A powerful ballad that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of unspoken, all-consuming love.
There are certain songs that, with the very first note, transport you back in time. They don’t just evoke a memory; they conjure a feeling, an atmosphere, a scent even. Chris Norman’s 1987 hit, “Sarah (You Take My Breath Away),” is one of those timeless pieces. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever loved from a distance, who has ever been completely captivated by someone yet remained silent, unable to voice the depth of their affection. It’s the musical embodiment of that secret, breathless adoration that leaves you feeling both full of emotion and strangely empty because the words just won’t come out.
Released at a pivotal moment in his solo career, Chris Norman had already stepped out from the long shadow of his success with the band Smokie. After the massive international success of “Midnight Lady” from his album Some Hearts Are Diamonds, he continued to build his legacy as a solo artist with the single “Sarah (You Take My Breath Away).” The song, released in late 1987, found its greatest success in Germany, where it peaked at an impressive number 46 on the official charts. This was part of a string of late ’80s hits that cemented his popularity in the country, showcasing his distinctive, gravelly voice that had become his trademark.
The meaning behind the song is a beautifully tragic tale of unrequited love or, more accurately, unexpressed love. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who sees “Sarah” every day, but she “never once” looks his way. He’s trapped in a world of silent longing, where he can only “close my eyes and think about you” and “memorize each word you say.” The internal conflict is palpable, as he grapples with “emotions tear me apart” and “thoughts never spoken are here in my heart.” It’s this universal experience of quiet desperation and intense admiration that makes the song so profoundly relatable. The title itself, “You Take My Breath Away,” isn’t just a romantic flourish; it’s a literal description of how he feels, so overwhelmed by her presence that he is physically and emotionally paralyzed.
What makes this song particularly poignant is that there is no tidy resolution. The chorus, repeated with such raw emotion, is a desperate declaration of need: “Sarah, oh, I need you / Sarah, you take my breath away.” It’s a plea whispered into the void, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest loves are the ones that exist only within our own hearts. Penned by Chris Norman and Pete Spencer, the song’s composition is a perfect blend of rock balladry and pop sensibility, with a yearning melody that perfectly complements the lyrical theme. The production, a classic sound of the late ’80s, uses synthesizers and a driving beat to create a powerful, atmospheric backdrop for Norman’s impassioned vocals. It’s a song that reminds us that some feelings are too big for words and that sometimes, the most profound love stories are those that are never told.