Bermuda Triangle
Barry Manilow
Love and Loss in the Bermuda Triangle
Barry Manilow's song "Bermuda Triangle" uses the infamous region as a metaphor for the unpredictability and volatility of romantic relationships. The Bermuda Triangle, known for its mysterious disappearances, serves as a backdrop for the singer's experiences of love, loss, and unexpected new beginnings. The song begins with a couple planning a vacation, with the woman suggesting Bermuda as their destination. The man, however, is apprehensive, humorously warning her about the Bermuda Triangle's reputation for making people disappear.
As the couple arrives in Bermuda, the man's fears seem to come true in a metaphorical sense. He witnesses his partner becoming enamored with another man, leading to her emotional disappearance from his life. This part of the song highlights the theme of betrayal and the sudden, painful loss of a loved one. The Bermuda Triangle here symbolizes the unpredictable nature of relationships, where one can lose a partner without warning.
However, the song takes a turn towards optimism as the man, now lonely, meets a new woman who quickly becomes his companion. This new relationship mirrors the earlier one, but with roles reversed, suggesting a cyclical nature of love and loss. The Bermuda Triangle, initially a symbol of fear and loss, transforms into a place of new beginnings and unexpected joy. Manilow's playful yet poignant lyrics remind listeners that while relationships can be fraught with unexpected challenges, they can also bring surprising and delightful new opportunities.