In the 1990s Barrowman appeared on the BBC children's Saturday morning variety show 'Live & Kicking', as host of the 'Electric Circus' segment, reporting on technology news. He then moved on to 'The Movie Game', a children's television game show. In the late 1990s he was one of the regular presenters on Five's afternoon show 'Five's Company'. (Wikipedia)
He is probably most famous for playing the role of Captain Jack Harkness on the hit BBC series 'Doctor Who,' as well as in its spin-off 'Torchwood.'
John has an extensive musical theatre resume, having appeared in 'Anything Goes', 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Sunset Boulevard', and 'Miss Saigon', among many other West End Shows. He has also appeared on Broadway in 'Sunset Boulevard' (his broadway debut) and the Stephen Sondheim revue 'Putting It Together.'
He's also known for being a judge on shows like 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria' (both the UK and Canadian versions), 'I'd Do Anything' and 'Any Dream Will Do.' he will also be hosting a new BBC talent show in 2009 called, 'Tonight's the Night.'
He has recorded three pop albums for Sony: 'Another Side' (2007), 'Music Music Music' (2008) and 'John Barrowman' (2010).
Copacabana
John Barrowman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
And while she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar
Across the crowded floor, they worked from 8 til 4
They were young and they had each other
Who could ask for more?
At the copa (CO!) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (CO!) Copacabana
Music and passion were always in fashion
At the copa they fell in love
His name was Rico
He wore a diamond
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there
And when she finished,he called her over
But Rico went a bit to far
Tony sailed across the bar
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
At the copa she lost her love
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl,
But that was 30 years ago, when they used to have a show
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola,
Still in dress she used to wear,
Faded feathers in her hair
She sits there so refined,and drinks herself half-blind
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
Now she's lost her mind
At the copa don't fall in love
Don't fall in love
"Copacabana" is a song about love, passion, and heartbreak. Lola is a young and ambitious showgirl who catches the eye of Tony, the bartender at the Copacabana nightclub. They fall in love while working together, dancing and singing to the lively music of the club. Their love is passionate and pure, symbolized by the hot spot they work at, where music and passion are always in fashion. However, their love affair comes to a screeching halt with the arrival of Rico, a rich and powerful man who takes interest in Lola. Rico makes a move on Lola, causing a violent altercation with Tony, which results in a gunshot and the death of one or both of the men. Lola is heartbroken by the loss of Tony and loses herself at the club, where she remains long after her youth and beauty have faded.
Line by Line Meaning
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
She was a female performer named Lola.
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
She wore a dress that was short enough to reveal her feathers in hair.
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
She performed dance styles like merengue and cha-cha.
And while she tried to be a star
She was aspiring to be a famous performer.
Tony always tended bar
A man named Tony worked as a bartender.
Across the crowded floor, they worked from 8 til 4
They worked long hours at the busy venue.
They were young and they had each other
They were young and in love.
Who could ask for more?
They were very happy with their simple life.
At the copa (CO!) Copacabana (Copacabana)
They were at the Copacabana nightclub.
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
It was one of the most popular nightclubs in that part of the city.
Music and passion were always in fashion
There was always music and excitement at the nightclub.
At the copa they fell in love
They fell in love while they were at the nightclub.
His name was Rico
There was a man named Rico at the nightclub.
He wore a diamond
Rico was adorned with a diamond.
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there
Rico sat down and saw Lola performing nearby.
And when she finished,he called her over
Rico invited Lola over after she finished her performance.
But Rico went a bit too far
Rico said or did something inappropriate.
Tony sailed across the bar
Tony heard or saw the situation and violently reacted.
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
A fight broke out involving multiple people and furniture being destroyed.
There was blood and a single gun shot
The fight ended with someone being shot and bleeding.
But just who shot who?
It's unclear who shot the gun or who was shot.
At the copa she lost her love
Lola lost her lover due to the violence at the nightclub.
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl,
Lola is still a former showgirl with that name.
But that was 30 years ago, when they used to have a show
The nightclub changed drastically over the past 30 years.
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola,
The establishment is now a discotheque that Lola does not enjoy.
Still in dress she used to wear,
Lola still wears the same dress as she did when she was younger.
Faded feathers in her hair
The feathers in her hair have lost their vibrancy over time.
She sits there so refined,and drinks herself half-blind
She tries to appear elegant, but drinks excessively.
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
Lola lost her youth and her lover Tony in the past.
Now she's lost her mind
Lola's excessive drinking caused her to lose her sanity.
At the copa don't fall in love
The nightclub is dangerous and should be avoided to prevent harm.
Don't fall in love
Falling in love at the nightclub can lead to violence and death.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Barry Manilow, Bruce H. Sussman, Jack A. Feldman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
P.A. Wholock
I can't believe it was possible, but he made this song sound even more epic than the original...and that's saying something!!
Vamwereangdemlov
Dear John, I'm not sure if you already know this but we (everyone who's even seen you act or heard you sing) is crazed fan. The is no "he's OK." It's either "OH MY WORD HE'S AMAZING!!!" or "HOLY CRAP HOLY CRAP HE'S FRICK'N AWESOME!!!" Sincerely with love, Every person who's seen or heard you. Ever.
FuckTheReason
HIS VOICE !! god he's so talented :D
Shruti Mohan
His voice, his acting, he is just so AWESOME!!! Love this.
Just another fangirl
i love his version a lot and one of my favorite songs he sang
Spyder
He can sing, act, he's attractive... what CAN'T John Barrowman do?
Winnie31
i never realised it was his song 😱 i love his voice and acting skills so much
Google User
The song was written by Barry Manilow if that's what you meant. John Barrowman sings it greatly though.
sarah doumel
I have always loved this song and I adore the way john sings this
Stephanie Finnigan
He is handsome and his voice sounds like a Disney prince in my head dreams tonight