I cannot imagine that I was the only Brit of a certain age who, on seeing that this week’s Song Lyric Sunday challenge required a song that incorporated whistling, immediately thought ‘Roger Whittaker’. You can look him up if you like, but it’s not my thing at all.
Nor, in normal circumstances, is Barry Manilow. As a general rule, I steer well clear of schmaltz, but I did remember that this song begins with some whistling, and although it’s rather cloying for my taste it’s a good tune within that genre.
You know I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you’re sad
I feel glad when you’re glad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile without you
You came along just like a song
And brightened my day
Who would have believed that you were part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away
And now you know I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you’re sad
I feel glad when you’re glad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile
Now some people say happiness takes so very long to find
Well, I’m finding it hard leaving your love behind me
And you see I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel glad when you’re glad
I feel sad when you’re sad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile without you
Written by Chris Arnold, David Martin and Geoff Morrow
Not a huge fan of Barry Manilow but how can someone not like this song? Great choice!
I agree – and I think that βI Write The Songsβ is even better (but no whistling!)
I never did a Barry Manilow post, but he does have some really great songs. Thanks for sharing this.
I have a lot of respect for Barry. He just keeps plugging along…
A Manilow classic. Nice choice!