About the song
“Even Now” by Barry Manilow is one of the most poignant and emotionally charged ballads in his extensive catalog. Released in 1978 as the title track of his album Even Now, the song showcases Manilow’s signature ability to blend lush orchestration with deeply personal and heartfelt lyrics. It remains one of his most beloved works, resonating with listeners who have experienced the lingering pain of lost love.
Release and Album
“Even Now” was released in February 1978 as part of Barry Manilow’s fifth studio album, Even Now. The album itself was a massive success, producing multiple hits such as “Copacabana (At the Copa),” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Somewhere in the Night.” It cemented Manilow’s status as one of the most successful pop balladeers of the era. The song was also released as a single and reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, further proving its wide appeal.
Meaning and Emotional Impact
At its core, “Even Now” is a song about unresolved heartbreak and the haunting presence of a past love. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has seemingly moved on with his life—he has a new home, a new relationship, and responsibilities—but despite all of that, his thoughts continue to drift back to a lost love. Even though time has passed, the emotional wounds remain fresh, and he still finds himself longing for the one who got away.
Lines like “Even now when there’s someone else who cares / When there’s someone home who’s waiting just for me” capture the inner turmoil of a person who is physically present in a new relationship but emotionally trapped in the past. The song’s theme is universal, as nearly everyone has experienced lingering feelings for someone they once loved, no matter how much they try to move forward.
Musically, “Even Now” is a masterclass in Barry Manilow’s signature style of emotional balladry. The song starts softly, with Manilow’s tender vocal delivery accompanied by a simple piano arrangement. As the song progresses, it builds into a soaring, dramatic crescendo with swelling orchestration, evoking the intensity of the narrator’s emotions. The crescendo mirrors the build-up of suppressed feelings, making the song incredibly effective at drawing listeners into its emotional core.
Social and Cultural Impact
“Even Now” has remained a fan favorite throughout Barry Manilow’s career, frequently performed at his concerts and consistently striking a chord with audiences. The song resonates with listeners of all generations, as its theme of lost love is timeless. It also became a staple of Adult Contemporary radio, a genre in which Manilow was one of the leading artists throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Over the years, “Even Now” has been covered and performed by various artists, a testament to its enduring impact. It has also been referenced in films, television shows, and romantic playlists, further solidifying its place in pop music history.
Conclusion
“Even Now” stands as one of Barry Manilow’s most emotionally profound songs. With its heartfelt lyrics, soaring orchestration, and deeply relatable message, it remains a defining ballad of the late 1970s. Its ability to capture the pain of lingering love and emotional nostalgia ensures that it continues to touch listeners, even decades after its release. For anyone who has ever found themselves haunted by memories of a lost love, “Even Now” is a song that speaks directly to the heart.
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Lyrics
Even nowWhen there’s someone else who caresWhen there’s someone home who’s waiting just for meEven now I think about you as I’m climbin’ up the stairsAnd I wonder what to do so she won’t seeThat even nowWhen I know it wasn’t rightAnd I found a better life than what we hadEven now I wake up cryin’ in the middle of the nightAnd I can’t believe it still could hurt so badEven now when I have come so farI wonder where you areI wonder why it’s still so hard without youEven now when I come shinin’ throughI swear I think of you, and how I wish you knewEven nowEven nowWhen I never hear your nameAnd the world has changed so much since you’ve been goneEven now I still remember and the feeling’s still the sameAnd this pain inside of me goes on and onEven nowEven now when I have come so farI wonder where you areI wonder why it’s still so hard without youEven now when I come shinin’ throughI swear I think of you, and God, I wish you knewSomehowEven now