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
Ready to Take a Chance Again
Barry Manilow Lyrics
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Safe from the past and doin' okay but not very well
No jolts, no surprises, no crisis arises
My life goes along as it should
It's all very nice, but not very good
And I'm ready to take a chance again
Ready to put my love on the line with you
You get what you get when you go for it
And I'm ready to take a chance again with you
When she left me, in all my despair
I just held on, my hopes were all gone
Then I found you there
And I'm ready to take a chance again
Ready to put my love on the line with you
Been livin' with nothing to show for it
You get what you get when you go for it
And I'm ready to take a chance again
Ready to put my love on the line with you
Been livin' with nothing to show for it
You get what you get when you go for it
And I'm ready to take a chance again
Ready to take a chance again with you
With you
The lyrics of "Ready to Take a Chance Again" by Barry Manilow describe the process of a person opening up and allowing themselves to be vulnerable in order to find love and happiness. The opening lines "You remind me I live in a shell / Safe from the past and doin' okay but not very well" suggest that the person has been closed off emotionally, possibly as a result of a past heartbreak or disappointment. They have been living their life safely and predictably, without any excitement or risks.
The chorus "And I'm ready to take a chance again / Ready to put my love on the line with you / Been livin' with nothing to show for it / You get what you get when you go for it" shows the person's desire to take a chance on love again, even though they have been living a dull and unrewarding life thus far. They realize that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by putting themselves out there and trying again.
The second verse reveals that the person had been struggling after being left by a previous lover, and had lost hope until they found the person they are addressing in the song. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song emphasizes the person's willingness to be vulnerable and to take a chance on love with this new person, in the hopes of finding happiness and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
You remind me I live in a shell
You make me realize that I've been living in a protective bubble
Safe from the past and doin' okay but not very well
I've been avoiding my past and am just getting by, but not thriving
No jolts, no surprises, no crisis arises
My life is without excitement or unexpected challenges
My life goes along as it should
My routine and expectations are being met
It's all very nice, but not very good
My life is comfortable, but not fulfilling
And I'm ready to take a chance again
I am willing to put myself out there for love
Ready to put my love on the line with you
I am prepared to take a risk and give my heart to you
Been livin' with nothing to show for it
I've been existing, but not achieving any significant accomplishments or milestones
You get what you get when you go for it
You get what you strive for, regardless of the outcome
When she left me, in all my despair
After my past love left, I was feeling hopeless and lost
I just held on, my hopes were all gone
I tried to remain optimistic, but I had lost all faith
Then I found you there
Until I met you and felt hopeful again
Ready to take a chance again with you
I am ready to put myself out there again, but this time with you
With you
You are the one who has made me willing to take a chance on love again
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES FOX, NORMAN GIMBEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind