About the song
Barry Manilow – Ships: A Poignant Reflection on Time and Distance
Barry Manilow is best known for his sweeping ballads and heartfelt performances, but Ships stands out as one of the most deeply personal songs in his catalog. Released in 1979 as the lead single from his album One Voice, this moving piece showcases a different side of Manilow—one that leans more toward introspection and storytelling rather than romantic sentiment. Unlike many of his self-penned hits, Ships was written by Ian Hunter, the frontman of Mott the Hoople, and originally appeared on his 1979 album You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic. However, in Manilow’s hands, the song took on new life, becoming an emotional ballad that resonated with audiences on a deeply personal level.
At its heart, Ships is a song about relationships and the inevitable passage of time. While Hunter wrote it as a reflection on his complicated relationship with his father, Manilow’s soaring arrangement and heartfelt delivery allowed listeners to connect with it in their own way—whether as a song about family, friendships, or love lost to time. The lyrics paint a picture of two people drifting apart, much like ships passing in the night, unable to reconnect in the way they once did. It’s a theme that speaks to the universal human experience—how people change, how time creates distance, and how even the closest bonds can feel unfamiliar.
Musically, Ships is rich and cinematic, featuring Manilow’s signature lush orchestration. The song opens gently, with delicate piano chords setting a reflective mood, before building into a powerful crescendo of strings and heartfelt vocals. His delivery is both tender and commanding, capturing the pain of separation and the longing for connection. It’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling, proving why Manilow was one of the most defining voices of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Though Ships wasn’t one of Manilow’s biggest chart-toppers, it remains a fan favorite and one of his most moving recordings. It reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a standout in his vast discography. More than four decades later, the song still holds the power to stir emotions, reminding us all of the bittersweet nature of time and memory.