me
D
C
G
D
The girl who’ll stay and won't play games behind me
D
Em
D
Em
D
Em
I'll be what I am A solitary man Solitary man Interlude:
Em
Am
G
C
G
D
Don't know that I will but until love can find me
D
C
G
D
The girl who’ll stay and won't play games behind me