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
Copacabana
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
And while she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar
Across the crowded floor, they worked from eight til four
They were young and they had each other
Who could ask for more?
At the copa (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the copa they fell in love
Copa, Copacabana
His name was Rico
He wore a diamond
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there
And when she finished,he called her over
But Rico went a bit to far
Tony sailed across the bar
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
At the copa (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the copa, she lost her love
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)like in Havana
(Copa, banana)
Music and passion were always in fashion
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl
But that was thirty years ago, when they used to have a show
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola
Still in dress she used to wear
Faded feathers in her hair
She sits there so refined, and drinks herself half-blind
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
Now she's lost her mind
At the copa (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) Copacabana
Music and passion were always in fashion
At the copa don't fall in love
(Copa, Copacabana) don't fall in love
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
The song Copacabana by Barry Manilow tells the story of a showgirl named Lola who works at a nightclub called the Copacabana. Lola is described as having yellow feathers in her hair and wearing a dress that is cut down to there. She is always dancing, merengueing and cha-chaing across the crowded floor in an attempt to make it big as a star. Meanwhile, Tony tends bar and the two share a connection with each other. They work long hours at the nightclub but have each other, which is all they need.
However, things take a turn when Rico, a wealthy man with a diamond, sees Lola dancing and calls her over. Tony becomes jealous and a fight breaks out, resulting in bloodshed and possible gunshots. The story then jumps forward thirty years to a time when Lola has lost her youth, her love for Tony, and her mind from drinking herself half-blind. She still sits at the Copacabana in her old dress and faded feathers in her hair. The story is a cautionary tale not to fall in love at the Copacabana.
Overall, the song is a tragic love story that is set in a vibrant nightclub scene. It touches on the themes of love, jealousy, fame, and ultimately loss. The contrasting imagery of the vibrant nightclub and the faded showgirl illustrates the passage of time and how life can change in an instant.
Line by Line Meaning
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
Lola was a performer known for her captivating performances.
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
Her signature look included yellow feathers in her hair and a daringly low-cut dress.
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
She was a talented dancer, particularly skilled at the merengue and cha-cha.
And while she tried to be a star
Lola was ambitious and aimed for stardom.
Tony always tended bar
Tony worked as a bartender at the club where Lola performed.
Across the crowded floor, they worked from eight til four
Despite the crowded and hectic environment, both Lola and Tony worked hard from 8pm until 4am.
They were young and they had each other
Despite their challenging jobs, Lola and Tony were young and had each other, which was all they needed.
Who could ask for more?
They were content with their lives, grateful for what they had.
At the copa (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The Copa Cabana nightclub was the place-to-be, famously known for its lively atmosphere.
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
The club was so lively that people often compared it to Havana, renowned for its thriving entertainment scene.
Music and passion were always the fashion
The club was known for its energetic music and lively atmosphere, creating a passionate and exciting vibe.
At the copa they fell in love
Lola and Tony's love story began at the Copa Cabana nightclub.
His name was Rico
Rico was a man who took an interest in Lola.
He wore a diamond
Rico was clearly wealthy, as evidenced by the diamond he wore.
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there
Rico was given special treatment and was escorted to a seat where he noticed Lola dancing.
And when she finished,he called her over
After her performance, Rico called Lola over to talk to her.
But Rico went a bit to far
Rico crossed boundaries and made Lola uncomfortable.
Tony sailed across the bar
Tony, seeing how Rico made Lola uncomfortable, became angry and jumped over the bar to protect her.
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
A fight broke out, with people throwing punches and chairs around.
There was blood and a single gun shot
The fight escalated to the point of gun violence, leaving at least one person injured or dead.
But just who shot who?
The identity of the shooter(s) and victim(s) is unclear.
At the copa, she lost her love
The tragic events at the Copa Cabana caused Lola to lose Tony, the love of her life.
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl
The song revisits Lola's origin as a showgirl, suggesting it was a happier time.
But that was thirty years ago, when they used to have a show
The past is long gone now, and the nightclub no longer does the same show from Lola's younger days.
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola
The venue has changed into a disco club, one that Lola no longer feels at home at.
Still in dress she used to wear
Lola still wears her old signature dress and look, even though times have changed.
Faded feathers in her hair
Her once bright and vibrant feathers have since faded, further symbolizing her fading youth and vibrancy.
She sits there so refined, and drinks herself half-blind
Lola now spends her nights sitting alone, sipping on drinks until she's drunk, showing how she's lost her path in life.
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
Lola grieves the loss of her youthful spirit, as well as her beloved Tony.
Now she's lost her mind
Lola has lost track of everything and now struggles with her mental health.
At the copa don't fall in love
The cautionary tale concludes with a warning, advising people not to fall in love at the Copa Cabana nightclub.
(Copa, Copacabana) don't fall in love
This repetition further emphasizes the central message, serving as a reminder to be careful at the Copa Cabana nightclub.
(Copa, banana)
This out-of-place line is often mentioned as a joke, suggesting the singer forgot the original word to the song.
Music and passion were always in fashion
The phrase is repeated again, highlighting how important the lively atmosphere and music were in the club.
(Copacabana)
The chorus repeats itself, echoing the idea of the lively and passionate atmosphere of the Copa Cabana nightclub.
(Copacabana)
The chorus repeats yet again, serving as a memorable reminder of the club's energetic vibe and lively atmosphere.
(Copacabana)
The song repeats the chorus one final time, cementing the catchy melody and passionate vibe of the Copa Cabana nightclub.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barry Manilow, Bruce H. Sussman, Jack A. Feldman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind