About the song
Barry Manilow: A Touch of Humor with “Read ‘Em and Weep”
Barry Manilow, renowned for his romantic ballads and soulful melodies, also possessed a playful side that often found its way into his music. “Read ‘Em and Weep” is a prime example of his ability to blend humor and heartfelt emotion into a catchy pop tune. Released in 1983, this song became a beloved favorite for fans of all ages.
With its upbeat tempo and witty lyrics, “Read ‘Em and Weep” immediately captures the listener’s attention. Manilow’s charismatic delivery adds to the song’s charm, making it both entertaining and relatable. The lyrics, written by Marvin Hamlisch and Alan Bergman, paint a humorous picture of a love gone sour. The protagonist recounts a series of unfortunate events, each more comical than the last, all leading to the ultimate heartbreak.
The song’s chorus, with its catchy refrain of “Read ’em and weep,” serves as a playful commentary on the trials and tribulations of love. It suggests that sometimes, the best way to deal with heartbreak is to laugh it off. Manilow’s energetic performance brings the song to life, making it a joyful and uplifting experience.
The musical arrangement of “Read ‘Em and Weep” is equally impressive. The combination of brass, strings, and percussion creates a vibrant and infectious sound. The song’s bridge features a delightful musical interlude, adding a touch of unexpected fun to the composition.
“Read ‘Em and Weep” has stood the test of time, remaining a popular choice for fans of Barry Manilow and those seeking a lighthearted and entertaining listening experience. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke laughter and nostalgia, reminding us that even in the face of heartbreak, humor can be a powerful antidote.
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Lyrics
I’ve been tryin for hour just to think of what exactly to say
I thought I leave you with a letter or a fiery speech
Like when an actor makes an exit at the end of a play
And I’ve been dying for hours trying to fill up all the holes with some sense
I like to know why you gave up and threw it away
I like to give you all the reasons and what everything meant
Well, I can tell you goodbye or maybe see you around
With just a touch of sarcastic thanks
We started out with a bang
And at the top of the world
Now the guns are exhausted
And the bullets are blanks
And everything’s blank
If I could only find the words
Then I would write it all down
If I could only find the voice
I would speak
Oh its there in my eyes
Oh can’t you see me tonight
Come on and look at me
And read ’em and weep
If I could only find the words
Then I would write it all down
If I could only find the voice
I would speak
Oh its there in my eyes
Oh can’t you see me tonight
Come on and look at me
And read ’em and weep
I’ve been whispering softly
Trying to build a cry up to a scream
We let the past slip away
And put the future on hold
Now the present is nothing but a hollowed out dream
And I’ve been dreaming forever
Hoping something would eventually come
I saw your eyes in the dark
I felt your kiss on my lips
I traced your body in the air
‘Til the bodies were numb
Well, I could tell you goodbye
Or maybe see you around
With just a touch of a sarcastic thanks
But now the rooms are all empty
The candles are dark
The guns are exhausted
And the bullets are blank
And everything is blank
Oh it’s there in my eyes
And coming straight from my heart
It’s running silent and angry and deep
Oh it’s there in my eyes
And it’s all I can say
Come on and look at me
And read ’em and weep