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…
