Read 'Em And Weep

Barry Manilow's 'Read 'Em And Weep' is a poignant exploration of the end of a relationship, filled with raw emotion and a sense of unresolved longing. The song captures the struggle of trying to articulate the pain and confusion that comes with a breakup. Manilow's lyrics convey a deep sense of loss and the difficulty of finding the right words to express the complex emotions involved. The imagery of an actor making an exit at the end of a play suggests a dramatic and final end, yet the protagonist is left grappling with the aftermath, trying to make sense of it all.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'read 'em and weep,' emphasizes the idea that the true feelings are visible in the eyes, even if they can't be spoken aloud. This line suggests that the eyes are a window to the soul, revealing the silent, angry, and deep emotions that words fail to capture. The song's verses further delve into the sense of emptiness and the hollowed-out dreams that follow the end of a once-promising relationship. The metaphor of exhausted guns and blank bullets underscores the futility and finality of the situation, where all efforts to salvage the relationship have been in vain.

Manilow's delivery of the song adds another layer of depth, as his voice carries the weight of the sorrow and frustration described in the lyrics. The song reflects on the promises broken, the dreams ignored, and the magic lost, painting a vivid picture of the emotional landscape of a breakup. The repeated imagery of empty rooms and dark candles reinforces the sense of desolation and the end of an era. Ultimately, 'Read 'Em And Weep' is a heartfelt lament for what once was and a plea for understanding and recognition of the pain that remains.