About the song

There’s a quiet ache running through “Once Before I Go” — the kind that settles deep in your chest long after the last note fades away. Barry Manilow wrote this song not just as a farewell, but as a moment of gratitude — a heartfelt goodbye that acknowledges love, friendship, and the bittersweet beauty of endings.

Released in 1981 on his Barry album, “Once Before I Go” feels like a letter written from the heart of a performer who has given everything to his audience. It’s not loud or grandiose; it’s gentle, introspective, and achingly honest. The piano opens softly, almost like a whisper, before Manilow’s voice — tender yet strong — carries the story forward. You can hear both the pride and the pain in every line: the pride of a man who has lived his dreams, and the pain of knowing every chapter must eventually close.

Manilow was always more than a pop singer — he was a storyteller. And here, he tells the story of leaving with grace. There’s no regret in his tone, only thankfulness. It’s the kind of song that reminds you of goodbyes that still linger — the ones that made you who you are.

Listening to “Once Before I Go” feels like standing under the soft lights of a theater after the curtain falls. The applause has quieted, but the memory remains. It’s a reflection of Manilow’s artistry — emotional without excess, heartfelt without being sentimental.

For fans who grew up with his music, this song holds a special place. It’s a reminder that every ending can still be beautiful — that sometimes, love means knowing when to let go, but never forgetting what was shared.

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