Top Gun possessed all the hallmarks of an 1980s movie classic. For all the film’s heroics and histrionics, it wouldn’t have been quite the same without “Take My Breath Away,” the ballad that tugged at the heartstrings of theatergoers.
Videos by American Songwriter
The song succeeded despite being written by one guy known more for his dance music and another lacking much experience. And it thrived despite Berlin, the band that took it to the top of the charts, being anything but a household name.
Giorgio and the Novice
Italian musical mastermind Giorgio Moroder might not have been the guy you’d expect to create a power ballad. After all, his name was made in the ’70s with his ability to take electronic musical sources and build them into ridiculously danceable music. His handiwork was all over disco, and his collaborations with Donna Summer made him a constant presence on the charts.
He sidled his way into movie music in part because of the success of Harold Faltermeyer, who had learned much from Moroder before becoming a soundtrack maestro. Faltermeyer was doing the score for Top Gun, but Moroder was invited to write songs to be played in the film. He needed a lyricist, however, since his usual writing partners were busy at the time.
Around that time, Moroder had made the acquaintance of a man named Tom Whitlock. Whitlock had helped Moroder with some car problems, and casually mentioned to him he also was a musician who could write lyrics. Lacking other options, Moroder called Whitlock to pen words to two songs the composer had in play for the soundtrack: one a hard-driving rocker, and the other a slow-motion ballad.
Catching a “Breath”
The uptempo track was transformed by Whitlock into “Danger Zone,” which Kenny Loggins turned into a massive hit. Meanwhile, the slow song, distinguished by the synth bass notes Moroder had played throughout the demo, was rendered by Whitlock as “Take My Breath Away.”
Now it was a matter of finding an artist to perform the song. The Motels were given first crack at it, but the movie’s producers weren’t over the moon about their effort. Moroder had worked before with Berlin and he thought their lead singer, Teri Nunn, could get the job done.
Much like Moroder, Berlin, known for pulsing new wave, seemed a bit out of their element with a song like “Take My Breath Away.” But Nunn rose to the occasion, her heart on her sleeve as she belted out the song’s glory notes. The end result was a No. 1 single and an Academy Award for best movie song.
Behind the Lyrics of “Take My Breath Away”
“Take My Breath Away” captures the urge for a moment’s passion, even if a longer coupling might not be on the table. Whitlock’s lyrics at times seem torn from the pages of a bodice-ripper: On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame / Turning and returning to some secret place inside. Nunn sells the drama with everything she has.
The middle eight hints at some fissure that keeps these lovers apart: Through the hourglass, I saw you / Each time you slipped away. When they do come together, they won’t waste their chance: If only for today, I am unafraid. And yet, they know fate might decree an unhappy ending: Haunted by the notion that somewhere there’s a love in flames.
“Take My Breath Away” proved to be somewhat of a blessing and a curse for Berlin. The song’s success caused friction between Nunn and band members who thought they were headed in the wrong artistic direction. Nonetheless, the song now stands as an ’80s masterwork, an example of three unlikely collaborators coming together in seamless fashion.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.