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."
A Piece Of Sky
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where is it written
What it is I'm meant to be?
That I can't dare
It all began the day I found
That from my window I could only see
A piece of sky
I stepped outside and looked around
Or even half as high
The time had come
(Papa, can you hear me?)
To try my wings
(Papa, are you near me?)
And even thought it seemed at any moment I could fall
I felt the most
(Papa, can you see me?)
Amazing things
(Can you understand me?)
The things you can't imagine
If you've never flown at all
Though it's safer to stay on the ground
Sometimes where danger lies
There the sweetest of pleasures are found
No matter where I go
There'll be memories that tug at my sleeve
But there will also be
More to question, yet more to believe
Oh, tell me where?
Where is the someone who will turn to look at me?
And want to share
My every sweet-imagined possibility?
The more I live, the more I learn
The more I learn, the more I realize
The less I know
Each step I take
(Papa, I've a voice now)
Each page I turn
(Papa, I've a choice now)
Each mile I travel only means
The more I have to go
What's wrong with wanting more?
If you can fly, then soar
With all there is, why settle for
Just a piece of sky?
Papa, I can hear you
Papa, I can see you
Papa, I can feel you
Papa, watch me fly
The lyrics to Barbra Streisand's A Piece of Sky speak to the universal human desire for purpose and fulfillment. The song begins with the singer asking a profound question: where is it written what she is meant to be in the world? This question, which is surely one that we have all asked at some point, leads to a realization - that from her window, all she can see is a piece of sky. It is a moment that highlights how limited our perspective is, how there is so much that we don't know or can't see.
The singer goes on to describe how she steps outside and is struck by the beauty and vastness of the world around her. She is filled with a desire to explore and to push herself to new heights (both literally and metaphorically). The chorus of the song, with its repeated pleas to "Papa" (presumably the singer's father, but also perhaps a symbol for a higher authority or source of wisdom), captures her mixture of fear and exhilaration as she ventures out into the unknown. She understands that there is danger in taking risks, but also recognizes that the sweetest joys in life often come from stepping outside of our comfort zones.
As the song progresses, the singer acknowledges that the more she learns about the world, the less she actually knows. There is always more to question, more to explore, and more to believe. Despite this, she refuses to settle for just a piece of the sky. She wants to reach higher, to explore every sweet-imagined possibility, and to become the fullest version of herself. The song ends with an acknowledgement of her roots (her memories that tug at her sleeve), but also a fierce determination to carve her own path forward. Overall, the lyrics to A Piece of Sky are a stirring reminder of the power of human ambition and our ability to transform ourselves and our world.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me where
Where do I fit in this world? Where do I belong?
Where is it written
Where can I find the answers to my questions about my purpose in life?
What it is I'm meant to be?
What am I supposed to do with my life? What is my calling?
That I can't dare
Is it possible that I'm not supposed to pursue my dreams?
It all began the day I found
My journey started the day I realized my vision was limited to a small piece of the sky outside my window.
That from my window I could only see
I used to think that the piece of sky I see was all there is - my potential and possibilities were limited by what I saw.
A piece of sky
A small part of what is possible in life.
I stepped outside and looked around
I took the risk to explore the world outside my comfort zone to see what else is possible.
I never dreamed it was so wide
I never imagined the extent of the possibilities beyond my limited vision.
Or even half as high
I didn't realize my potential was so much higher than I imagined it to be.
The time had come
After realizing the extent of what is possible, I knew it was time to take action and pursue my dreams.
(Papa, can you hear me?)
I am seeking the approval and support of a father figure in my life.
To try my wings
To test myself and see what is possible when I spread my wings and fly.
(Papa, are you near me?)
I am looking for guidance and support as I take this risk.
And even thought it seemed at any moment I could fall
Despite the risks and uncertainties that come with pursuing my dreams, I am determined to take this leap of faith.
I felt the most
I experienced the greatest feelings of joy and fulfillment through taking this risk.
(Papa, can you see me?)
I am seeking validation and recognition for my achievements and successes.
(Can you understand me?)
