Meaning of "The One That Got Away" by Barry Manilow

In "The One That Got Away," the narrator reflects on a relationship that ended in regret and missed chances. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for a past love that was not fully appreciated or realized at the time. The repeated phrase "The one that got away" emphasizes the idea of losing something valuable and irreplaceable. The song captures the feeling of looking back on a relationship with a mix of sadness and recognition of the ways in which it could have been different. The reference to not saying things and watching love decay highlights the importance of communication and openness in relationships. Overall, the song conveys a sense of loss and the realization of the significance of what was lost.