Meaning of "Rosemary's Wine" by Neil Diamond

The lyrics of "Rosemary's Wine" by Neil Diamond delve into themes of longing, inner conflict, and unrequited love. The protagonist describes being captivated by Rosemary's eyes and words, feeling tied to her soul but unable to feel truly free. Despite the comfort of being held by her in the night, the singer acknowledges his inability to reciprocate her feelings, feeling more inclined to be cold than kind. The metaphor of drinking Rosemary's wine represents the sweetness and depth of her emotions, which the protagonist consumes but ultimately declines, unable to fully commit to her. The song explores the complexity of human emotions, the struggle between desire and self-awareness, and the pain of walking away from someone who cares deeply for you.