About the song
“Somewhere Down the Road” by Barry Manilow is a heartfelt ballad that captures the emotional complexity of love, loss, and hope. Released in 1981 as part of his album If I Should Love Again, this song stands out as one of Manilow’s most poignant and reflective pieces. Known for his ability to connect deeply with listeners through his storytelling and expressive vocal delivery, Manilow delivers a timeless performance with “Somewhere Down the Road”, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet reality of parting ways with someone they deeply care about.
The meaning of the song revolves around the idea that relationships, even those that end, carry a sense of destiny. The lyrics suggest that even if two people are separated, their paths might cross again in the future, as if fate has a greater plan for them. Lines such as “We had the right love at the wrong time” encapsulate the sentiment of a love that was true but unable to flourish in the present moment. The song combines heartbreak with optimism, offering comfort in the belief that love doesn’t truly fade—it transforms and may find its way back when the time is right.
From a musical standpoint, “Somewhere Down the Road” is a classic Barry Manilow composition, blending soft piano, rich orchestration, and his emotive voice to create a deeply moving experience. The arrangement builds gradually, mirroring the emotional journey of the lyrics, from sadness to a sense of peace and hope. It’s a masterclass in how music can evoke profound feelings, a testament to Manilow’s skill as both a performer and a songwriter.
Socially, the song reflects the universal experience of heartbreak and the enduring hope that love can be rekindled. During the early 1980s, themes of love and loss were central to popular music, and Manilow’s ability to convey these emotions with sincerity and vulnerability made him a favorite among fans. “Somewhere Down the Road” not only struck a chord with listeners but also became a popular choice at weddings, farewells, and moments of reflection, showing its enduring appeal across generations.
Though it wasn’t one of Manilow’s biggest commercial hits compared to tracks like “Mandy” or “Copacabana”, “Somewhere Down the Road” holds a special place in his repertoire. It exemplifies his gift for creating music that comforts and inspires, and it remains a beloved ballad for those navigating the complexities of love and loss. The song’s hopeful message—that the end of one chapter doesn’t mean the story is over—continues to resonate, making it a timeless classic in Manilow’s catalog.
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Lyrics
We had the right love at the wrong timeGuess I always knew insideI wouldn’t have you for a long timeThose dreams of yours are shining on distant shoresAnd if they’re calling you awayI have no right to make you stayBut somewhere down the roadOur roads are gonna cross againIt doesn’t really matter whenBut somewhere down the roadI know that heart of yours will come to seeThat you belong with meSometimes goodbyes are not foreverIt doesn’t matter if you’re goneI still believe in us togetherI understand more than you think I canYou have to go out on your ownSo you can find your way back homeBut somewhere down the roadOur roads are gonna cross againIt doesn’t really matter whenBut somewhere down the roadI know that heart of yours will come to seeThat you belong with meLetting go is just another way to sayI’ll always love you soWe had the right love at the wrong timeMaybe we’ve only just begunMaybe the best is yet to come‘Cause somewhere down the roadOur roads are gonna cross againIt doesn’t really matter whenBut somewhere down the roadI know that heart of yours will come to seeThat you belong with me