Rags To Riches
Manilow Barry Lyrics


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I know I'd go from rages to riches
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire

My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It's everything

So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure I'm hoping for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore

Must I forever be a begger
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you

[Musical Interlude]

Must I forever be a begger
Whose golden dreams will not come true




Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you

Overall Meaning

"Rags to Riches" is a classic song by Barry Manilow, which is all about the power of love, and how it can transform someone's life. The lyrics are basically an appeal to a lover, asking them to make a difference in the singer's life, by showing them love and affection, even when they may not have money or material possessions.


The singer begins the song by expressing how much they believe they could improve their life, if only their lover would show care and affection towards them. They talk about going from rags to riches, meaning that they believe their life could be turned upside down, and they could become much more successful and wealthy, with the right kind of love and support. Even though their pockets might be empty, the singer suggests that they would feel like a millionaire, simply because they had found love.


The second verse of the song talks about how, even though the singer might look poor on the outside, inside they feel like a king, because of the love they have found. They suggest that their love for their partner is all that really matters, and that love itself can be the most powerful kind of riches. The singer then goes on to make a plea to their lover, asking them to open themselves up to the singer's love, and to embrace all of the wonders and treasures that come along with it. Ultimately, the song is a heartfelt plea from someone who is desperate for love, and who believes that it has the power to transform their life.


Line by Line Meaning

I know I'd go from rages to riches
I believe that you hold the power to transform my life from one of poverty to one of wealth


If you would only say you care
All that I need to achieve success is your love and affection


And though my pocket may be empty
Despite my current financial situation


I'd be a millionaire
I would feel wealthy and content


My clothes may still be torn and tattered
Despite my outward appearance


But in my heart I'd be a king
I would feel like royalty inside because of your love for me


Your love is all that ever mattered
Your love is the most important thing to me


It's everything
There's nothing more crucial or valuable in life to me than your love


So open your arms and you'll open the door
If you embrace me, you'll invite all sorts of amazing opportunities into your life


To every treasure I'm hoping for
I am hoping for a wealth of opportunities and experiences that will be made possible if you show me affection


Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore
Expressing your love for me through physical touch and verbal reassurance that you will always be mine would make me feel rich beyond measure


Must I forever be a begger
Is it possible that I'll always be impoverished, emotionally or financially?


Whose golden dreams will not come true
Will I never achieve my wildest dreams of success and happiness?


Or will I go from rags to riches
Will you help me transform my current situation into one of wealth, opportunity, and happiness?


My fate is up to you
Ultimately, whether or not I achieve financial and emotional success depends on your willingness to show me love and affection




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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