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
Rags to Riches
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure I'm hoping for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore
Must I forever be a begger
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
[Musical Interlude]
Must I forever be a begger
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
The lyrics of "Rags to Riches" by Barrry Manilow are a testament to the enduring human desire to be loved and to share that love in return. The song speaks to someone who has nothing materially, but is deeply in love with another person. The singer of the song believes that if his love is returned, he will be rich beyond measure. The lyrics describe the joy and happiness that the singer will feel once he is loved back, even though his material possessions remain humble.
The song takes on a classic story of rags to riches, but also adds the romantic element of love. The singer believes that he will go from rages to riches because of the love that he has for another person. This love alone will make him feel like a king and he is willing to give up everything else for it. The song's final verse asks whether the singer will remain a beggar, or if his dreams will come true and he will go from rags to riches.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rags to Riches" convey a universal message that resonates with anyone who has ever been in love. It speaks to the power and importance of love in our lives, regardless of our material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I'd go from rags to riches
I am sure that my life will change from an impoverished state to a wealthy one.
If you would only say you care
All I need is your love and affection to transform my life.
And though my pocket may be empty
Even though I lack material possessions,
I'd be a millionaire
With your love, I will feel like the richest person in the world.
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
Although my appearance may be shabby and worn out,
But in my heart I'd be a king
I will feel like royalty on the inside due to your love and companionship.
Your love is all that ever mattered
Out of everything in the world, your love is the most important thing to me.
It's everything
Your love is all-encompassing and essential to my happiness.
So open your arms and you'll open the door
If you embrace me, you will also be opening the gateway to all the happiness that I desire.
To every treasure I'm hoping for
All the riches that I seek can be found in your love.
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore
Express your love for me with a warm embrace, a passionate kiss, and the reassurance that you will always be with me.
Must I forever be a beggar
Will I have to continue living in poverty forever?
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Will my aspirations of wealth and success never materialize?
Or will I go from rags to riches
Is it possible for me to transform my life from poverty to wealth?
My fate is up to you
The course of my life depends on your love, support, and affection.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind