Looks Like We Made It | Barry Manilow | Lyrics | Music

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"Looks Like We Made It" is a song by American singer Barry Manilow, from his 1976 album This One's for You, composed by Richard Kerr with lyrics by Will Jennings. The single was released April 20, 1977.

The song was first released in 1976 on Barry Manilow's album This One's for You, and was issued as a single in 1977 where it reached the number one spot on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart. It is ranked as the 37th greatest U.S. hit of 1977. It became Manilow's third of five gold records, and his third and final Billboard number one hit.

Despite the optimism suggested by the song's title, the narrator is actually ruminating on the fact that he and his ex-lover have finally found happiness and fulfillment—though not with each other. They have, indeed, "made it," but apart, not together. Songwriter Will Jennings commented,

Richard [Kerr] and I have often remarked on the people, millions of them in the world, who misunderstood the lyric of "Looks Like We Made It." It is a rather sad and ironic lyric about making it apart and not together, and of course everyone thinks it is a full on, positive statement. I don't know. Perhaps it is... in a way.

Cash Box called it "a stately ballad with a sad story," saying that it "reverberates with a gargantuan choir that pushes to a towering, dynamic finale."

The song was featured in the 1996 Friends season 2 episode "The One After the Superbowl". The song subsequently featured in a 2012 Super Bowl commercial for Chevrolet.

🌟 Trivia & Fun Facts
Not About a Happy Ending

Despite the title sounding optimistic, the song is not about a couple staying together. It’s actually about ex-lovers who have moved on with other people and are reminiscing about the past.

#1 Hit

The song became Barry Manilow’s third number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1977.

Lyrical Irony

The phrase "Looks like we made it" is ironic—the characters "made it" in life or love, but not with each other. It’s a bittersweet twist that fans often overlook at first.

Written by Hitmakers

Lyricist Will Jennings also wrote lyrics for major hits like My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) and Up Where We Belong (Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes).

Popular Misunderstanding

Many listeners initially interpret the song as celebrating lasting love, only to realize later that it's about moving on from love.

Still a Staple

The song remains a staple in Barry Manilow’s concert setlists, often greeted with cheers even though it has a melancholic message.

Used in Pop Culture

Looks Like We Made It has been featured in TV shows and movies, usually in moments of reflection or emotional turning points.

Covered by Others

Several artists have covered or sampled the song over the years, highlighting its timeless melody and emotional complexity.

Piano-Driven Arrangement

True to Manilow’s style, the song has a strong piano foundation and builds with lush strings and vocal harmonies.

Manilow’s Reflections

Barry Manilow has mentioned in interviews that he didn’t write the song but connected deeply with it and its emotional storytelling.



🎤 Barry Manilow – Lead Vocals, Piano
As both the performer and a trained musician, Manilow played a central role in the arrangement and interpretation of the song.

🎙️ Ron Dante – Producer, Background Vocals
Also known for producing The Archies’ Sugar, Sugar, Ron Dante was a longtime producer and collaborator with Manilow.

🎶 Richard Kerr – Composer (Music)
British songwriter who composed the melody. He also co-wrote hits like Mandy and Somewhere in the Night.

✍️ Will Jennings – Lyricist
Acclaimed lyricist, known for writing lyrics to songs like My Heart Will Go On and Tears in Heaven.

🎸 Artie Kaplan – Woodwinds/Saxophone (frequent contributor to Manilow's albums)
Though not confirmed track-by-track, Kaplan was a regular contributor and may have played on this recording.

🎺 The Sid Sharp Strings – String Section
Frequently used for orchestral arrangements on Manilow's records during the 1970s.

🎧 Lee Holdridge – Orchestral Arranger (frequent collaborator)
Worked on multiple Manilow tracks, possibly responsible for the lush strings on this track.

🥁 Session Musicians (L.A. or N.Y. studio players)
Though not all names are documented, many top-tier 1970s session musicians played on Manilow albums, including:

Steve Gadd or Ronnie Zito – Drums (Zito often worked with Manilow)

Will Lee – Bass

Hugh McCracken – Guitar