About the song

There’s a certain magic that happens when two powerful voices come together, their individual talents intertwining to create something truly special. Such is the case with the 1992 duet “Just the Way You Are” by the legendary BARRY WHITE and the incomparable LIANE FOLY. This isn’t just a cover of the Billy Joel classic; it’s a reimagining, a soulful conversation between two vocal powerhouses that breathes new life into a timeless love song.

BARRY WHITE, with his unmistakable baritone that could melt glaciers, needs no introduction. His voice is synonymous with romance, a velvety rumble that has serenaded generations of lovers. LIANE FOLY, a gifted vocalist with a career spanning opera, jazz, and pop, possesses a voice of remarkable clarity and power. Her range and control are breathtaking, capable of soaring to operatic heights while retaining an intimate, emotional connection with the listener.

Together, they create a dynamic that is both electrifying and tender. White’s deep, resonant tones provide the perfect counterpoint to Foley’s crystalline soprano. Their voices intertwine and harmonize, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both powerful and delicate.

What sets this version apart is the way it builds. It begins with a simple, almost understated piano intro, allowing White’s voice to take center stage. As the song progresses, layers of instrumentation are added – strings, horns, and subtle percussion – creating a lush, orchestral soundscape that perfectly complements the vocal performances. Foley’s entrance is nothing short of breathtaking. Her voice soars above the instrumentation, adding a layer of vulnerability and passion that takes the song to new heights.

The arrangement itself is a masterclass in dynamics. It ebbs and flows, allowing moments of quiet intimacy to give way to soaring crescendos of emotion. The interplay between White’s grounded baritone and Foley’s soaring soprano mirrors the push and pull of love itself, the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability.

“Just the Way You Are” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of human connection. In the hands of BARRY WHITE and LIANE FOLY, it becomes a timeless classic, a reminder that true love accepts and cherishes us for who we truly are.

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Lyrics

I never take anything for granted
Only a fool maybe takes things for granted
Just because it’s here today
It can be gone tomorrow
And that’s one thing that you
Never in your life ever have to worry about me
If I’ll ever change towards you because
Baby I love you
Yeah I love you
Just the way… You are…

Don’t go changing, trying to please me
You never let me down before
I don’t imagine you’re too familiar
And I don’t see you anymore
I would not leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times
I’ll take you just the way you are

Don’t go trying some new fashion
Don’t change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care

I don’t want clever conversation
I don’t want to work that hard
I just want some someone to talk to
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.

I said I love you and that’s forever
And this I promise from my heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.