Looks Like We Made It
Barry Manilow
The Bittersweet Reunion of Past Lovers
Barry Manilow's song "Looks Like We Made It" is a poignant reflection on past love and the complex emotions that arise when former lovers cross paths again. The lyrics convey a narrative where two people, once deeply in love, have moved on to other relationships. However, the encounter stirs up old feelings, suggesting that their emotional connection remains strong despite the passage of time.
The song opens with a vivid description of the moment the narrator sees their former lover, which immediately brings back memories and feelings. The rhetorical question posed about whether their current partners are loved as much as they loved each other highlights the lingering doubts and unresolved emotions. The chorus, with its repeated line "Looks like we made it," is both a celebration of having moved on and a hint of irony, as the presence of the former lover challenges the narrator's sense of closure.
The emotional complexity of the song is further explored through the metaphor of love as a game of hide and seek, suggesting that love can be elusive and often painful. The narrator contemplates the possibility of rekindling the old flame, questioning whether they could ever truly let go. The repetition of the phrase "Looks like we made it" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the journey they've been through and the bittersweet realization that their love has endured in some form, despite the separate paths they've taken.