About the song
Barry Manilow’s “I Write the Songs” is one of the singer’s most iconic tracks, even though the song’s title might lead some to think he wrote it himself. Interestingly, the song was penned by Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys, not Manilow. It was first recorded by Captain & Tennille in 1975, but it was Manilow’s version, released in 1975 on his album “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling”, that brought the song to worldwide attention.
“I Write the Songs” is often misinterpreted as being about Manilow himself, but Johnston actually wrote it as a tribute to the universal source of music, rather than any one individual. The lyrics speak to the idea of music being a timeless force that transcends human limitations, something almost divine in its ability to inspire and move people. Manilow’s soaring delivery and lush arrangement made the song a perfect fit for his style.
The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976 and earning Manilow a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and has since become a staple of his live performances. “I Write the Songs” is a powerful anthem about the magic of music itself, and it’s no wonder that it remains one of Manilow’s most beloved songs. Its timeless message about the power of creativity continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.