“Take My Breath Away” is a song by the American band Berlin, released in June 1986 with “Radar Radio” performed by Giorgio Moroder featuring Joe Pizzulo on the B-side. “Take My Breath Away” was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, and it became one of the most iconic love songs of the 1980s, largely due to its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “Top Gun.” In October 1986, it was included on Berlin’s fourth studio album “Count Three & Pray”.
“Take My Breath Away” was specifically written for the “Top Gun” soundtrack by legendary producer Giorgio Moroder and lyricist Tom Whitlock. The film’s producers sought a powerful and memorable love theme to accompany the romantic scenes between the characters played by Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis.
The song’s lyrics explore the intensity and passion of a romantic relationship. The chorus, “Take my breath away,” symbolizes the overwhelming and breathtaking nature of true love. The verses reflect on moments of intimacy and connection, capturing the sense of timelessness and emotional depth that accompanies a profound romantic experience. “Take My Breath Away” is characterized by its lush, atmospheric production and prominent use of synthesizers. The song features a slow, steady beat and a hauntingly beautiful melody. Terri Nunn’s vocal performance is both powerful and ethereal, adding to the song’s emotional impact. The use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation gives the song a dreamy, otherworldly quality that perfectly complements its romantic themes.
The song achieved significant commercial success worldwide. In the United States, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for one week. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The success of “Take My Breath Away” helped to boost the popularity of the “Top Gun” soundtrack, which became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
The music video for “Take My Breath Away” features scenes from “Top Gun” interspersed with footage of Berlin performing the song. The video’s romantic and cinematic imagery complements the song’s themes and enhances its emotional resonance. The combination of film clips and the band’s performance helped to create a strong visual association between the song and the movie.