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."
At the Ballet
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Daddy always thought that he married beneath him
That's what he said, that's what he said
When he proposed he informed my mother
He was probably her very last chance
And though she was twenty-two
Though she was twenty-two
Though she was twenty-two
Life with my dad wasn't ever a picnic
More like a "come as you are."
When I was five I remember my mother
Dug earrings out of the car
I knew they weren't hers, but it wasn't
Something you'd want to discuss
He wasn't warm
Well, not to her
Well, not to us
But everything was beautiful at the ballet
Graceful men lift lovely girls in white
Yes,everything was beautiful at ballet
Hey! I was happy... at the ballet
spoken: That's when I started class
Up a steep and very narrow stairway
Sheila and Bebe:
To the voice like a metronome
Up a steep and very narrow stairway
Sheila: It wasn't paradise
Bebe: It wasn't paradise
Sheila and Bebe: It wasn't paradise
Sheila: But it was home
Bebe:
Mother always said I'd be very attractive
When I grew up, when I grew up
"Diff'rent," she said, "With a special something
And a very, very personal flair."
And though I was eight or nine
Though I was eight or nine
Though I was eight or nine
I hated her
Now, "Diff'rent" is nice, but it sure isn't pretty
"Pretty" is what it's about
I never met anyone who was "diff'rent"
Who couldn't figure that out
So beautiful I'd never lived to see
But it was clear
If not to her
Well then to me
Bebe and Maggie:
That everyone is beautiful at the ballet
Every prince has got to have his swan
Yes, everyone is beautiful at the ballet
Maggie: Hey!
Bebe: I was pretty
Sheila: At the ballet
Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie:
Up a steep and very narrow stairway
To the voice like a metronome
Up a steep and very narrow stairway
Maggie: It wasn't paradise
Bebe: It wasn't paradise
Sheila: It wasn't paradise
Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie: But it was home
Maggie:
I don't know what they were for or against, really, except each other. I mean, I was born to save their marriage but when my father came to pick my mother up at the hospital he said: "Well, I thought this was going to help. But I guess it's not." Anyway, I did have a fantastic fantasy life. I used to dance around the living room with my arms up like this. My fantasy was that it was an Indian Chief... And he'd say to me, "Maggie, do you wanna dance?" And I'd say, "Daddy, I would love to dance."
Bebe: But it was clear
Sheila: When he proposed
Maggie: That I was born to help their marriage and when
Sheila: That's what he said
Bebe: That's what she said
Maggie: I used to dance around the living room
Sheila: He wasn't warm
Bebe: Not to her
Maggie:
It was an Indian chief and he'd say
"Maggie, do you wanna dance?"
And I said, "Daddy, I would love to"
Everything was beautiful at the ballet
Raise your arms and someone's always there
Yes, everything was beautiful at the ballet
At the ballet
At the ballet!
Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie:
Yes everything was beautiful at the ballet.
Maggie: Hey!
Bebe: I was pretty
Sheila: I was happy
Maggie: "I would love to..."
Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie:
At the ballet
The song "At the Ballet" by Barbra Streisand from the Broadway musical, A Chorus Line, is a poignant recounting of three women's childhood experiences and their relationship with their parents. Sheila, the first woman, sings of her father's initial reluctance to marry her mother and his lack of warmth towards their family. However, despite this, Sheila fondly remembers her childhood trips to the ballet, where she found solace, and everything seemed beautiful. Meanwhile, Bebe, the second woman, sings of her mother's attempt to mold her into something "different" and "special," causing resentment to build between them. But at the ballet, she felt radiant and beautiful. Finally, Maggie, the third woman, narrates her parents' troubled relationship, even suggesting that she was born to save their marriage. Her happy thoughts, however, centered on her imaginary dance partner and the idea of dancing at the ballet.
