Music at the Oscars, Part 5: A Decade Study

This week's post will be centered around years 31-40 of the Best Original Song category at the Academy Awards, which is years 47-56 for the ceremony itself. As a reminder, Best Original Song is presented to the songwriters who have written an original song specifically for a feature film.

1975

The 47th Annual Academy Awards were held April 8th, 1975 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by comedian Bob Hope, actress Shirley MacLaine, singer Sammy Davis Jr., and singer Frank Sinatra, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1974.

Best Original Song - We May Never Love Like This Again by Maureen McGovern (written by A. Kascha, J. Hirschhorn)

We May Never Love Like This Again, with music and lyrics by Al Kascha and Joel Hirschhorn, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1975, beating out I Feel Love from Benji; Blazing Saddles from Blazing Saddles; Little Prince from The Little Prince; and Wherever Love Takes Me from Gold. The song was featured in John Guillermin's 1974 film The Towering Inferno, which is based on both Richard Martin Stern's 1973 novel The Tower and Thomas M. Scortia & Frank M. Robinson's 1974 novel The Glass Inferno. Starring Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, Best Original Song was one of the film's three Oscar wins that night out of eight total nominations (the other wins being for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing). Other notable recordings of this song include those by Teresa Carpio and Tracy Huang. Though my personal choice for this award would've been Blazing Saddles by a mile, I ended up liking this song; it feels like a classic credit roll tune, and Maureen McGovern's vocals are beautiful.

We may never love like this again/Don't stop the flow, we can't let go/We may never love like this again/And touch the sky, now we may try/So while we're here, let's give up all/We listed the dreams inside us and set them free/Oh, while we here, let's leave a mark/There's a candle in the dark, it's here to guide us

1976

The 48th Annual Academy Awards were held March 29th, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by actor Walter Matthau, actor Robert Shaw, actor George Segal, actress Goldie Hawn, and actor Gene Kelly, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1975.

Best Original Song - I'm Easy by Keith Carradine (written by K. Carradine)

I'm Easy, with music and lyrics by Keith Carradine, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1976, beating out How Lucky Can You Get? from Funny Lady; Now That We're In Love from Whiffs; Richard's Window from The Other Side of the Mountain; and Do You Know Where You're Going To from Mahogany. The song was featured in Robert Altman's 1975 film Nashville. Starring David Arkin and Barbara Baxley, Best Original Song was the only win out of the film's five total nominations. Other notable recordings of this song include those by Ron Nigrini and Dane Donohue. I liked this song as well; it came off as a little unassuming and understated, but as the title suggests, it's an easy, pleasant listen.

It's not my way to love you just when no one's looking/It's not my way to take your hand if I'm not sure/It's not my way to let you see what's going on inside of me/When it's a love you won't be needing, you're not free/Please stop pulling at my sleeve if you're just playing/If you won't take the things you make me want to give/I never cared too much for games and this one's driving me insane/You're not half as free to wander as you claim/But I'm easy/I’m easy/Give the word and I'll play your game/So that's how it ought to be/Because I'm easy

1977

The 49th Annual Academy Awards were held March 28th, 1977 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by comedian Richard Pryor, actress Ellen Burstyn, actress Jane Fonda, and actor Warren Beatty, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1976.

Best Original Song - Evergreen by Barbra Streisand (written by P. Williams, B. Streisand)

Evergreen, with music by Barbra Streisand and lyrics by Paul Williams, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1977, beating out Ave Satani from The Omen; Come to Me from The Pink Panther Strikes Again; Gonna Fly Now from Rocky; and A World That Never Was from Half a House. The song was featured in Frank Pierson's 1976 film A Star Is Born, which is based on the 1937 William A. Wellman film of the same name. Starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, Best Original Song was the only win out of the film's four total nominations. Other notable recordings of this song include those by Frank Sinatra & Nelson Riddle and Luther Vandross. This is a really beautiful song, made all the more so by Streisand's powerhouse vocals, but I will say I prefer her performance of The Way We Were a little over this one.

Love, soft as an easy chair/Love, fresh as the morning air/One love that is shared by two/I have found with you/Like a rose under the April snow/I was always certain love would grow/Love ageless and evergreen/Seldom seen by two

1978

The 50th Annual Academy Awards were held March 28th, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by comedian Bob Hope, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1977.

