Neil Diamond Reveals Truth Behind “Sweet Caroline” Lyrics

It has long been thought of as an ode to the young daughter of late U.S. president John F. Kennedy. But now, Neil Diamond has revealed the true inspiration behind his 1969 song ‘Sweet Caroline’.

The 73-year-old star, who rose to fame in the sixties, said the soft rock track was a love song for his then-wife Marcia Murphey – but he needed a three-syllable name for the chorus.

Former couple: Neil Diamond has revealed ‘Sweet Caroline’ was a love song for his then-wife Marcia Murphey – but he needed a three-syllable name for the chorus. Above, the singer is seen with Miss Murphey in 1975.

Singer-songwriter: Diamond (pictured) explained: ‘The song was about my wife at the time – her name was Marcia – and I couldn’t get a “Marcia” rhyme. Sweet Caroline – yes! That was it. And that’s what it’s been’.

Speaking to Today, he explained he knew of Caroline Kennedy, then aged 11, at the time, but said: ‘I was writing a song in Memphis, Tennessee, for a session. I needed a three-syllable name.

‘The song was about my wife at the time – her name was Marcia – and I couldn’t get a “Marcia” rhyme. Sweet Caroline – yes! That was it. And that’s what it’s been.’

However, Diamond, who has sold over 125 million records globally, did not take back his previous comments that the young Miss Kennedy was at least partly influential toward the song.

In 2007, the singer-songwriter revealed he was a struggling musician in the sixties when an ‘innocent, wonderful’ photo of the president’s daughter in a magazine caught his eye.

Popular: Diamond, who has sold over 125 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists, released ‘Sweet Caroline’ in September 1969 as a single. It has since become a staple track.

Family: ‘Sweet Caroline’ has long been thought of as an ode to the young daughter of late U.S. president John F. Kennedy. Above, Kennedy is pictured with his wife Jacqueline, son John and daughter Caroline.