About the song

There’s something deeply poignant about Barry Manilow’s “Once Before I Go.” It’s not just a farewell song — it’s a quiet, heartfelt goodbye wrapped in gratitude, nostalgia, and that unmistakable tenderness only Manilow can deliver. The song feels like standing at the end of a long, winding road, looking back on every moment that made the journey worthwhile. It’s about knowing that endings are inevitable, but wanting to leave behind a memory — something honest, something beautiful, something real.

Released during a period when Manilow’s music had already become a comforting presence in the lives of millions, “Once Before I Go” captures a sense of emotional maturity that few artists could convey with such warmth. His voice, always rich and full of feeling, carries a gentle ache in every line — as if he’s singing directly to an old friend, a lover, or perhaps to the audience that has stood by him through the years.

The arrangement is classic Manilow: elegant piano lines, soft orchestration, and a melody that rises and falls like a last conversation before parting. There’s no grand drama here, no explosive climax — just quiet reflection, a deep breath before the curtain falls. It’s a song that makes you pause, maybe even close your eyes, and think about the people who shaped your own story.

For those who grew up with Manilow’s songs playing through the radio or spinning on vinyl, “Once Before I Go” feels like a message sent directly from the past — reminding us of the power of sincerity in music. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just play in the background; it lingers in the air long after it ends. And in that lingering silence, you feel both the ache of goodbye and the comfort of love remembered.

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