I’m Officially Wrong: I’ve Never Sung The Right Lyrics to “Red Red Wine”

I knew that UB40 didn't originally write "Red Red Wine".  I knew it was a Neil Diamond song. What I didn't know, was just how wrong I've been for thirty years. 

The original came out in 1967, and I think alot of us don't know that version. But the UB40 version in the early 80's, that was a huge hit. I know we've all heard it dozens of times, and it's a nice version of the song. But the lead singer doesn't enunciate!

The other day we played it on the Bob morning show, and I was singing along as usual. Then I thought to myself, "Wait. Do I really know the words to this song?"  A quick google search later, I discovered the real story.

Here are the real lyrics to the song:

Red, red wine, goes to my head,
Makes me forget that I
Still need you so

Red, red wine, it's up to you
All I can do, I've done
Memories won't go
Memories won't go

I'd have sworn that with time
Thoughts of you would leave my head
I was wrong, now I find
Just one thing makes me forget

Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don't let me be alone
It's tearing apart
My blue, blue heart

I'd have sworn that with time
Thoughts of you would leave my head
I was wrong, now I find
Just one thing makes me forget

Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don't let me be alone
It's tearing apart
My blue, blue heart

Now most of it, I pretty much had. But there are a few key lines I had so, so wrong. I marked them in bold. Here's what I've been thinking he's singing for the last thirty years:

Red, red wine, goes to my head,
Makes me forget that I

Am stealing your soul

WHERE DID I GET THAT? How did I not notice that was strange?!

Red, red wine, it's up to you
All I can do, got
Mary's gone so
Mary's gone so 

Okay, that's not so bad. But still, nowhere near right!

I was wrong all the time
Thoughts of you in my head
I was wrong, now I find
Just one thing makes me forget

Again, not so bad. Still embarrassing, though.

Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don't let me in love
It's tearing apart
My blues one time

That doesn't even rhyme. Anyway, so now you see just how wrong I was. But maybe there are some midheard lyrics in YOUR memory banks. Have you ever gotten that surprise correction on a song you've known for years? Tell me about it!

Winely yours,
Behka