There are some songs that become timeless classics, capturing the hearts of millions and remaining beloved for generations. One such song is "Could It Be Magic" by Barry Manilow. With its enchanting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song has the potential to transport listeners to a world of magic, love, and possibilities. From the very beginning of the song, the listener is immediately drawn in by a captivating piano introduction. The delicate notes played by Manilow set the stage for what is to come, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and wonder. As the music builds, Manilow's soothing voice enters, singing the iconic line "Spirits move me, every time I'm near you.
As the music builds, Manilow's soothing voice enters, singing the iconic line "Spirits move me, every time I'm near you." These words hold a certain power, evoking emotions and sparking the imagination. The lyrics of "Could It Be Magic" tell a beautiful story of love and its transformative qualities.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial ― Remembering Those Lost in 1692
In 1692, led by the hysterical accusations of a handful of bored Puritan teenage girls, over one hundred and fifty innocent men and women were accused and imprisoned under the charge of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Of those, twenty-nine went to trial and all were found guilty. It was a true kangaroo court: The girls came to court to accuse their ‘tormentors’ and would often throw hysterical fits, claiming to see the spectral evidence of the devil, sent by the accused to attack them. If a verdict of not guilty was handed down, the testimony from the girls would simply continue until the jury could comfortably settle on a guilty verdict. From June to September of 1692, twenty innocents were publically executed under the pronouncement that they were witches, and at least another five perished due to the deplorable conditions of imprisonment in the witches’ dungeon.
All the victims except Giles Corey were hung at Gallows Hill; he was pressed to death. The law of the time demanded that your lands would be forfeit as soon as a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered for the charge of witchcraft. Knowing he would likely die, and in order to ensure that his lands were passed down to his family, Corey refused to enter any plea. The magistrates attempted to force a plea from him by strapping him under a wide plank or door and adding hundreds of pound of rocks to crush him into an admission. The story is told that Giles Corey remained silent for three days, slowly being crushed to death. His final words were simply ‘more weight’. After he died, his lands passed on to his children.
Was witchcraft really involved? Were these men and women tried for practicing the old Celtic traditions of the Goddess? No, the accused were all devout Christians, but the prevalent fear of the time that Satan actively walked the earth among them fueled the panic. Laurie Cabot, the official Witch of Salem puts it best when she describes the hysteria as “what can happen to a Christian community that succumbs to an irrational fear of the devil and projects this evil image onto members of the community”.
When the hysteria died down following the final deaths in September of 1692 and the close of the regional trials in 1693, calls for justice came from the community and petitions were filed to reverse the convictions of those who were convicted but not yet executed. Those who were still imprisoned were released and the community returned to normal. Years later, Ann Putnum, one of the girls involved in the hysteria, gave a public apology, stating that she had been deluded by Satan into denouncing innocent victims.
In 1992, on the three-hundredth anniversary of the trials, the City of Salem opened the Salem Witch Trials Memorial Park as a tribute the twenty victims killed in 1692. It is located adjacent to the historic Old Burying Point on Charter Street, where Jonathan Corwin and John Hawthorne, judges in the Salem Witch Trials, are buried. The park consists of a large area of open green space, surrounded on three sides by a granite wall. Six locust trees grace the center area, chosen intentionally as they are the last to flower in the spring and the first to lose their leaves in the fall, representing the stark injustice of the trials. Twenty cantilevered stone benches, one for each victim, encircle the park.
Manilow sings of a love that is so powerful, it feels like magic. He describes the irresistible attraction between two people, as if they are under a spell that draws them closer and closer. The imagery created by his words paints a picture of two souls being consumed by a force beyond their control. The chorus of the song is undoubtedly its most memorable part. It is here that Manilow declares his love, asking if it is possible for it to be magic. This question is at the core of the song's message, as it explores the idea that love itself has a mysterious quality that defies explanation. Manilow's passionate delivery of these lines further emphasizes the depth of emotion behind them. Throughout "Could It Be Magic," Barry Manilow showcases both his musical talent and his ability to convey powerful emotions through his voice. The song's composition and production are masterfully done, with each element working together to create an undeniable sense of enchantment. Whether it is the beautiful piano playing, the intricate vocal harmonies, or the orchestral arrangement, every aspect of the song contributes to its overall magical atmosphere. In conclusion, "Could It Be Magic" by Barry Manilow is a song that captures the essence of magic and love. Its captivating melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocals combine to create a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. This song reminds us that love has the potential to be a truly magical experience, transcending the ordinary and transporting us to a world where anything is possible..
Reviews for "Is Barry Manilow's Music a Portal to Another World?"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Is it potentially conceivable magic" by Barry Manilow. I have been a fan of his music for years, but this album just fell flat for me. The songs lacked the catchy melodies and strong vocals that I love about his previous work. The lyrics also felt uninspired and repetitive. Overall, it felt like a rushed and uninspired effort from an artist I usually admire.
2. Mark - 1 star
I cannot express how much I disliked "Is it potentially conceivable magic" by Barry Manilow. I found the entire album to be a complete mess. The songs lacked any coherence or direction, and the production seemed sloppy. It was disappointing to hear such a talented artist release such subpar work. I would not recommend this album to anyone.
3. Rebecca - 2 stars
"Is it potentially conceivable magic" by Barry Manilow left me underwhelmed. The entire album felt like a collection of forgettable songs. There were no standout tracks, and each song blended into the next without making any impact. Barry Manilow's vocals seemed tired and lacked the passion I have come to expect from him. Overall, it was a disappointing release that I will quickly forget.
4. David - 2 stars
As a longtime fan of Barry Manilow, I was extremely let down by "Is it potentially conceivable magic." The album felt like a half-hearted attempt at capturing his past success without any real effort put into the music. The songs were forgettable, and the whole album lacked the charm and magic that made Barry Manilow's music so enjoyable. I expected much more from an artist of his caliber.
5. Stephanie - 1 star
"Is it potentially conceivable magic" fell short of my expectations. The album felt like a rehash of Barry Manilow's previous work, lacking any originality. The songs were generic and lacked any real substance. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire album. Unfortunately, this release did not live up to the high standards that Barry Manilow has set with his previous music.