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
If
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show
The you I've come to know
If a face could launch a thousand ships
Then where am I to go?
There's no one home but you
And when my love for life is running dry
You come and pour yourself on me
If a man could be two places at one time
I'd be with you
Tomorrow and today
Beside you all the way
If the world should stop revolving
Spinning slowly down to die
I'd spend the end with you
And when the world was through
Then one by one the stars would all go out
Then you and I would simply fly away
The above lyrics are from Barry Manilow's song titled "If". This song is about the power and importance of love in life. The first stanza suggests that even if a picture can paint a thousand words, it still cannot capture the depth of feelings that the singer has for his beloved. The second stanza talks about the effect of his partner on his life and how she alone has the power to launch his “ships.” The singer’s dependency on the partner is highlighted with lines “There’s no one home but you,” and “You’re all that’s left me too.”
In the third stanza, the singer declares that whenever he feels like his love for life is running dry, his partner comes and revitalizes him. The fourth stanza suggests that the singer wants to be with his partner all the time, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The final stanza talks about the end of the world and how, even in those dire times, the singer wants to be with his partner. He says that, at the end of everything, he wants to fly away with his partner, holding hands under the star-filled sky.
Overall, the song "If" is a heartfelt expression of love, showcasing the power and importance of love in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
If a picture paints a thousand words
One picture can convey more than a thousand words, but even that is not enough to express my love for you.
Then why can't I paint you?
But when I try to paint you, words or images fail to capture your true essence, your beauty and your charm.
The words will never show
All the words I use fail me to capture the depth of my emotion and my love for you.
The you I've come to know
The real you is beyond the reach of letters or pictures, and even more beautiful than anyone can imagine.
If a face could launch a thousand ships
A single look from your face can launch a thousand ships, but now that you are with me, where do I go?
Then where am I to go?
I feel lost and bewildered without you, and I cannot imagine living a single day without you by my side.
There's no one home but you
You are my only refuge in this world, my true home where I find comfort and happiness.
You're all that's left me too
Without you, I have nothing, no hope, no life, no future. You are the only one who keeps me going.
And when my love for life is running dry
There are times when I am overwhelmed by sadness and despair, but then you appear and pour your love over me.
You come and pour yourself on me
Your unconditional love is the only thing that keeps me alive, and I am grateful for every moment I spend with you.
If a man could be two places at one time
If it were possible to be in two places at once, I would choose to be with you always, now and forever.
I'd be with you
You are the center of my world, the only one who matters, and I will always be by your side, no matter what.
Tomorrow and today
I love you as much today as I did yesterday and will continue to love you tomorrow and always.
Beside you all the way
I will support and love you when you need it most, and I will never let you down or leave you alone.
If the world should stop revolving
Even if the world came to an end and everything crumbled around us, I would choose to spend my last moments with you.
Spinning slowly down to die
As everything fades away, I know that my love for you will only grow stronger, and that even death cannot separate us.
I'd spend the end with you
I would spend my last breaths with you, comforted by the fact that we are together, and that nothing will ever change that.
And when the world was through
When everything comes to an end and the world is through, our love will continue to thrive, beyond the limits of time and space.
Then one by one the stars would all go out
As everything fades away and the stars go out, I know that my love for you will outshine them all, and that nothing can diminish it.
Then you and I would simply fly away
We will soar together, free from the bounds of this earth, and nothing can hold us back or dim our love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Gates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind