About the song
“Brandy,” later rechristened “Mandy,” is a timeless ballad that has captured hearts and dominated charts for decades. Penned by the talented duo of Scott English and Richard Kerr, the song initially found its voice in English’s 1971 recording, garnering moderate success in the UK. However, it was destined for a much grander stage.
New Zealand singer Bunny Walters offered a rendition in 1972, but it was Barry Manilow’s 1974 interpretation that truly catapulted the song into the stratosphere. Recognizing the potential confusion with Looking Glass’s hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” Manilow wisely renamed the track “Mandy.” The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the song ascended to the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Manilow’s first number-one hit and a gold-certified sensation.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “Mandy” is a testament to the power of arrangement and performance. Joe Renzetti’s lush orchestration and Manilow’s soulful vocals transformed the song into a romantic masterpiece. Critics lauded the track, praising its classic love song structure and Manilow’s piano prowess.
The enduring appeal of “Mandy” is evident in its continued popularity and numerous covers. From its humble beginnings as “Brandy” to its iconic status as “Mandy,” the song has transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music.
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Lyrics
I remember all my life
Raining down as cold as ice
Shadows of a man
A face through a window
Crying in the night
The night goes into
Morning, just another day
Happy people pass my way
Looking in their eyes
I see a memory
I never realized
How happy you made me
Oh, Mandy
Well, you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Mandy
Well, you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today
Oh, Mandy
I’m standing on the edge of time
I’ve walked away when love was mine
Caught up in a world of uphill climbing
The tears are in my mind
And nothing is rhyming
Oh, Mandy
Well, you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Mandy
Well, you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today
Oh, Mandy
Yesterday’s a dream
I face the morning
Crying on a breeze
The pain is calling
Oh, Mandy
Well, you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Mandy
Well, you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today
Oh, Mandy
You came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Mandy
You kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you