About the song
The Power of Music: How Barry Manilow – I Write the Songs (1975) Became an Anthem for Songwriters
Few songs celebrate the magic of music quite like Barry Manilow – I Write the Songs (1975). Despite the title, Manilow didn’t actually write this song—ironically, it was penned by Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys. However, it was Manilow’s soaring vocals and heartfelt delivery that turned it into an unforgettable hit. Released in 1975 as part of his Tryin’ to Get the Feeling album, the song quickly became one of his signature tunes, earning him a Grammy Award and securing its place as a soft rock classic.
At its core, I Write the Songs is a tribute to the power of music itself. It’s not about a single songwriter but rather about music as a force that exists beyond any one person—a gift that moves through artists and touches the hearts of listeners. The lyrics speak of an eternal presence that “was music before the world was born,” giving the song a near-spiritual quality. It’s a bold and ambitious theme, but one that resonated deeply with audiences.
Musically, the song follows the classic Barry Manilow formula: a soft, piano-driven opening that gradually builds into a dramatic, full-orchestra climax. His voice carries the song beautifully, balancing tenderness and grandeur in a way that few artists can. The arrangement, complete with rich harmonies and sweeping instrumentation, feels almost cinematic—perfectly suited for the grand statement the song makes.
When I Write the Songs was released, it soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976, further cementing Manilow’s status as a pop powerhouse. Though some critics initially found the song’s self-referential nature a bit over-the-top, its sincerity won over audiences, making it one of his most enduring hits.
For fans of classic ballads, this song remains a masterpiece. It’s more than just a pop hit—it’s a love letter to the art of songwriting, a reminder of how deeply music shapes our lives. Barry Manilow may not have written the song, but he made it his own, and in doing so, he gave us an anthem that continues to inspire generations.