About the song

Barry Manilow’s “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again” is a quintessential journey into the vulnerability, longing, and emotional intensity that define so much of his work. Released in 1975 on the album “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling”, this song embodies the delicate balance between heartbreak and hope, exploring the universal experience of trying to recapture a love or emotion that has slipped through one’s fingers. Manilow’s genius lies in his ability to turn deeply personal feelings into melodies that feel intimately familiar, as though he’s singing directly to your own memories.

The song opens softly, immediately inviting the listener into a reflective space. Gentle piano notes lay the groundwork for Manilow’s emotive voice, rich with warmth and subtle tremor, conveying the longing of someone striving to reconnect with a feeling that once brought joy, passion, and connection. His phrasing is deliberate, tender, and nuanced, allowing every syllable to carry weight. You can almost feel the hesitation, the yearning, and the quiet desperation behind the lyrics.

Musically, the arrangement is elegant yet understated. Strings swell at just the right moments, underscoring the crescendos of emotional intensity, while the piano and subtle percussion maintain a steady, introspective rhythm. The song’s structure mirrors the emotional arc of the story: the slow build toward hope, the moments of doubt, and the eventual, cathartic release as the singer attempts to reclaim what was lost.

Barry Manilow was known for his ability to turn vulnerability into art, and “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again” is a perfect example. It’s not just a song about love or heartbreak; it’s about the human pursuit of emotion, memory, and connection. Listeners are reminded that feelings, once profound, can be rediscovered with patience, honesty, and self-reflection. Decades later, the song remains timeless, a testament to Manilow’s gift for making personal experiences resonate universally.

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