Take My Breath Away by Berlin has proven to be one of the most iconic songs ever produced in the music industry.
Its lyrical depth and melodious tune continue to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release.
The Genesis of Berlin
Berlin, an American new wave band, was not German, as their name might suggest.
The band’s name was a clever choice intended to make people think they were German.
This was due to their love for electronic music, which was popularised by German bands like Kraftwerk and Ultravox.
Berlin’s major breakthrough came when they were introduced to Giorgio Moroder, a renowned music producer who had worked with the likes of David Bowie, Donna Summer, and Blondie.
It was Moroder who would later play a crucial role in the creation of Take My Breath Away.
The Making of ‘Take My Breath Away’
The song was composed by Italian musician Giorgio Moroder, who had been requested by Jerry Bruckheimer, the co-producer of the movie Top Gun, to create a song for the film.
Moroder first came up with the track “Danger Zone,” performed by Kenny Loggins. Pleased with the result, Bruckheimer asked for a slower, romantic song, which led to the birth of Take My Breath Away.
The song’s lyrics were penned by Tom Whitlock, a mechanic who happened to fix Moroder’s Ferrari.
Moroder, impressed by Whitlock’s lyrical prowess, decided to collaborate with him on the project.
The lyrics were written while Whitlock was driving home from the studio, and he spent several hours at home refining them.
The Song’s Journey to Stardom
Take My Breath Away was initially offered to The Motels, an American rock band.
However, they declined the offer and later released their original demo of the song.
Moroder then suggested the band Berlin, whom he had previously worked with.
Terri Nunn, the lead vocalist of Berlin, recorded the vocals after Whitlock made some lyrical changes.
The song was featured in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis.
Its romantic, slow-paced nature perfectly complimented the love scenes between the two lead characters.
The song’s success skyrocketed, and it went on to top charts across the globe.
The Song’s Impact and Accolades
Take My Breath Away was not just a commercial success; it also bagged several awards.
It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986.
These accolades further cemented the song’s status as a classic and propelled Berlin into international stardom.
The song was re-released in the UK in 1990 to coincide with the first television airing of the movie Top Gun.
This re-release further boosted the song’s popularity, and it reached number three on the UK Singles Chart.
The Lyrics Analysis of ‘Take My Breath Away’
The lyrics of Take My Breath Away are a poetic expression of deep love and romantic longing.
The first verse sets the stage for a love story, with the lyrics speaking of a “foolish lover’s game” and an “endless ocean.”
The chorus is simple yet impactful, with the phrase “Take My Breath Away” symbolising the overwhelming feeling of being in love.
The following verses continue to depict a romantic narrative, with the lyrics “Watching, I keep waiting, still anticipating love” and “Haunted by the notion somewhere there’s a love in flames” expressing a sense of longing and desire.
The bridge section of the song introduces a hint of uncertainty and fragility with the lyrics, “Through the hourglass, I saw you, In time, you slipped away.”
This suggests a fear of losing the person they love. However, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the repeated phrase “Take My Breath Away” reinforcing a powerful expression of love.
Berlin: More Than Just A One-Hit Wonder
Despite being known primarily for Take My Breath Away, Berlin was not just a one-hit wonder.
They had several other hits before and after the song. Their unique blend of new wave and synth-pop music earned them a loyal fanbase.
Even though the band went through several lineup changes over the years, they continued to produce music and perform at concerts.
Take My Breath Away by Berlin is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its profound lyrics and soulful melody.
Its success story is a testament to the power of music and its ability to transcend time and touch people’s hearts.
Remember, whenever you feel the need to immerse yourself in a wave of nostalgia, you can always listen to Berlin’s Take My Breath Away and let the music take you on a journey back in time.
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Berlin Take My Breath Away Lyrics
Verse 1
Watching every motion in my foolish lover’s game
On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame
Turning and returning to some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say
Chorus
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
Verse 2
Watching, I keep waiting, still anticipating love
Never hesitating to become the fated ones
Turning and returning to some secret place to find
Watching in slow motion as you turn to me and say
Chorus
My love, take my breath away
Bridge
Through the hourglass, I saw you
In time, you slipped away
When the mirror crashed I called you
And turned to hear you say
If only for today, I’m unafraid
Chorus
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
Verse 3
Watching every motion in this foolish lover’s game
Haunted by the notion somewhere there’s a love in flames
Turning and returning to some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion as you turn my way and say
Chorus
Take my breath away
My love, take my breath away
My love, take my breath away
My love, take my breath away
My love