In 1978, five of his albums were on the best-selling charts simultaneously, a feat equaled only by Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Mathis. He has recorded a string of Billboard hit singles and multi-platinum albums that have resulted in his being named Radio & Records number one Adult Contemporary artist and winning three straight American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Several well-known entertainers have given Manilow their "stamp of approval," including Sinatra, who was quoted in the 1970s regarding Manilow, "He's next." In 1988, Bob Dylan stopped Manilow at a party, hugged him and said, "Don't stop what you're doing, man. We're all inspired by you."
As well as producing and arranging albums for other artists, such as Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, Manilow has written songs for musicals, films, and commercials. From February 2005 to December 30, 2009, he was the headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton, performing hundreds of shows before ending relationship with the hotel. From March 2010, he has headlined at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He has sold more than 80 million records worldwide
Best of Me
Barry Manilow Lyrics
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How did I ever let my heart believe
In one who never gave enough to me?
And so many years gone, love that was so wrong
And I can't forget the way it used to be
And how you change the taste of love for me
You were my one more chance I never thought I'd find
You were the one romance I've always known in my mind
No one will ever touch me more and I only hope that in return
I might've saved the best of me for you
And we'll have no ending, no, no, if we can hold on
And I think I've come this far because of you
Could be no other love but ours will do
[Chorus]
No one will ever touch me more and I only hope that in return
No matter how much we have to learn
I've saved the best of me for you
In the song "The Best of Me", Barry Manilow reflects on a past love that was not fulfilling, a love that didn't reciprocate the way he gave. He remembers how he put too much of himself into this one-sided relationship and wonders how he ever let his heart believe in someone who couldn't give him what he deserved. The lyrics illustrate how he's been hurt by love, but also how he's grown and changed since then. He sings about a new love that has come into his life, one that he never thought he'd find. In this second love, he's found someone who understands him and reciprocates his love.
The chorus, where Manilow sings "You were my one more chance, I never thought I'd find," speaks to the hope that he has found in his new love. He sees this person as his one true love, someone who he's always known in his mind. He hopes that he has saved the best of himself for this person and that they will be together forever. The song ends on a hopeful note, with Manilow declaring that they will have no ending as long as they can hold on.
Overall, the song is a bittersweet reflection on love and the idea of finding "the one." It acknowledges the pain of past relationships, but also celebrates the hope that comes with finding a love that feels genuine and true.
Line by Line Meaning
So many years gone still I remember
Despite the passage of time, I can still recall the past
How did I ever let my heart believe
I regret trusting someone who never returned my love
In one who never gave enough to me?
I invested emotionally in someone who didn't reciprocate my feelings
And so many years gone, love that was so wrong
The love we shared was flawed and mistaken
And I can't forget the way it used to be
I still remember how our love once blossomed
And how you change the taste of love for me
After our relationship ended, I found it hard to love again
You were my one more chance I never thought I'd find
Meeting you felt like an unexpected second chance at love
You were the one romance I've always known in my mind
I've always idealized a love like ours, and you fulfilled my expectations
No one will ever touch me more and I only hope that in return
You've touched me deeply, and I hope I've done the same for you
I might've saved the best of me for you
I've given my all to our relationship, reserving my best qualities for you
And we'll have no ending, no, no, if we can hold on
As long as we stay committed, our love will endure
And I think I've come this far because of you
Your love has helped me grow and overcome challenges
Could be no other love but ours will do
I can't imagine loving anyone else but you
No matter how much we have to learn
We will continue to learn and grow together
I've saved the best of me for you
I've dedicated myself to our love, and given you the best of what I have to offer
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeremy Lubbock, Richard Marx, David Foster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind