Don't Rain on My Parade
Barbra Streisand Lyrics


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Don't tell me not to live
Just sit and putter
Life's candy and the sun's
A ball of butter
Don't bring around a cloud
To rain on my parade
Don't tell me not to fly
I've simply got to

If someone takes a spill
It's me and not you
Who told you you're allowed
To rain on my parade!
I'll march my band out
I'll beat my drum
And if I'm fanned out
Your turn at bat, sir
At least I didn't fake it

Hat, sir, I guess I didn't make it!
But whether I'm the rose
Of sheer perfection
Or freckle on the nose
Of life's complexion
The cinder or the shiny apple of its eye
I gotta fly once
I gotta try once
Only can die once, right, sir?

Ooh, life is juicy
Juicy, and you see
I gotta have my bite, sir!
Get ready for me, love
Cause I'm a "comer"
I simply gotta march
My heart's a drummer
Don't bring around a cloud
To rain on my parade!

I'm gonna live and live now
Get what I want, I know how
One roll for the whole shebang
One throw, that bell will go clang
Eye on the target, and wham
One shot, one gun shot, and bam
Hey, Mister Arnstein, here I am!

I'll march my band out
I'm beating my drum
And if I'm fanned out
Your turn at bat, sir
At least I didn't fake it
Hat, sir, I guess I didn't make it

Get ready for me, love
'Cause I'm a "comer"
I simply gotta march
My heart's a drummer




Nobody, no, nobody
Is gonna rain on my parade!

Overall Meaning

In Barbra Streisand's iconic song Don't Rain on My Parade from the musical Funny Girl, she sings about not letting anyone stand in the way of her living life to the fullest. The bold lyrics urge listeners to stay positive and not allow others to bring them down. Streisand begins by telling critics not to tell her how to live her life or bring her down when she is happy. She compares life to candy and the sun as butter, and expresses her desire to fly high and take risks. She reminds listeners that if she falls it will be her own choice and she will not allow anyone else to rain on her parade.


In the next verse, Streisand dismisses anyone who tries to control her or bring negativity into her life. She sings about marching to the beat of her own drum, no matter what anyone else thinks. She refers to herself as the "rose of sheer perfection" or the "freckle on the nose of life's complexion," acknowledging that she may not be perfect but believes in herself anyway. She insists that no one is going to stop her from living her life.


The chorus is a rallying cry for optimism and determination, ending with the declaration that "nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on my parade." The song is a timeless anthem of individuality and resilience that has inspired generations of listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't tell me not to live
I am determined to live my life the way I choose, do not try to restrict me.


Just sit and putter
I will not lead a life of boredom or laziness just to conform to society's expectations.


Life's candy and the sun's A ball of butter
Life is full of sweetness and happiness, and everything is easy and enjoyable.


Don't bring around a cloud To rain on my parade
Do not try to dampen my spirits or bring negativity into my life.


Don't tell me not to fly I've simply got to
I have aspirations and goals that I must pursue, do not try to hold me back.


If someone takes a spill It's me and not you
I will take risks and make mistakes on my own, and will not blame anyone else for my failures.


Who told you you're allowed To rain on my parade!
Nobody has the right to bring negativity or pessimism into my life or goals.


I'll march my band out I'll beat my drum
I will boldly and confidently pursue my aspirations, determined to succeed.


And if I'm fanned out Your turn at bat, sir
If I make a mistake or fail, I will accept responsibility and allow others to take their turn to succeed.


At least I didn't fake it Hat, sir, I guess I didn't make it!
Even if I fail, at least I did not pretend to be something I am not or take the easy way out.


But whether I'm the rose Of sheer perfection Or freckle on the nose Of life's complexion The cinder or the shiny apple of its eye
Whether I am successful or not, I am still worthy and valuable, even if I am flawed or imperfect.


I gotta fly once I gotta try once Only can die once, right, sir?
I must take risks and pursue my dreams, as life is short and unpredictable.


Ooh, life is juicy Juicy, and you see I gotta have my bite, sir!
Life is exciting and full of opportunities, and I must seize them in order to fully experience it.


Get ready for me, love Cause I'm a "comer" I simply gotta march My heart's a drummer
I am coming for my dreams and goals, and my heart is my guide and motivation.


I'm gonna live and live now Get what I want, I know how One roll for the whole shebang One throw, that bell will go clang
I will live life to its fullest right now, knowing that I have the skills and determination to achieve my aspirations.


Eye on the target, and wham One shot, one gun shot, and bam Hey, Mister Arnstein, here I am!
I am focused on my goals and will make a true impact, regardless of others' doubts or criticisms.


Nobody, no, nobody Is gonna rain on my parade!
I will pursue my goals and dreams with confidence and determination, and will not allow anyone to bring negativity or pessimism into my life.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Merrill, Jule Styne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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