Best Original Song - You Light Up My Life by Kasey Cisyk (written by J. Brooks)

You Light Up My Life, with music and lyrics by Joe Brooks, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1978, beating out Candle on the Water from Pete's Dragon; Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who Loved Me; He Danced with Me/She Danced with Me from The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella; and Someone's Waiting for You from The Rescuers. The song was featured in Joseph Brooks' 1977 film You Light Up My Life. Starring Didi Conn and Joe Silver, Best Original Song was the only nomination and subsequent win for the film. Other notable recordings of this song include those by Debby Boone, LeAnn Rimes, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Robert Goulet, and Whitney Houston. I had heard the Kenny Rogers cover of this song before, but I had to turn to YouTube to hear (and enjoy, it's really lovely) Kasey Cisyk's original performance, and I encourage you to do the same.

So many nights I’d sit by my window/Waiting for someone to sing me a song/So many dreams I’ve kept deep inside me/Alone in the dark, but now you've come along/And you light up my life/You give me hope to carry on/You light up my days/And fill my nights with song

1979

The 51st Annual Academy Awards were held April 9th, 1979 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by television host Johnny Carson, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1978.

Best Original Song - Last Dance by Donna Summer (written by P. Jabara)

Last Dance, with music and lyrics by Paul Jabara, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1979, beating out Hopelessly Devoted to You from Grease; The Last Time I Felt Like This from Same Time, Next Year; Ready to Take a Chance Again from Foul Play; and When You're Loved from The Magic of Lassie. The song was featured in Robert Klane's 1978 film Thank God It's Friday. Starring Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger, Best Original Song was the only nomination and subsequent win for the film. Other notable recordings of this song include those by Selena, Vonda Shepard, and Ariana Grande. This is a classic '70s bop with a classic disco sound and Donna Summers's iconic vocals, and it's always fun to listen (and, of course, dance) to.

Last dance/Last chance for love/Yes, it's my last chance/For romance tonight/I need you by me/Beside me, to guide me/To hold me, to scold me/‘Cause when I'm bad/I’m so, so bad/So let's dance the last dance/Let's dance the last dance/Let's dance this last dance tonight

1980

The 52nd Annual Academy Awards were held April 14th, 1980 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by television host Johnny Carson, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1979.

Best Original Song - It Goes Like It Goes by Jennifer Warnes (written by N. Gimbel, D. Shire)

It Goes Like It Goes, with music and lyrics by Norman Gimbel and David Shire, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1980, beating out I'll Never Say Goodbye from The Promise; It's Easy to Say from 10; Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie; and Through the Eyes of Love from Ice Castles. The song was featured in Martin Ritt's 1979 film Norma Rae, which was based on Henry P. Leifermann's 1975 book Crystal Lee, a Woman of Inheritance. Starring Sally Field and Ron Leibman, Best Original Song was one of two wins out of four total nominations for the film (the other win being Best Actress for Sally Field). Other notable recordings of this song include those by Glen Campbell and Dusty Springfield. I would've voted for Rainbow Connection personally, but It Goes Like It Goes is a beautiful song in its own right, and I encourage you again to check YouTube to hear Jennifer Warnes' original cover since it's not currently available on Apple Music.

Ain't no miracle being born/People doin' it everyday/It ain't no miracle growing up, ah/People just grow that way/So it goes like it goes, like the river flows/And time it rolls right on/And maybe what's good gets a little bit better/And maybe what's bad gets gone

1981

The 53rd Annual Academy Awards were held March 31st, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by television host Johnny Carson, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1980.

Best Original Song - Fame by Irene Cara (written by D. Pitchford, M. Gore)

Fame, with music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1981, beating out 9 to 5 from 9 to 5; On the Road Again from Honeysuckle Rose; Out Here On My Own from Fame; and People Alone from The Competition. The song was featured in Alan Parker's 1980 film Fame. Starring Eddie Barth and Irene Cara, Best Original Song was one of two wins out of six total nominations for the film (the other win being Best Original Score). Other notable recordings of this song include those by Pink Lady and Naturi Naughton. My choice would've gone to 9 to 5 for this year, but Fame is pretty iconic and Irene Cara does get to showcase some pretty powerful vocals and high energy here.

