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
River
Barry Manilow Lyrics
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I'm crossing you in style, someday
You dream-maker, old heartbreaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
Oh, two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
Just that moon river and me
Barry Manilow's song "River" is a lamentation of the holiday season and an expression of deep regret. It speaks to the difficulties that come with the season, such as the commercialization of it and the loss of a loved one. The opening lines paint a picture of Christmas being celebrated, but not in a way that brings joy to the singer; for him, the season is disorienting and lonely. He wished he had a river to skate away on, a retreat from the chaos around him. The use of the river as a symbol of escape is powerful, as it connects to a deep yearning to leave behind his troubles and find peace.
The song speaks to the pain of loss and regret as well. The singer clearly loved someone very much, but made mistakes that caused them to leave. He is consumed by remorse and wishes he could go back in time and fix his mistakes. He describes his lover as having either left him or died, but either way, is no longer with him. He wishes he could escape his guilt and sadness by skating away on a river.
Finally, the song also touches on the idea of personal transformation. The singer speaks of wanting to make a lot of money and "quit this crazy scene." He recognizes his flaws and wants to improve himself, but it may be too late. The song is a poignant reminder of the importance of love and forgiveness, and the value of our time with the people we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
It's coming on Christmas
The holiday season is approaching
They're cutting down trees
People are getting into the holiday spirit by chopping down trees for decoration
They're putting up reindeer
Decorations like reindeer statues are being installed as part of the festivities
And signing songs of joy and peace
People are singing cheerful holiday songs with messages of peace and happiness
Oh I wish I had a river
The artist expresses a desire to have a calm, peaceful escape
I could skate away on
The river would provide a means of escaping the chaos and noise of everyday life
But it don't snow here
The climate where the singer is located is not conducive to snow and winter sports
It stays pretty green
The environment is more lush and verdant, lacking the crisp winter landscape the artist yearns for
I'm going to make a lot of money
The artist has plans to accumulate wealth
Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
The artist intends to leave a situation or lifestyle that they find troubling or stressful
I wish I had a river so long
The singer desires a peaceful environment with plenty of space for reflection and solitude
I would teach my feet to fly
The artist dreams of escaping their problems and soaring away to a better life
I made my baby cry
The singer caused emotional distress to their significant other
Well she tried hard to help me
The singer's partner made attempts to assist them in their difficulties
You know, she put me at ease
The partner's actions provided the singer with relief from stress and anxiety
And she loved me so naughty
The partner cared for the artist in a playful and affectionate manner
Made me weak in the knees
The partner's love and care had a profound effect on the artist, making them feel vulnerable and overwhelmed with emotion
I'm so hard to handle
The singer acknowledges that they are difficult to deal with
I'm selfish and I'm sad
The singer admits to being self-centered and unhappy
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
The artist has lost someone they regarded as their best partner
That I ever had
The artist reflects on the loss and the importance of their former partner
I made my baby say goodbye
The artist's actions led to the end of the relationship
God I wish I had a river
The singer pleads with a higher power to grant them a peaceful escape from their current situation
I could skate away on
The artist repeats their desire for an escape through a peaceful river.
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind