I lost my job yesterday. And my email that went with it. I'm processing the loss. And I turn to ..
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Neil Diamond's song "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" has an interesting background rooted in its creation and evolution.

### **Creation and Release**:
- The song was originally written in 1977 by Neil Diamond, along with songwriting partners Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, for a television show. It was intended for a Norman Lear-produced sitcom called *All That Glitters*, but the show was canceled before the song could be used.
- Initially, Diamond recorded the song as a solo piece and included it in his album *I'm Glad You're Here with Me Tonight* (1977).

### **Duet Version**:
- The duet version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" came about somewhat serendipitously. A radio station program director, Gary Guthrie, spliced together Diamond's solo version with Barbra Streisand's version, which she recorded for her 1978 album *Songbird*. The spliced version gained popularity on the radio, which led to a formal collaboration between Diamond and Streisand.
- Responding to the unexpected success, Diamond and Streisand recorded an official duet version of the song. Released in 1978, it quickly became a major hit.

### **Chart Success**:
- The duet version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1978. It became one of the most iconic duets of the era, resonating with listeners for its emotional depth and the poignant way it captured the feeling of a fading relationship.

### **Lyrical Theme**:
- The song's lyrics focus on a couple whose relationship has lost its romance and intimacy over time. The lament of no longer receiving flowers serves as a metaphor for the dying love between them, evoking feelings of nostalgia, sadness, and resignation.

### **Cultural Impact**:
- The success of the duet version helped solidify both Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand's positions as music icons. The song has since become a classic and is often associated with bittersweet love stories, breakups, and reflective moments in pop culture.

Overall, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" stands as a unique blend of artistry and chance, evolving from a television show tune to a chart-topping duet with lasting emotional resonance.