1982 Pop Song, Inspired by a Cult Classic Sci-Fi Film, Became a Timeless Love Anthem
Music legend Neil Diamond was left with heartfelt emotions after watchingSteven Spielberg's sci-fi epic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It led the pop icon to immediately write a track that would be a hit on the charts, be considered a catchy love ballad, and land in legal troubles.
In 1982, Spielberg released the science fiction film, with Diamond, Carol Bayer Sager, and her then-husband, Burt Bacharach, attending a screening. So enamored by the character of E.T. and the concept of an alien arriving on Earth, they developed the track "Heartlight" while in the couple's apartment.
According to American Songwriter, Diamond explained, "We wanted to express how all of us felt about the little alien who suddenly appears in a strange world."
He added that he wanted to create a music statement that everyone had felt "very sincerely." Worried about what younger audiences might think of "Heartlight," Diamond actually played the song for his young son, Jessie, who approved it.
As E.T. became a box-office juggernaut, bringing in over $797 million versus its $10.5 million budget, Diamond's track also gained chart success. "Heartlight" landed at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. The love song would actually be Diamond's last top 10 hit on Billboard.
While "Heartlight" became known as a worthwhile love ballad, it ran into some legal troubles after the film's immense popularity. According to Rolling Stone, People released an article about MCA/Universal filing 25 lawsuits, with over 260 cases attached, of illegally cashing in on the Spielberg film.
Their main concern was a company creating counterfeit dolls in the likeness of E.T. and illegal bootleg videotapes of the film. As a result, they also went after Diamond and "Heartlight." While the song never actually mentions the character or specifics of the film, its title and certain lyrics allude to key scenes. Diamond would settle the matter out of court by paying $25,000.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 3:25 PM.