Barry Manilow - Can't Smile Without You (Live from The First BBC Special, 1978)

Barry Manilow performs "Can't Smile Without You" live, taken from The First BBC Special in 1978.

The year is 1978. In the US, Barry Manilow is on top of the pop charts.

Even Now featuring the hit singles “Even Now", “Can’t Smile Without You”, “Copacabana", and “Somewhere In The Night” is released.

The Second Barry Manilow Special airs on ABC. Barry Manilow In Concert is released as the first big musical special on HBO.

Across the pond in the UK, however, Barry is still a relative unknown. But the buzz is growing.

He’s booked for his first shows in the UK…two nights at the London Palladium. Those two nights sell out and four more nights are added. Those four nights sell out.

British impresario Robert Patterson and his young assistant, Andrew Miller decide to roll the dice.

They call the BBC.

They book Manilow at the Royal Albert Hall and turn his concert into a two part TV special.

So begins a beautiful love affair between Manilow and his British fans.

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LYRICS:

[Chorus]
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

[Verse]
You came along just like a song
And brightened my day
Who'd have believed that you were part of a dream?
Now it all seems light-years away

[Chorus]
And now you know I can't smile without you (No 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

[Bridge]
Now some people say happiness takes so very long to find
Well, I'm finding it hard leaving your love behind me

[Chorus]
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) I feel sad when you're sad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile without you

[Outro]
(Can't smile without you
Can't smile without you
Can't laugh and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything)

#BarryManilow #FanilowFriday

[michaelmorin]

God, this takes me way back. They just don't make "feel good"music like this anymore. Thank you Barry.

[NormaSueliCaffonso]

THANKS BARRY MANILOW. YOU ARE WONDERFUL !!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
MY FAVORITE SINGER 🎤🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶

[GeorgeFistoot]

Cant smile without you in Sept 2024 ! Who’s diggin this

[betsybasile-nd]

Barry....This favorite fun song of almost everyone is just very sweet. I still believe that most of the world would recognize this tune. I love it, B.

[pauldodson]

My wife is in hospital and I heard this song on the way to see her, I realised how true this song is, thanks Barry. 😢

[OldMonster]

The magic in Barry Manilow’s music is out of time. It makes you dream of worlds and memories never experienced and yet so well known to you, nostalgia, hope and commotion. At least, that’s what inspires me.

[noideaaboutlife]

No auto tune no over priced instruments or recorded audio pure talent 🎉

[fobxxl]

If you can't relate to this song, then you haven't loved, or lived ! Thanks Barry.

[betsybasile-nd]

I have not seen this video for a couple of months, but tonight, Barry I found it and you have that great blue sparkling shirt on, but I was laughing because it is the ONE thing that neither you or I can do and that is to whistle. Barry....This song is so popular around the world, maybe even as popular as Copacabana. Love you always and this Basile

[hectorrivera]

Much respect to Mr Manilow. A true legend and still going strong. Good health to you and your hubby.

[michele]

Can't listen to this song WITHOUT singing along. Anyone else?

[claudiocorleone]

Ahhhh the 70’s ! The hair the clothes what a world back then! Ali, Elvis, evil Knievel, McQueen, etc …..

[susancash]

My son and I love song.when I hear this have so many memories of the many concerts.this will always remind me of him.Thanks Barry we Love you.❤❤❤❤❤

[michaelamery]

I'm 52 and was singing and crying at tge same time r I.p barry

[arnolddalby]

I remember Barry Manilow was very funny in the late 1970's and early 1980's on TV. We all sang along to Barry Manilow as we had the vinyl records playing every dinner time. Hahaha.

[theextraordinaryworldofzei]

the quirky walk, the quirky face and memorable songs have made this man, one of a kind - brilliant!

[lauraknoff]

I agree I can't listen to this song without singing along

[joangentile]

Love Barry Manilow!! He has one of the best voices ever!! I have been a fan since 1973. Love his music!! 💖💖💖

[toniebrowning]

Barry always knows people's true feelings and today he hit exact how I feel. Thanks for picking up my feelings with that smile now in my heart.

[susanmcavoy]

I love Barry, he is such a great entertainer not only in his excellent singing but how he relates to his audience. I always get a happy feeling when he sings upbeat songs, and sad when he sings melancholy songs.