Baby, you look at me and tell me what you see/You ain't seen the best of me yet/Give me time I'll make you forget the rest/I got more then you and you can set it free/I can catch the moon in my hand/Don't you know who I am/Remember my name/Fame, I’m gonna live forever/I’m gonna learn how to fly high/I feel it coming together/People will see me and cry, pray/I’m gonna make it to heaven/Light up the sky like a flame/I’m gonna live forever/Baby remember my name/Remember, remember, remember/Remember, remember, remember/Remember, remember

1982

The 54th Annual Academy Awards were held March 29th, 1982 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by television host Johnny Carson, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1981.

Best Original Song - Best That You Can Do by Christopher Cross (written by P. Allen, C. Sager, B. Bacharach, C. Cross)

Best That You Can Do, with music and lyrics by Peter Allen, Carole Sager, Burt Bacharach, and Christopher Cross, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1982, beating out Endless Love from Endless Love; The First Time It Happens from The Great Muppet Caper; For Your Eyes Only from For Your Eyes Only; and One More Hour from Ragtime. The song was featured in Steve Gordon's 1981 film Arthur. Starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli, Best Original Song was one of two wins out of four total nominations for the film (the other win being Best Supporting Actor for Sir John Gielgud). Other notable recordings of this song include those by Fitz & The Tantrums and Barry Manilow. I LOVE Arthur, so this song choice is a-okay with me - seriously, if you've never seen it (or only saw the 2011 remake), do yourself a favor and do it.

Once in your life, you find her/Someone that turns your heart around/And next thing you know you're closing down the town/Wake up and it’s still with you/Even though you left her way 'cross town/Wondering to yourself, "Hey, what've I found”/When you get caught between the moon and New York City/I know it's crazy, but it's true/If you get caught between the moon and New York City/The best that you can do/The best that you can do is fall in love

1983

The 55th Annual Academy Awards were held April 11th, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by actress Liza Minnelli, actor Dudley Moore, comedian Richard Pryor, and actor Walter Matthau, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1982.

Best Original Song - Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes (written by B. Saint-Marie, J. Nietzsche, W. Jennings)

Up Where We Belong, with music by Buffy Saint-Marie & Jack Nietzsche and lyrics by Will Jennings, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1983, beating out Eye of the Tiger from Rocky III; How Do You Keep the Music Playing? from Best Friends; If We Were In Love from Yes, Giorgio; and It Might Be You from Tootsie. The song was featured in Taylor Hackford's 1982 film An Officer and a Gentlemen. Starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, Best Original Song was one of two wins out of six total nominations for the film (the other win being Best Supporting Actor for Louis Gossett Jr.). Other notable recordings of this song include those by BeBe & CeCe Winans and Hanny Williams. How any song could beat Eye of the Tiger is beyond me, but this is such an iconic love song played during such an iconic movie scene that I really can't be mad.

Who knows what tomorrow brings/In a world few hearts survive/All I know is the way I feel/When it's real, I keep it alive/The road is long, there are mountains in our way/But we climb a step every day/Love lift us up where we belong/Where the eagles cry on a mountain high/Love lift us up where we belong/Far from the world below, up where the clear winds blow

1984

The 56th Annual Academy Awards were held April 9th, 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by television host Johnny Carson, the televised ceremony celebrated film achievements from 1983.

Best Original Song - Flashdance... What a Feeling by Irene Cara (written by G. Moroder, I. Cara, K. Forsey)

Flashdance... What a Feeling, with music by Giorgio Moroder and lyrics by Irene Cara & Keith Forsey, was one of five nominees for Best Original Song 1984, beating out Maniac from Flashdance; Over You from Tender Mercies; Papa, Can You Hear Me? from Yentl; and The Way He Makes Me Feel from Yentl. The song was featured in Adrian Lyne's 1983 film Flashdance. Starring Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri, Best Original Song was the only win out of four total nominations for the film. Other notable recordings of this song include those by Marcia Hines and Global Deejays. It's truly shocking that this beat not one, but two Barbra Streisand songs, but again - what a classic scene that's become a staple in pop culture, and this song truly is a bop.

First, when there's nothing but a slow glowing dream/That your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind/All alone, I have cried silent tears full of pride/In a world made of steel, made of stone/Well, I hear the music/Close my eyes, feel the rhythm/Wrap around, take a hold of my heart/What a feeling/Being's believin’/I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life/Take your passion/And make it happen/Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

We covered some really classic tunes today, and I hope you enjoyed either revisiting these songs from the past or discovering them for the very first time. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!