“When October Goes” is one of Barry Manilow’s most hauntingly beautiful songs, featured on his 1984 album “2:00 AM Paradise Cafe.” The song is particularly special because it uses lyrics written by Johnny Mercer, a legendary lyricist who passed away in 1976. Manilow was given the lyrics by Mercer’s widow and composed the music to accompany them.
Background and Theme
“When October Goes” captures the melancholy and nostalgia associated with the end of autumn. The song’s lyrics reflect on the passage of time, the changing seasons, and the bittersweet memories of love. Manilow’s composition complements Mercer’s evocative lyrics, creating a timeless and emotional piece.
Lyrics
And when October goesThe snow begins to flyAbove the smoky roofsI watch the planes go by
The children running home beneathA twilight skyOh, for the fun of themWhen I was one of them
And when October goesThe same old dream appearsAnd you are in my armsTo share the happy yearsI turn my head away to hideThe helpless tearsOh, how I hate to see October go
And when October goesThe same old dream appearsAnd you are in my armsTo share the happy yearsI turn my head away to hideThe helpless tearsOh, how I hate to see October go
I should be over it now, I knowIt doesn’t matter much how old I growI hate to see October go
