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This was written by Bruce Johnston, who was a member of The Beach Boys. He wrote it about Brian Wilson, who wrote most of the Beach Boys' songs. Wilson had drug problems and struggled with his mental health, but he was considered brilliant when writing and recording songs. One of the reasons Johnston was able to join The Beach Boys was because Wilson refused to tour.

Teen heartthrob David Cassidy released the first version of this. His version was a single in England and hit #11 on the UK charts. Clive Davis, who was in charge of Manilow's record label, heard Cassidy's version and had Manilow record it.

This won a Grammy for Song Of The Year. The Beach Boys never won a Grammy - after winning this, Johnston became the only member of the group to get one until Brian Wilson's "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" was awarded Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2005. (thanks, Martin - Ludvika, Sweden)

From the liner notes of The Complete Collection And Then Some...: Manilow was originally reluctant to record this song, saying to Arista Records chief Clive Davis, "This 'I Write The Songs' thing Clive, I really don't want to do it." Manilow says his worry "was that the listeners would think I was singing about how "I" write the songs, when it was really about the inspiration of music. Clive understood, but didn't think it would be a problem. "Besides," he told me, "You DO write songs!" Manilow says he was concerned about coming off as a gigantic egomaniac, but that he liked the song so much he decided to record it. He adds, "Whenever I heard the song in public, I felt the need to run to everyone who was listening and say, 'You know, I'm really not singing about myself!'" (thanks, Judy - Melbourne, Australia)

Comments:

I always liked the melody of this song, but recently I actually listened to all of the lyrics and realized that Barry was referring to 'music' writing the songs. I now consider this one of my all time favorite songs.
- Jeff, Austin, TX

Songfacts:....what about "Bandstand Boogie"? that was a great one as well!
- Harold, San Bernadino, CA

Among the favorites of mine, for sure------brings back very fond memories.
- Daevid, Glendale, CA

Interesting how this entire song describes Satan. (Lucifer, indeed wrote the very first song...he was the leader of the chorale in heaven...). C'mon people, dont be so blind...
- Mayra, Riverside, CA

Bruce Johnson recorded it first it is on one of the "Before They Were Hits-Or We Did It First" compliations.
- Sara, Silver Spring, MD

No one seems to remember that Frank Sinatra did a version of this, only he changed it to "I SING the Songs". He was kind of losing his voice by then and it was only fair. It also kind of missed the point that it was more about the inspiration of the songwriter, not the writer himself. The singer has a different kind of inspiration.
- Jerry, Brooklyn, NY

Barry also wrote commercial jingles such as McDonalds "You deserve a break today, so get up and get away...." and State Farm insurance "And like a good neighbor State Farm is there....".
- Jay, Atlanta, GA

Bruce Johnston finally recorded his own version of this song on his forgotten "Going Public" album.

A band called Dayglo Abortions also does a punk/grunge cover of this song.
- Joshua, Twin Cities, MN

A hot young talent down here in South Florida named House Arrest Chris covers this in his concerts. He does a heavy metal version of this song and it ROCKS!! Keep an eye on this up and coming superstar- when he hits your town check out the show!
- Bob, Boca Raton, FL

I have seen House Arrest Chris on the local club scene here in Lauderdale. AWESOME! He covers many songs, but yes, "I Write The Songs" is my favorite too. Head-banging version of course. It is definitely a show for adults, with lot's of profanity and suggestive dance moves by Chris. When I saw him over Memorial Day weekend he set his penis on fire during his version of "Dancing Queen".
- Gary, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Whenever David Cassidy plays "I write The Songs" live, he usually points out that he was the first to record it. Captain and Tennile actually recorded a decent version of this song, but of course Manilow's is the definitive version. This was Barry's second US #1 out of three ("Mandy" was the first and "Looks LIke We Made It" was the third).
- Steven, New York City, NY