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
Toyland
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Toyland)
Little girl and boy land
When you dwell within it
You are ever happy there
Childhood Toyland
Mystical merry Toyland
You can never return again
(Not again)
Childhood Toyland
(Toyland)
Mystical merry Toyland
Once you pass its borders
You can never return again
(Toyland)
Toyland
(Toyland)
Toyland
(Toyland)
Toyland
The lyrics to Barry Manilow's Toyland describe a fantastical land full of toys that bring happiness to children. The song begins by addressing the listener and telling them that in Toyland both little girls and little boys are happy. The second verse expands on this, calling the land "mystical merry Toyland" and warning that once you leave its borders, you can never return again. The repetition of "Toyland" at the end reinforces the magic and wonder of the place being described.
The lyrics of Toyland could be interpreted in a few different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. One possible interpretation is that Toyland represents childhood and the innocence, joy, and freedom that comes with it. In this interpretation, the song is a warning that once you grow up and leave childhood behind, you can never fully go back to those carefree days. Another interpretation is that Toyland represents a kind of utopia or heaven, where everything is perfect and happy. In this interpretation, the warning at the end is a cautionary note that even the most idyllic place can't last forever.
Overall, Toyland is a song that celebrates the magic of childhood and the joy that can come from simple things like toys. At the same time, it acknowledges the bittersweet truth that childhood doesn't last forever, and that we can't always go back to the happiest times of our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Toyland, Toyland
The magical land of childhood, where toys and play rule, is called Toyland.
(Toyland)
The word Toyland is repeated to emphasize the name of this land beyond reality.
Little girl and boy land
Toyland is a place especially made for children where boys and girls can play and have a merry time.
When you dwell within it
You are ever happy there
In Toyland, everything is fun and joyful. Living in this world of toys makes children happy and keeps them contented always.
Childhood Toyland
Mystical merry Toyland
Toyland is a magical place that exists in the world of childhood. The joy and happiness that reign there is beyond the mundane world.
Once you pass its borders
You can never return again
(Not again)
Once kids outgrow their childhood and leave Toyland, there is no going back to it. The nostalgic feeling of never returning to those happy days is painful and permanent.
(Toyland)
Toyland
(Toyland)
Toyland
The repetition of the word Toyland is a nostalgic reminder of the name and existence of the magical world of childhood that we have lost forever.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID ROSE, DAVID D. ROSE, VICTOR HERBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind