“Read ‘Em and Weep” is a dynamic, dramatic ballad from Barry Manilow’s impressive catalog.
Released in 1981 as the lead single from Manilow’s album “If I Should Love Again”, “Read ‘Em and Weep” became a major hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song features Manilow’s signature emotive vocal delivery, as he sings of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The lyrics are full of raw, heartfelt passion, with Manilow pleading and bargaining to save the crumbling connection.
Musically, “Read ‘Em and Weep” is a grand, sweeping ballad, built on a foundation of lush, cinematic instrumentation. The piano and strings create a towering, orchestral backdrop that perfectly complements Manilow’s impassioned performance.
One of the standout elements of the track is the dramatic, dynamic structure. The verses build in intensity, leading to a powerhouse of a chorus where Manilow belts out the refrain “read ’em and weep” with tremendous emotion and vocal control.
Thematically, the song explores the agony of a relationship on the verge of ending, the desperate attempts to salvage what’s left, and the eventual acceptance of the heartbreaking truth. Manilow’s lyrics capture the full range of emotions – from denial and bargaining to sorrow and resignation.
“Read ‘Em and Weep” has become one of Manilow’s signature ballads, showcasing his unparalleled ability to convey raw, unfiltered human emotion through his music. The song’s cinematic grandeur and Manilow’s tour-de-force vocal performance have cemented its status as a pop/adult contemporary classic.
Fans and critics alike have praised “Read ‘Em and Weep” as a prime example of Manilow’s songwriting prowess and his skill at crafting timeless, heart-wrenching ballads. It remains a highlight of his extensive discography and a fan favorite in his live shows.