I am hoping to find support and empathy from those around me who may not fully understand my journey.
The things you can't imagine
There are untold possibilities and experiences that can only be discovered by taking risks and pursuing one's passions.
If you've never flown at all
Those who do not take risks and try new things may never fully discover what they are capable of achieving.
Though it's safer to stay on the ground
Remaining in one's comfort zone is less risky than pursuing new opportunities, but it can also be less fulfilling.
Sometimes where danger lies
Taking risks can be dangerous, but it can also lead to the greatest rewards.
There the sweetest of pleasures are found
Pursuing one's passions and taking risks can lead to some of life's greatest pleasures and achievements.
No matter where I go
Wherever life takes me.
There'll be memories that tug at my sleeve
There will always be memories and experiences that continue to influence my journey, even as I move on to new things.
But there will also be
Along with the memories, there are also new experiences and opportunities.
More to question, yet more to believe
I will continue to learn and discover new things, which will inspire new questions and beliefs.
Oh, tell me where?
Where can I find my true purpose and calling?
Where is the someone who will turn to look at me?
Is there someone out there who truly understands and appreciates me?
And want to share
Someone who wants to support and join me on my journey.
My every sweet-imagined possibility?
Someone who appreciates and celebrates my dreams and achievements, no matter how big or small.
The more I live, the more I learn
My journey of self-discovery and personal growth is ongoing.
The more I learn, the more I realize
As I grow and learn, I become more aware of what I don't know and what is still possible.
The less I know
As I learn more, I realize how much more there is to discover and understand.
Each step I take
Every action and decision I make.
(Papa, I've a voice now)
I have grown and changed, and my self-expression has evolved with me.
Each page I turn
Every new chapter and experience in my life.
(Papa, I've a choice now)
I have the power to make choices and control my own destiny.
Each mile I travel only means
Every step I take on my journey brings new opportunities and experiences.
The more I have to go
I will never stop learning and growing, and my journey will never truly end.
What's wrong with wanting more?
There is nothing wrong with having big dreams and striving for more in life.
If you can fly, then soar
If you have the potential to achieve great things, then aim high and pursue your passions.
With all there is, why settle for
Given the vastness of possibility in life, why limit oneself to less than what one is capable of achieving?
Just a piece of sky?
Why limit oneself to a small piece of what life has to offer when there is so much more to be discovered?
(Papa, I can hear you)
I recognize and appreciate the guidance and support of the father figure in my life.
(Papa, I can see you)
I recognize the impact and influence of the father figure in my life, even as I blaze my own trail.
(Papa, I can feel you)
The support and love of the father figure in my life is a constant presence, even as I pursue my own dreams and aspirations.
Papa, watch me fly
My achievements and successes are a testament to the love and support of the father figure in my life, even as I soar to new heights.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trgoohileshea2820
The final phrase and final note of this is one of the longest sustained notes in history. She holds it for 20 seconds, on an open vowel, which makes it that much harder.
@patriciaalston1082
That's my girl well done my friend. 💚💜♥️❤️🥰🌹😍
@keythdanielsen5533
Barbra belting it out as only she can!
@ladennayoung2939
It seemed as though she held it longer than that. She is a great singer. I like to see the scene from a star is born where she is singing the song named Evergreen. She was still singing and holding that note while Kris was kissing her.
@drew2c659
I just watched this movie for the first time and said the same thing about her singing that last part. Iwas just watching a video of her 11 years after she made this movie where she did a medley of all these songs and she was able to hold the note for half as long, but I was so thankful. 😂 I can’t imagine how she was able to hold the note that long when she did this movie it astounds me! So brilliant!
@drew2c659
@@ladennayoung2939im on a Barbara binge lately. I’ll be watching A star is Born next!
@lydia6638
It's 2023...and I still listen to this. Her voice will always be classy and timeless.
@rowenapetrola4183
Same here
@mquintaes1
Pars mim o melhor filme dela, além da voz, estilo e arranjos musicais incríveis!! Uso este álbum quando insone ou triste, mas faz me melhorar!
@aishaa309
Barbra's voice is proof God exists.