Meaning of “Mandy” by Barry Manilow
“Mandy” is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow. Contrary to popular belief, the lyrics of Mandy aren’t about a dog Manilow once owned. According to the host of the Voice of America’s program “Border Crossings” Larry London, in an interview he had with Manilow, the singer told him personally that song was written for his beagle. It is worth noting that Manilow’s fans are officially called Beagle Bagels. According to London, Manilow told him the song’s title “Mandy” was the name of his dog.
Facts about “Mandy”
- Manilow didn’t write the song. It was written by songwriters Scott English and Richard Kerr.
- The song was originally titled “Brandy” and released in 1971 by singer Scott English, who co-wrote the song. According to English, the song was inspired by his life.
- The song was later released in 1972 by singer Bunny Walters under the same title “Brandy”.
- On October 7, 1974, Manilow released his version of the song under the title “Mandy”. Manilow’s version went on to become the best known version of the song.
- “Mandy” was the first song of Manilow’s solo career to hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK Singles Chart, the song peaked at number 11.
- Manilow decided to release his version of the song under a different title (“Mandy”) in order to avoid listeners confusing the song with another hit song titled “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by the American pop group Looking Glass.
- In Manilow’s version, some lines from the original version of the song are omitted. According to English, who co-wrote the song, he initially hated what Manilow did to his song, but later began to like Manilow’s version because it made him a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Brandy/Mandy
Q: Besides Barry Manilow, which other famous artists have covered this song?
A: Following its first release in 1971, the song has been covered by such artists as Bunny Walters, Barry Manilow, Westlife, Richard Clayderman, Bradley Joseph and Clay Aiken.
Q: How did the urban legend regarding the song being about a dog start?
A: According to Scott English, who co-wrote the song, the story about the dog began when an annoying reporter woke him up with a phone call in the middle of the night wanting to find out who the woman “Brandy” really was. According to English he was so furious with the reporter that just made up the story about “Brandy” being a dog in order to get rid of the reporter so he could continue with his sleep. So that’s basically how the dog story started.
Q: What are some of the television series and films that song has appeared in?
A: Some of the notable TV shows that this song has been used in include “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons”. In the former it was used in the episode “Back to the Woods”.
I can almost remember the day I heard this song, not only did I cry but I also fell in love with it. I was born February 11 1977 and named Mandy so that being said I think it’s the best song ever. Thank You, Barry Manilow
Hey Mandy I was born February 11 but it was 1970
Mandy, that’s an incredibly beautiful story that you’ve just shared with us. “Mandy” is without a shadow of doubt one of the most beautiful songs ever written!
My sister was named after this song and it was one of the first songs i learned to play on the piano but i could never get the cords down because i was like 5 so i would just play 8t one handed. It’s the only song i still have trouble with the cords only because i have been playing it inter handed for 20+ years. I don’t have a piano now but i could have an organ if i could get it to my second floor apartment. Maybe i could we me a hot that would make me some money lol.
Write me a hit*
Sounds like ur parents effed to this song.lol
This song will always remind me of my lovely friend Mandy late 70s she was gay I wasn’t x
Just today I learned of Scott England’s original. The people around Manilow created so many myths about how he had written all these famous jingles (he didn’t) that I always believed he wrote this song. It makes so much sense now. I always liked the song, but found it weird how emotionally distant Manilow sounds. How to make us think he means it? He sings louder. Then louder still. Then louder some more. It’s like watching a Saturn rocket being launched. England’s version is so much better. His voice is eccentric, but he sounds like he means it. Because he does. Fun fact: Manilow didn’t write “I write the songs” either. Bruce Johnston (of the Beach Boys) did.
So he didn’t write the StateFarm jingle? Now I’m sad.
He did write the State Farm jingle. Some jingles he sang and some he wrote. He did not write I Write the Songs. The song is about the spirit of music, not any song writer.
That’s the great thing about music, how it looks different to different people. I heard both versions and I think Barry Manilow sang it with a lot more emotion and regret. As for the louder and louder, that was Manilow’s MO. Most songs he’d start out soft then rise to a crescendo. I do like both versions, but Manilow’s to me is way better. There is a reason why Manilow’s version blew up on the radio airwaves and the others did not. (Westlife’s version did well)
You really don’t have a clue what emotional singing is! FYIManilow’s camp has never said he has written lots of famous jungles – he sang on lots but he did write State Farm& Stuck on Band -Aids.
I remember one evening in the early 70’s I was at a night spot in Niagara Falls, NY. The place was The Bakery! They announced that Barry Manilow arrived. No one really got excited because we just didn’t know enough about him and didn’t even know what he looked like. He asked me to dance and I answered no!! I was with my sister in law and my husband!! He asked me to see my wedding rings because he did not believe me!! So funny!! I do remember him being persistent though!!
We got a kitten with blue eyes in June, and she just looked like a Mandy. I sing the song to her all the time, she really did as he says “you came and you gave without taking” and when I sing she has these huge soulful eyes. It actually made me happy to think it WAS about a dog. HAHA oh well, gorgeous song regardless..
Yes, animals give their love and loyalty freely and without takin i had a fox terrier ‘Cano Caroline’ which I re-named ‘Mandy’. So cute watching her run down the stairs in the house I remember.?.
Who’s this Will who kissed him?
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Craig Ferguson said on his CBS late night show, “Mandy” was about the over the counter drug in Europe, Mandrake.
Barry Mandylow, could that guy sing ?
I had a German shepherd and I named her Mandy and I should sing that song to her all the time and she just recently passed away after 11 years of being with me and I used to sing that song to her all the time and she would look at me with the most loving eyes she was so like a person it was amazing she was so smart and so loveing and so kind She had such a big heart and I miss her so much she just recently passed away and she was my best friend in the whole world
Hi i am so sorry about the loss of Mandy ,but you must have beautiful memories that will last forever , even thou the pain is aweful the memories of the times and joy you shared will last forever,sweet memories ,bye,Brian
Have you seen @whiteyy18? TikTok creator lip syncs to Mandy – so cute.
Bob Boucher, just for the record, original was written & performed by Scott English not England & was titled Brandy not Mandy & was strangely released by reggae label Trojan!
Scott English may have lied to the reporter but the public quickly bought the lie because at about the same time a guy named Henry Gross released a popular song called “Shannon” which in fact WAS about his dog.
And that’s a great song
Beautiful song no matter what it’s about or whomever wrote it…buy ONLY Barry could bring out the total beauty of the song…there’s just something about his voice that brings love, joy, and energy to a song…too bad there’s only 1 Barry Manilow….
I was in love with a girl named Mindy at the time and every time I hear the song I think of Mindy and when we broke yp
Why did she kiss him and ‘stopped him from shaking’? And why did he send her away?
I was born in 73, and tell everyone the song was written for me lol. I have been a huge fan of Barry Manilow ever since I can remember.
I dated a very special girl in High School, we fell in Love dated for 2 years and then went our separate ways to college. She was and still is a Manilow fan, we connected again 35 years later and dated again, but like the song I was stupid and sent her away, and like the song the pain is real, and I miss her today and I need her more than ever, and she did just as the song said she gave without taking, I will Always Love You Sharon
That’s too bad an really messed up, man. Listen to some KC and the Sunshine Band to get your happy back up.
I dated a very special girl in High School, we fell in Love dated for 2 years and then went our separate ways to college. She was and still is a Manilow fan, we connected again 35 years later and dated again, but like the song I was stupid and sent her away, and like the song the pain is real, and I miss her today and I need her more than ever, and she did just as the song said she gave without taking, I will Always Love You Sharon