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."
CHILDREN WILL LISTEN
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing's all black but then nothing's all white?
How do you say it will all be alright
When you know that it mightn't be true?
What do you do?
Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Children will see
And learn
Children may not obey
But children will listen
Children will look to you
For which way to turn
To learn what to be
Careful before you say
"Listen to me"
Children will listen
Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true
Not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen
How can you say to a child who's in flight
Don't slip away and I won't hold so tight?
What can you say that no matter how slight won't be misunderstood?
What do you leave to your child when you're dead
Only what ever you put in its head
Things that your mother and father had said
Which were left to them too
Careful what you say, children will listen
Careful you do it too, children will see and learn, oh
Guide them but step away
Children will glisten
Tamper with what is true
And children will turn
If just to be free
Careful before you say
"Listen to me"
Children will listen
Children will listen
Children, children will listen
Barbra Streisand's song "Children Will Listen" reflects on the responsibility that parents have in shaping the lives of their children. The lyrics pose a series of questions on how to convey hope and truth, how to discipline without being too restrictive, and how to teach values without casting spells. Streisand reminds listeners that the words and actions of parents have a lasting impact on their children's lives, influencing their decisions and shaping their identity. The lyrics urge listeners to be careful with what they say and do, as children are always watching and learning from their parents.
The song's message is universal and touching, as it appeals to parents across cultures and generations. It's a powerful reminder that children are precious and adaptable creatures who listen to their parents even when they pretend not to. "Children Will Listen" is also notable for its musical composition, which features Streisand's signature velvet voice accompanied by a soaring orchestration. The song builds from a gentle ballad to a dramatic crescendo, echoing the emotional rollercoaster of parenting.
Line by Line Meaning
How do you say to your child in the night
How do you comfort your child when it is dark and scary?
Nothing is all black but then nothing is all white?
How do you explain that everything in life has shades of gray?
How do you say it will all be alright
How do you assure your child that everything will be okay?
When you know that it mightn't be true?
When you're not entirely sure that things will be okay.
What do you do?
What action can you take to make things right?
Careful the things you say
Be mindful of the words you use
Children will listen
Children are always paying attention
Careful the things you do
Be careful of your actions
Children will see
Children are always watching
And learn
They absorb what they see and hear
Children may not obey
Children may choose to go against what you say
But children will listen
But they will always be listening
Children will look to you
Children are constantly seeking guidance from you
For which way to turn
They seek direction and guidance
To learn what to be
They look to you to learn how to behave
Careful before you say
Be thoughtful and think before you speak
"Listen to me"
Don't take your authority for granted
Careful the wish you make
Be mindful of what you wish for
Wishes are children
Wishes are like children, they need nurturing and attention
Careful the path they take
Be cautious of the paths that wishes can lead us on
Wishes come true
Wishes can become a reality
Not free
But there may be consequences
Careful the spell you cast
Be mindful of the influence you have on others
Not just on children
Your influence may extend beyond just children
Sometimes the spell may last
Be aware that the consequences of your influence may last a lifetime
Past what you can see
Beyond the visible and present
And turn against you
Your influence may come back to harm you
Careful the tale you tell
Be mindful of the stories you share
That is the spell
The stories we share can have a powerful impact
Children will listen
Children are always paying attention
How can you say to a child who's in flight
How do you reassure a child who is anxious and afraid?
Don't slip away and I won't hold so tight?
How do you let your child grow and develop independence while still being there for them?
What can you say that no matter how slight won't be misunderstood?
How do you communicate effectively to ensure that you are heard and understood?
What do you leave to your child when you're dead
What kind of legacy do you leave for your child?
Only what ever you put in its head
Only the lessons, values, and life experiences that you have instilled in your child
Things that your mother and father had said
The lessons and values that have been passed down from generation to generation
Which were left to them too
The importance of learning from past experiences
Guide them but step away
Teach your child, but allow them to grow and make their own decisions
Children will glisten
Children will shine and sparkle with their own unique talents and qualities
Temper with what is true
Balance truth with kindness and compassion
And children will turn
Children may turn away if they feel unheard or unvalued
If just to be free
Children seek freedom and independence
Children, children will listen
Children are always listening
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt