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Take My Breath Away

"Take My Breath Away" is a 1986 song written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock and performed by the American new wave band Berlin.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Take My Breath Away" is a 1986 song written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock and performed by the American new wave band Berlin. It was created for the film Top Gun and became one of the best-known pop ballads of the 1980s. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Background

The song was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock for the soundtrack of Top Gun. It was performed by Berlin and later included on the band's album Count Three & Pray.

Release and reception

Released in 1986, the song became one of Berlin's best-known recordings and is widely identified with the film Top Gun. Sources describe it as the film's love theme.

Awards

"Take My Breath Away" won major awards for film music, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Legacy

The song became a signature hit for Berlin and a defining pop ballad of the 1980s. Its association with Top Gun has remained a major part of its cultural recognition.

Key facts

  • Written for the 1986 film Top Gun and performed by Berlin.
  • Included on Berlin's album Count Three & Pray.
  • Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 59th Academy Awards.
  • Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986.
  • Became closely associated with Top Gun's soundtrack and love theme.
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Canadian context

The song is well known in Canada as part of the international success of *Top Gun* and 1980s pop music; one source notes that it charted in Canada.[7]

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "Take My Breath Away"?
It was performed by the American new wave band Berlin.
Who wrote "Take My Breath Away"?
The song was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock.
What film is "Take My Breath Away" from?
It was written for the 1986 film Top Gun.
Did "Take My Breath Away" win any awards?
Yes. It won both the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
Was "Take My Breath Away" released on an album?
Yes. It appeared on Berlin's album Count Three & Pray and on the Top Gun soundtrack.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_My_Breath_Away
    Supports: Song writers, performer, film association, album inclusion, and awards.
  2. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/berlin/take-my-breath-away
    Supports: Connection to *Top Gun*, love theme status, soundtrack success, and Oscar win.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_My_Breath_Away
    Supports: Year, writer credits, film soundtrack connection, and award recognition.
  4. Song Meanings and Facts — https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/take-my-breath-away-by-berlin/
    Supports: Chart success in Canada and other countries, plus general release context.