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“Ships” is a poignant ballad performed by Barry Manilow, renowned for its deeply introspective lyrics and emotive melody that grips listeners’ hearts.
Release Date: 1979
Background and Inspiration
The song “Ships” was originally written by Ian Hunter, the charismatic lead singer of the rock band Mott the Hoople. It first appeared on his 1979 album titled You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic. Intriguingly, Barry Manilow covered this track in the very same year for his album One Voice. This decision brought a profound, soft ballad into the limelight of mainstream audiences.
Ian Hunter conceived the song as a reflective narrative delving into his complicated relationship with his father. The themes woven into the song carry weighty notions of distance, the hope for reconciliation, and the inescapable passage of time that often alters human connections.
Lyrics Overview
The powerful lyrics of “Ships” express a deep longing to reconnect with a cherished loved one following long periods of separation. The evocative imagery draws a striking parallel with ships passing in the night—symbolizing the often missed and fleeting chances to truly engage and bridge the gaps between people.
“This song captures the poignant silence and distance many feel but rarely express,” shared Mary Collins, a longtime fan who found solace in the song during a difficult period.
Music historian John Roberts noted, “Barry Manilow’s rendition brought a fresh emotional depth that touched audiences beyond the rock base familiar with Hunter’s original.”