About the song
“Copacabana,” the iconic song by Barry Manilow, transcends its origins as a nightclub anecdote to become a timeless narrative of love, loss, and nostalgia. Released in 1978 as part of Manilow’s album ‘Even Now,’ and subsequently featured in the film soundtrack for ‘Foul Play,’ the song quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Inspired by a conversation at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Hotel between Manilow and lyricists Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman, the song sprang from a simple question: had there ever been a song called “Copacabana”? Manilow, familiar with the famed New York nightclub, suggested a narrative-driven song, and thus began the tale of Lola, a showgirl, and Tony, her bartender love interest.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Copacabana nightclub as “the hottest spot north of Havana,” setting the stage in 1948. Lola’s charm and allure, inspired by Lola Falana, captivate the audience with the opening lines, “Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl…” The story unfolds dramatically as Lola’s romance with Tony is tragically cut short by Rico, a wealthy patron who becomes violent. Tony’s untimely death leaves Lola reminiscing three decades later, still in her showgirl attire, haunted by memories of lost youth and love.
Upon its release, “Copacabana” climbed the charts, peaking at number 8 on Billboard’s Top 40 and achieving significant international success. It marked a milestone in Manilow’s career, earning him his first gold single and later, a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1979. The song’s Latin-infused rhythm, complete with congas and vibrant instrumentation, contributed to its distinctive appeal.
Beyond its musical success, “Copacabana” evolved into a larger cultural phenomenon. In 1985, Manilow, Sussman, and Feldman expanded the song into a made-for-television musical, further developing its storyline and adding new songs. This adaptation later flourished into a full-length stage musical, delighting audiences on London’s West End and subsequently touring extensively across the United States and globally, with over 200 productions staged to date.
“Copacabana” endures not only as a classic hit but also as a testament to the power of storytelling in music. Its narrative richness and vibrant melodies continue to resonate, ensuring its place in the pantheon of beloved pop music classics.
Video
Lyrics
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
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 (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) 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 to far
Tony sailed across the bar
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
At the copa (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the copa, she lost her love
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
like in Havana
(Copa, banana)
Music and passion were always in fashion
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl
But that was thirty years ago, when they used to have a show
Now it’s a disco, but not for Lola
Still in 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 (co) Copacabana (Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (here)
At the copa (co) Copacabana
Music and passion were always in fashion
At the copa don’t fall in love
don’t fall in love
(Copacabana)
(Copacabana)