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
Unchained Melody
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love,
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers cry, wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home, wait for me
Oh, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love,
I oh I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home, wait for me
Oh, my love, my darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love,
I oh I need your love
God speed your love to me
Barry Manilow's version of Unchained Melody evokes emotions of longing and yearning for lost love. The opening line, "Oh, my love, my darling," conveys the deep love that the singer has for his beloved. The subsequent lines express how he has missed her touch and company during a "long, lonely time." Time is a recurring theme in the song, and the slow pace of time in the singer's isolation is felt in the melancholic tune. The refrain of "Are you still mine?" displays the singer's uncertainty and insecurity about his position in her heart.
The second verse embodies the idea that lonely rivers find solace in being reunited with the sea. "Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea, to the open arms of the sea," speaks to the singer's hope for a passionate reunion with his lost love. He implores her to wait for him, promising that he too will be coming home. This longing for someone's love is intense and translated into the romanticism of the lyrics, each having a sense of yearning and a call to be loved in return.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my love, my darling
The person singing is addressing their beloved, expressing a deep emotional connection.
I've hungered for your touch
The person singing has been longing for physical and emotional closeness with their beloved.
A long, lonely time
The person singing has been lonely for a significant period of time, likely due to separation from their beloved.
And time goes by so slowly
The person singing feels like time drags on when they are apart from their beloved.
And time can do so much
The person singing recognizes that the passage of time can have a profound impact on their relationship.
Are you still mine?
The person singing is questioning whether their beloved still loves them and wants to be with them.
I need your love,
The person singing is expressing a deep emotional need for the love of their beloved.
I oh I need your love
The person singing is emphasizing the intensity of their need for love.
God speed your love to me
The person singing is asking for their beloved's love to come to them as quickly as possible.
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
The person singing is using a metaphor to express that they are feeling isolated and disconnected from their beloved. The rivers represent their feelings flowing towards the sea, which represents their beloved.
To the open arms of the sea
The person singing is expressing a desire to be embraced by their beloved's love.
Lonely rivers cry, wait for me, wait for me
The person singing is begging their beloved to wait for them and hold onto their love until they can be reunited.
I'll be coming home, wait for me
The person singing is telling their beloved that they will return to them, and pleading for them to hold out until they can be together again.
Contributed by Jacob I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
raynewolfe43
Barry is simply amazing!!!! he could sing the phone book and it would sound great!!! Been a fan of his forever and will continue being one and never embarassed to say so!!!!!
Melanie Cleveland
Absolutely sing anything! His music will be around forever!!🎹🎼🎙🎵❤❤
Linda Ritter
I also love Barry Manilow. I think he is the greatest!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work Barry!!!!!!!!! I agree that no one can sing like Barry Manilow. I have been a fan since the 1970's. I hope to go to another Barry Manilow concert soon. I feel Barry is one of the best musicians in this world. I love all your music Barry!!!!!!!! Linda
Melanie Cleveland
Well said!!❤
debra guthridge
I was lucky enough to see Barry last night in concert. He was amazing!! His age doesn't change his vocals at all. I love this man. His songs have meaning for everyone. Those who think it's a joke to love his songs.. are pathetically immature people.
Melanie Cleveland
Agreed! His music is timeless!!
Jack Brainard
Barry did this song well, one of my favorite versions.
Mylene Rogers
no other can sing like this at his age. I LOVE HIM AND HIS MUSIC SO.
johnny raider allison
YUP MULENE !!!!!
Wendy Bradshaw
Bravo! So beautiful! Thank you Barry! You are my music mentor!