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Copacabana — Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” is a fine example of a songwriting style I really like…telling a complete story in just three minutes.
“Copacabana” is a fine example of many other things too…it’s certainly high-kitsch, has a fabulous brass section, lush backing singers, and it’s produced to within an inch of its life.
But they’re all bonuses. “Copacabana” is really all about the story. We all know what we’re in for when we hear…
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
And, like a great book we’re read dozens of times before, even though we already know the ending, we stick around to enjoy the mastery with which Barry Manilow tells his story.
For an act who doesn’t always get the critical acclaim I think he deserves, I’m delighted Barry Manilow won a Grammy for his performance with “Copacabana”. He really is a treasure.
What I didn’t realise until recently was that the Copacabana was a real place. It was a top New York night spot from the 1940s through to the 1970s, when it became a disco…yes, I know you’re already ahead of me here…sounds a little familiar, right…?
But at it’s heart, “Copacabana” is a love story, albeit it one wrapped up in a Shakespearean tragedy…
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
And while she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar
Across the crowded floor, they worked from eight till four
They were young and they had each other
Who could want for more?
Well, one thing Lola and Tony might have wanted for was a stronger policy against allowing hoodlums into the club they worked at. Although that was probably easier said than done in “the hottest spot north of Havana”.
Rico must have been pretty important in the underworld. He wore a diamond and was escorted to his chair rather than being left to fend for himself.
And he was clearly someone who wasn’t used to being told “no” or having to check his behaviour. He was used to getting away with anything and felt no compunction to act like a decent human being.
