Barry Manilow – Copacabana (At the Copa) – 1978

About the song

Barry Manilow, often referred to as the “King of Disco,” has a vast repertoire of hits that have stood the test of time. Among his most enduring songs is “Copacabana (At the Copa),” a vibrant, upbeat number that encapsulates the glamour and excitement of the 1940s nightclub scene.

Released in 1978 as the title track from his album of the same name, “Copacabana” immediately captured the public’s imagination with its infectious melody and catchy lyrics. The song tells the fictional story of a young man, Ricardo, who falls in love with a showgirl named Lola at the legendary Copacabana nightclub in New York City. Their romance is tragically cut short when Ricardo is mistakenly believed to be a rival gangster.

The song’s nostalgic appeal lies in its vivid portrayal of a bygone era. Manilow’s smooth vocals and the lush orchestral arrangements transport listeners back to a time of glitz, glamour, and big-band music. The lyrics paint a picture of a world filled with dreams, aspirations, and the allure of the unknown.

The chorus, with its iconic lines “At the Copa, Copa, Copa, at the Copa, I fell in love with Lola,” has become synonymous with the song itself. It’s a simple yet powerful phrase that evokes a sense of longing and romance. The song’s popularity was further fueled by its catchy hook, energetic tempo, and Manilow’s charismatic performance.

“Copacabana” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of disco and pop music. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its timeless theme of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. The song’s ability to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of nostalgia has ensured its place in the hearts of music fans for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

Her name was Lola
She was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair
And a dress cut down to lay

She would merengue
And do the cha-cha
And while she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar

Across the crowded floor
They worked from eight ’til four
They were young and they had each other
Who could ask for more?

At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa
They fell in love (Copa, Copacabana)

His name was Rico
He wore a diamond
He was escorted to his chair
He saw Lola dancing there
And when she finished, he called her over

But Rico went a bit too far
Tony sailed across the bar
And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gunshot
But just who shot who?

At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa
She lost her love (her love Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
Music and passion, always in fashion

Her name is Lola
She was a showgirl
But that was 30 years ago
When they used to have a show
Now it’s a disco, but not for Lola
Still in the dress she used to wear
Faded feathers in her hair

She sits there so refined
And drinks herself half-blind
She lost her youth, and she lost her Tony
Now she’s lost her mind

At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the Copa (Copa), Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa
Don’t fall in love (Copa)

Don’t fall in love (Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)