About the song

There are songs that simply entertain—and then there are songs that define an artist. “I Write the Songs” is one of those rare gems that did both for Barry Manilow. Released in 1975 on his album Tryin’ to Get the Feeling, the song became not just a hit, but a personal anthem. Though it was written by Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys, it’s Barry who gave it life, emotion, and a timeless voice.

At first glance, the title might sound self-referential—like a songwriter claiming his own brilliance—but the truth runs much deeper. The song isn’t really about Barry himself; it’s about music—the spirit, the force, the invisible muse that flows through every artist, every instrument, and every listener. When Barry sings, “I write the songs that make the whole world sing,” it feels like he’s channeling the heart of music itself, not boasting, but reminding us how songs can lift, heal, and connect us all.

Musically, it’s pure 1970s Barry Manilow: grand, emotional, and orchestrated with a cinematic sweep that builds from a gentle piano to a triumphant finale. His delivery is honest and humble, with that familiar Manilow blend of tenderness and strength. There’s something spiritual about it—the kind of song that feels like it was meant to find you at just the right moment in your life.

For those who grew up during the era, hearing “I Write the Songs” again feels like returning to a simpler time when the radio carried hope, when melody was magic, and when Barry Manilow’s voice could make even an ordinary day feel extraordinary. Decades later, it still does. It’s not just a song—it’s a gentle reminder of why we fall in love with music in the first place.

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