Barbra Streisand has recorded more than 60 albums, almost all with Columbia Records. Her early works in the 1960s (her debut The Barbra Streisand Album which won two Grammy Awards in 1963, followed by The Second Barbra Streisand Album, The Third Album, My Name Is Barbra, etc.) are considered classic renditions of theater and nightclub standards, including her version of Happy Days Are Here Again. Beginning with My Name Is Barbra, her albums were often medley-filled keepsakes of her television specials.
Starting in 1969, Streisand tackled contemporary songwriters; like many talented singers of the day, she found herself a fish out of water in attempts to tackle rock, but her vocal talents prevailed and she gained newfound success with the pop and ballad-oriented Richard Perry-produced album Stoney End in 1971. The title track, written by Laura Nyro, was a big hit for Streisand.
Streisand's 1980 album, Guilty featured the songwriting, production and vocal talents of Barry Gibb and was the best-selling album of her recording career. During the 1970s, she was also highly prominent in the pop charts, with number-one records like The Way We Were, Evergreen, No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (her duet with Donna Summer), and Woman In Love; some of these came from soundtracks of her films. She recently took part in supporting Haiti in singing "We are the World 25th anniversary.
When the 1970s ended, Streisand was named the most successful female singer in the U.S. - only Elvis Presley and The Beatles having sold more albums. [1]
[1] In 1982, New York Times music critic Stephen Holden wrote that Streisand was "the most influential mainstream American pop singer since Frank Sinatra."
AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know my way around here
The cardboard trees, the painted scenes, the sound here
Yes, a world to rediscover
But I'm not in any hurry
And I need a moment
The whispered conversations in overcrowded hallways
Feel the early morning madness
Feel the magic in the making
Why everything's as if we never said goodbye
I've spent so many mornings
Just trying to resist you
I'm trembling now
You can't know how I've missed you
Missed the fairy tale adventures
In this ever-spinning playground
We were young together
I'm coming out of make-up
The lights already burning
Not long until the camera's will start turning
And the early morning madness
And the magic in the making
Yes, everything is as if we never said goodbye
I don't want to be alone, that's all in the past
This world's waited long enough
I've come home at last
And this time will be bigger
And brighter than we knew it
So watch me fly, we all know I can do it
Could I stop my hand from shaking?
Has there ever been a moment with so much to live for?
The whispered conversations in overcrowded hallways
So much to say, not just today, but always
We'll have early morning madness
We'll have magic in the making
Yes, everything's as if we never said goodbye
Oh, please don't ever, ever make me say goodbye
Barbra Streisand's song "As If We Never Said Goodbye" is a reflective piece that captures the emotions of a person visiting a place from their past. The lyrics of the song are filled with nostalgia as the singer of the song returns to a place that she knows like the back of her hand, complete with cardboard trees and painted scenes. She is not in any hurry to leave the place but instead wants to take a moment to savour the environment and the memories that it holds. The song goes on to describe the electric atmosphere of the place, filled with whispered conversations and the magic of creating something new.
The song is also about the singer's personal journey, her emotions captured in lines such as "I've spent so many mornings just trying to resist you. I'm trembling now, you can't know how I've missed you." It is clear that the place holds a special significance in her life, and she feels like she has come back home after a long time. The song also captures the feeling of vulnerability and nervousness that comes with stepping out into the light, but it is clear that the singer is determined to make it in this world.
The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer looking towards the future with a sense of excitement and optimism. Through her journey, she has learnt that everything is as if she never said goodbye, and she is ready to take on the world once again.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why I'm frightened
Despite being familiar with my surroundings, I can't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
I know my way around here
I am familiar with the physical location and its layout.
The cardboard trees, the painted scenes, the sound here
Referring to the theatrical setting and the artificial environment created within it.
Yes, a world to rediscover
Despite being familiar with it, I want to experience it anew.
But I'm not in any hurry
I am not in a rush to do so and desire to take my time.
And I need a moment
I require a pause to gather myself before proceeding.
The whispered conversations in overcrowded hallways
The hushed talks in busy corridors.
The atmosphere as thrilling here as always
The energy and excitement of this place have remained consistent over time.
Feel the early morning madness
Experience the frenzied activity at the start of a new day.
Feel the magic in the making
Witness the creation of something special and extraordinary.
Why everything's as if we never said goodbye
It feels like we never parted, and everything is as it used to be.
I've spent so many mornings
I have lived through countless dawn times.
Just trying to resist you
I tried to avoid your allure.
I'm trembling now
I am shaking from the intensity of my emotions.
You can't know how I've missed you
You are unaware of how much I have longed for you.
Missed the fairy-tale adventures
I desire the romantic and magical experiences we once shared.
In this ever-spinning playground
In this continuously changing and unpredictable environment.
We were young together
We were once youthful and carefree, experiencing life together.
I'm coming out of makeup
I am done getting ready for my performance.
The lights already burning
The lighting setup is already on and emitting illumination.
Not long until the camera's will start turning
The recording process is about to begin.
And this time will be bigger
This time, the event will be grander in proportion or scope.
And brighter than we knew it
It will be more sparkling and captivating than what we had anticipated.
So watch me fly, we all know I can do it
Observe me soar since we are all aware of my capabilities.
Could I stop my hand from shaking?
Am I capable of halting my trembling hand?
Has there ever been a moment with so much to live for?
Has there ever been such an event that makes life seem so worth living for?
So much to say not just today but always
There is an abundance of things to express, not merely today but continuously.
We'll have early morning madness
There will be chaos and liveliness at the beginning of the day.
We'll have magic in the making
We will be involved in the creation of something enchanting and spellbinding.
Oh, please don't ever, ever make me say goodbye
I request you never to compel me to depart from you ever again.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Don Black, Christopher Hampton, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Amy Powers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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