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
You Made Me Love You
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't wanna do it,
I didn't wanna do it
You made me love you
And all the time you knew it
I guess you always knew it
You made me glad
But there were times, dear
You made me feel so bad
You made me sigh, 'cause
I didn't wanna tell you
I didn't wanna tell you
I think you're grand, that's true
Yes I do, 'deed I do
You know I do
I can't tell you what I'm feeling
The very mention of your name
Sends my heart reeling
You know you made me love you
You made me sigh, 'cause
I didn't wanna tell you
I didn't wanna tell you
I think you're grand, that's true
Yes I do, 'deed I do
You know I do
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for
You know you've got the brand of kisses
That I'd die for
You know you made me love you
In Barry Manilow's song "You Made Me Love You," the singer is expressing his conflicted emotions towards the person he is addressing. Although he didn't want to love them, the person's actions and presence in his life have made it impossible to deny his feelings. He admits that there were times when they made him happy, but also times when they made him feel bad. He sighs because he didn't want to tell the person how much they mean to him, and he struggles to put into words how deeply they have affected him. The singer acknowledges that the person he is addressing knows that they have the power to make him love them, and that they possess the kind of affection that he would "die for."
The song captures the complex feelings that can arise when someone unexpectedly enters our lives and changes everything. On one hand, the love and happiness they bring can be overwhelming and wonderful. On the other hand, the vulnerability and potential for heartbreak can be daunting. The singer's struggle to articulate his emotions and come to terms with his feelings reflects a common human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You made me love you
You compelled me to fall in love with you.
I didn't wanna do it,
I did not intend to fall in love with you.
And all the time you knew it
You were aware of my feelings for you all along.
You made me happy sometimes
You brought me joy and happiness occasionally.
But there were times, dear
On the other hand, there were times when
You made me feel so bad
You made me feel unwell by doing something that hurt me.
I didn't wanna tell you
I was reluctant to tell you about my feelings.
I think you're grand, that's true
In fact, I think you're extraordinary.
Yes I do, 'deed I do
Definitely, I do.
I can't tell you what I'm feeling
I am unable to express my emotions to you.
Sends my heart reeling
I feel intense emotions when I hear your name.
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for
Please give me what I long for.
You know you've got the brand of kisses
You are very skilled in kissing, and it is a desirable attribute.
That I'd die for
I would do anything to experience those kisses.
You know you made me love you
I am in love with you because of your actions and qualities.
Contributed by Parker V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.