The song highlights the transformative power of the ballet on these women, who renew their self-worth and beauty each time they attend a show. They also showcase how life is not always rosy, and difficult experiences shape our relationships with people and things. In this case, ballet becomes a symbol of hope and possibility, despite life's challenges. The harmonies of all three women during the song uniite their personal stories, blending them through the theme of ballet.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddy always thought that he married beneath him
My father believed he was superior to my mother.
When he proposed he informed my mother
My father told my mother that she was lucky to have him propose to her.
And though she was twenty-two
Despite my mother being twenty-two years old,
She married him
She agreed to marry him.
Life with my dad wasn't ever a picnic
My childhood with my father was not always enjoyable.
More like a 'come as you are.'
There were no expectations to be perfect or dress up.
When I was five I remember my mother
I recall my mother when I was five years old.
He wasn't warm
My father was not affectionate.
Well, not to her
At least, not towards my mother.
But everything was beautiful at the ballet
The ballet was an escape and source of beauty for me.
Graceful men lift lovely girls in white
The dancers on stage portrayed elegance and romance.
Up a steep and very narrow stairway
The path to the dance class was difficult to climb.
It wasn't paradise
My life was not perfect or ideal.
Mother always said I'd be very attractive
My mother had high hopes for my appearance.
And though I was eight or nine
Even at a young age,
I hated her
I felt resentment towards her.
So beautiful I'd never lived to see
I had not yet experienced such beauty before.
That everyone is beautiful at the ballet
The ballet taught me that everyone has their own beauty and grace.
Every prince has got to have his swan
The ballet is filled with romantic imagery and traditional roles.
I don't know what they were for or against, really, except each other.
My parents had a troubled relationship and seemed to only be in conflict with each other.
Anyway, I did have a fantastic fantasy life.
Despite the challenges in my life, I had a rich imagination.
It was an Indian chief and he'd say
In my imagination, I danced with an Indian chief.
Everything was beautiful at the ballet
The ballet was a source of joy and beauty for me.
Raise your arms and someone's always there
I found comfort and support in the ballet community.
Yes, everything was beautiful at the ballet
The ballet was a refuge for me during difficult times.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARVIN HAMLISCH, EDWARD LAWRENCE KLEBAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Geo De
Oh my godesses! Three of my favorite girl!!! Singing one of my personal heart and soul, tearing songs.
I love your directing with Daisy. You have such a big soul, heart and brain! You really get it and you really know how to direct/convey the truth and your mission👍
💘 U even more now!!! As if I didn't B 4?
OMG... Just so many flashbacks of Grace from "Will & Grace"!!!
Have you seen any episodes of the show?...
Can't wait for the release and the videos....!!!!!💘💘💘💘💘
Love everything A Chorus Line! I was a dancer. Spent more than half a lifetime in a ballet studio.
😢😧😓😂 memories, like the...
Thank You Barbra Streisand!!!
You are Royalty! Thank You!!!
My Queen!
💘💘💘💘💘
✌😍👌
Paint
Oh gosh Daisy Ridley is just a dream
mabel
Paint THANK YOU
Sjasmin christensen. im single forever.?
Daisy is a nightmare
Stella Fuatavai
Don’t u think!!!!
rocky1942racoon
I guess if your single and don't have a girlfriend.
Kee Leichtle
I feel like Anne's not getting enough love in the comment section cause 99% of it is focused on Daisy who is talented don't get me wrong but I want to contribute some love for Anne because I love her.
Anne is amazing! I love her so much! She's got a great voice! She slayed in Les Mis and she slayed here along with Daisy and the amazing Barbra Streisand!
K S
I didn't know Anne could sing until I stumbled upon this. I then went and listened to some of her Les Miserables performance and she's amazing! So yes much appreciation here for Anne!
John Marc Escurel
Anne Hathaway, She's beauty and she's grace. She's elegant, quirky and you can't just help adore her. She's the ideal standard of a perfect celebrity back then but nicer.
Sujata Mehta
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Suzanne Proulx-Wilson
I loved Anne in Les Mis! The emotions she put into it.....it tore my heart out!