Barry Manilow – When October Goes

About the song

Few songs capture the bittersweet passage of time quite like “When October Goes,” a deeply poignant ballad by Barry Manilow. Released in 1984 on his album 2:00 AM Paradise Café, the song stands apart from the glossy, orchestrated pop productions that made Manilow a household name in the 1970s and early 1980s. Instead, this track showcases a raw, jazz-influenced sound, highlighting Manilow’s skill as both a vocalist and a masterful interpreter of emotionally resonant lyrics.

A Song Born from an Unfinished Lyric

One of the most touching aspects of “When October Goes” is its backstory. The song was created from an unfinished lyric by the legendary Johnny Mercer, one of the greatest lyricists in American music history. After Mercer’s passing in 1976, his widow, Ginger Mercer, entrusted Barry Manilow with a collection of her late husband’s unused lyrics. Manilow, who had long admired Mercer’s work, was honored to take on the challenge of composing melodies worthy of Mercer’s words.

The result was a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Mercer’s nostalgic, poetic lyrics—which reflect on the changing seasons as a metaphor for love and loss—are beautifully complemented by Manilow’s understated piano-driven arrangement and heartfelt vocal performance.

Themes and Emotional Depth

At its core, “When October Goes” is a song about the inevitable passing of time and the melancholy that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of autumn’s arrival, with falling leaves and cooler winds serving as a reminder of love that once was. Lines like:

“And when October goes, the snow begins to fly…”

convey a sense of longing and quiet resignation, as the narrator reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the sadness of memories that fade with the seasons.

Unlike some of Manilow’s grander, more dramatic ballads, this song is understated in its arrangement, featuring only a delicate piano, subtle strings, and his expressive vocals. The intimacy of the recording makes it feel like a private conversation between the artist and the listener, drawing them into the song’s melancholic beauty.

Musical Composition and Arrangement

Musically, “When October Goes” leans towards jazz balladry, a departure from Manilow’s more pop-oriented style. The minimalist arrangement, dominated by a soft, expressive piano melody, allows the richness of Mercer’s lyrics to take center stage. The song’s structure is simple yet powerful, gradually building in emotional intensity as it progresses.

Manilow’s vocal delivery is particularly moving, as he conveys a sense of wistful remembrance and quiet sorrow. Unlike his more theatrical performances, here he opts for restraint and subtlety, making every note and phrase resonate with authenticity.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Though not one of Barry Manilow’s biggest commercial hits, “When October Goes” has become one of his most beloved and critically acclaimed songs, especially among fans of classic American songwriting. It showcases his ability to transcend pop music trends, delivering a song that feels timeless and deeply human.

For those who appreciate the artistry of songcraft, this track is a perfect example of how lyrics and melody can come together to create something truly moving. By setting Johnny Mercer’s words to music, Manilow ensured that a piece of Mercer’s genius lived on, introducing his work to a new generation of listeners.

Conclusion

“When October Goes” is not just a song about the changing of seasons—it is about the passage of time, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the ache of nostalgia. With its deeply poetic lyrics, restrained yet evocative arrangement, and heartfelt delivery, it remains one of Barry Manilow’s most artistically significant recordings. Whether you hear it as a reflection on lost love, aging, or the inevitable march of time, it is a song that lingers in the heart long after the final notes fade.

Video

Lyrics

And when October goes
The snow begins to fly
Above the smoky roofs
I watch the planes go by

The children running home beneath
A twilight sky
Oh, for the fun of them
When I was one of them

And when October goes
The same old dream appears
And you are in my arms
To share the happy years
I turn my head away to hide
The helpless tears
Oh, how I hate to see October go

And when October goes
The same old dream appears
And you are in my arms
To share the happy years
I turn my head away to hide
The helpless tears
Oh, how I hate to see October go

I should be over it now, I know
It doesn’t matter much how old I grow
I hate to see October go