"Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)" | ||||
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![]() North American and Japanese single cover | ||||
Single by Mariah Carey | ||||
from the album Rainbow | ||||
Released | April 17, 2000 | |||
Recorded | 1999 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:32 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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Mariah Carey singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)" on YouTube |
"Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey for her seventh studio album Rainbow (1999). The song was written by Carey and Diane Warren, and produced by Carey and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was released as the third single from Rainbow and a double A-side with "Crybaby" on April 17, 2000, by Columbia Records. The song is a ballad, blending pop and R&B beats while incorporating its sound from several instruments including the violin, piano and organ. Lyrically, the song speaks of finding inner strength, and not allowing others to tear away your dreams.
The song was well received by critics, many of whom complimented the lyrics, as well as Carey's vocals. The song was not commercially successful due to its limited release and other factors. It was the center of a very public controversy between Carey and her label Sony Music, based on what she perceived to be weak promotion of the single. It peaked at number 40 in Belgium (Wallonia), number 45 in Italy and number 65 in the Netherlands. Stateside, due to Billboard rules at the time, it was not eligible to chart on the Hot 100, though it managed to reach number six on the Dance Club Songs.
Two music videos were filmed for "Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)". Both feature personal videos left by five fans, re-telling their stories of pain and emotional abuse and how the song had inspired them. Additionally, a large screen is shown next to Carey throughout the video, playing other inspirational stories from famous athletes. The ending alternates in both videos, with one climaxing on the balcony overlooking the city, while the other by a large indoor window. The song was performed on Today and The View, as well as Carey's Rainbow World Tour (2000) and Charmbracelet World Tour (2002–2003).