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
Let me go
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or the gypsy in my soul
But you're not on the level
And I'm not in control
And I'm afraid your baby blues
Are just too much for me
And I'm afraid I'll lose my heart
If you don't set me free
Let me go!
I don't wanna believe you
I just wanna be gone
I just wanna be gone
Let me go!
Don't say how much I need you
Say goodnight and move on
Say goodnight and move on
If you get me under your spell
I'll be lost for good, I can tell
Let me go!
Don't let me love you
Let me go!
Hey, I never bought a hustle
And I never took a dive
I've always had the muscle
To get through love alive
But I'm afraid your lovely lies
Might just do me right in
And I'm afraid to play tonight
Cause I know that I won't win
Let me go!
I don't wanna be lovers
I just wanna be free
I just wanna be, wanna be, wanna be free
Let me go!
You've got so many others
Have some pity on me
Some pity on me
On my own I'm doin' just great
So don't mess around with my fate
Let me go!
Don't let me love you
Let me go!
The first verse of Barry Manilow's song "Let Me Go" describes how the singer has never feared the devil or being a free spirit (the gypsy in his soul) before, but there's something about this particular love interest that has thrown him off-kilter. He recognizes that he's not in control in this relationship and that the other person's "baby blues" (their irresistible eyes) could potentially cause him to lose his heart if he doesn't get out. In the chorus, he pleads for the other person to let him go, claiming that he doesn't want to be with them anymore and doesn't want to be under their spell. He's afraid that if he stays, he'll be lost forever.
The second verse is similar, with the singer asserting that he's always been a strong and confident lover, but this new person's lies have him worried that he'll lose to them. Once again, he begs for his freedom in the chorus, saying that he doesn't want to be in love with this person and that they should have "some pity" on him for letting him out of the relationship. He believes he's doing just fine on his own, and he doesn't want this person to mess with his fate.
Overall, "Let Me Go" is a classic plea for freedom from a toxic relationship. The singer knows that their love interest has a hold on them, but they're determined to break free before it's too late. The song's themes of independence and self-preservation are timeless, and its catchy chorus is sure to get stuck in your head for days.
Line by Line Meaning
I never feared the devil
I have never been afraid of anything
Or the gypsy in my soul
I have always been able to embrace my free spirit
But you're not on the level
I know you are not being honest with me
And I'm not in control
I feel like I am not in charge of the situation
And I'm afraid your baby blues
Your seductive eyes make me feel uneasy
Are just too much for me
I cannot resist your charm anymore
And I'm afraid I'll lose my heart
I am afraid of falling in love with you
If you don't set me free
If you do not let me go
Let me go!
I want to be free from this relationship
I don't wanna believe you
I do not want to trust you anymore
I just wanna be gone
I just want to leave and not come back
Don't say how much I need you
Do not make me feel guilty for wanting to leave
Say goodnight and move on
Say goodbye and move on with your life
If you get me under your spell
If you manage to seduce me completely
I'll be lost for good, I can tell
I know I will not be able to resist you
Don't let me love you
Do not make me fall in love with you
Hey, I never bought a hustle
I have never been fooled by anyone
And I never took a dive
I have never given in to temptation
I've always had the muscle
I have always been strong enough to handle love
To get through love alive
To survive heartbreak and disappointment
But I'm afraid your lovely lies
I fear your sweet lies will harm me
Might just do me right in
Might completely destroy me
And I'm afraid to play tonight
I am scared to fall in love with you tonight
Cause I know that I won't win
Because I know I am not strong enough to resist you
You've got so many others
You are seeing so many people
Have some pity on me
Have some mercy on me
On my own I'm doin' just great
I am perfectly fine on my own
So don't mess around with my fate
So please do not interfere with my destiny
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRY MANILOW, MARTIN PANZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind