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."
Elegance
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, new york
It's really us
Barnaby and cornelius
Mrs. molloy & minnie:
All the guests of mr. hackl are
Feelin' great and look spectacular
All:
What a knack
There is to that
Acting like a born aristocrat
We got elegance
If you ain't got elegance
You can never ever carry it off
Cornelius:
All who are
Well-bred agree
Minnie fay
Has pedigree
Mrs. molloy:
Exercise your wildest whims tonight
We are out with diamond jims tonight
Minnie:
Could they be
Misleading us?
Cornelius & barnaby:
Silver spoons were used for feeding us
All:
We got elegance
If you ain't got elegance
You can never ever carry it off
[dance interlude]
All:
Middle class
Don't speak of it
Savoir faire
We reek of it
Some were born with rags and patches but
We use dollar bills for matches and
Minnie:
Vanderbilt
Kowtows to us
Cornelius:
J.p. morgan scrapes and bows to us
All:
We've got elegance
We were born with elegance
Barnaby:
I beheave like walter wally
When the streets are full of mud
Mrs. molloy:
And the bluest huckelberry isn't bluer than my blood
Minnie:
Have you noticed when I hold my cup
The saucer never moves
Cornelius:
And the way I keep my pinky up
Indubitably proves that
All:
We got elegance
We got built in elegance
And with elegance...elegance...
Elegance...elegance...elegance
We'll carry it off!
All:
We got elegance
If you ain't got elegance
You can never ever carry it off
We got elegance...
The song "Elegance" from the musical "Hello, Dolly!" is a lively and upbeat number that captures the spirit of its protagonists. It starts with Cornelius and Barnaby, two clerks who have snuck away from their boss' store to have a good time in New York City. They encounter Mrs. Malloy and her shop assistant Minnie, and together they navigate the world of high society and 'elegance.' The song suggests that elegance is not just about wealth, but also about manners, style, and self-confidence. They sing about their social climbing and their ability to fit in anywhere, regardless of their backgrounds.
The lyrics use satire to poke fun at the pretensions of high society, suggesting that it is all a performance and that anyone can learn to be elegant with a little bit of effort. They sing about their ability to hold their teacups just so and to behave like aristocrats, even though they come from humble backgrounds. The song is a celebration of style, charm, and wit, and encourages the audience to embrace their inner elegance.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, new york
We have arrived in New York City, which is known for its glamorous and sophisticated atmosphere.
It's really us
We are the people you've been waiting for, dressed in our finest clothes and ready to make an impression.
Barnaby and cornelius
Introducing ourselves, confident and proud of our names and reputations.
All the guests of mr. hackl are
We are attending the party hosted by Mr. Hackl, where only the most impressive and highly regarded guests are invited.
Feelin' great and look spectacular
Everyone at the party is feeling amazing and looking their best, dressed in the latest fashion and showing off their finest qualities.
What a knack
It takes a certain level of skill and talent to master the art of sophistication and elegance.
There is to that
The idea of elegance and class requires effort and attention to detail in all areas of one's life.
Acting like a born aristocrat
Emulating the behavior of those born into wealthy and respectable families with natural grace and poise.
We got elegance
We possess the qualities and attributes of elegance that make us stand out in any social setting.
If you ain't got elegance
Those who lack elegance may struggle to fit in, no matter how much they try to appear sophisticated.
You can never ever carry it off
Without the inherent qualities of elegance, one cannot fake or force their way into appearing sophisticated and refined.
All who are
Everyone who possesses good manners and polite behavior agrees with us.
Well-bred agree
People who come from respectable backgrounds and upbringing understand that Minnie Fay is also a person of high status.
Has pedigree
She has a lineage and background that speak to her own inherent elegance and class.
Exercise your wildest whims tonight
Tonight, we have the freedom to indulge ourselves and let loose, enjoying all the pleasures and extravagances that this party has to offer.
We are out with diamond jims tonight
We are socializing with some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the city.
Could they be
Are we being fooled or misled by these people we're socializing with?
Misleading us?
Are our new friends not who they seem to be or pretending to be someone they're not?
Silver spoons were used for feeding us
We were raised with wealth and privilege, enjoying the best of everything since birth.
Middle class
The term for those who are neither rich nor poor, but somewhere in between.
Don't speak of it
Being middle class is not something to brag about or discuss openly in high society circles.
Savoir faire
The ability to handle any social situation with grace and ease.
We reek of it
We exude the confidence and poise that come with natural elegance and savoir faire.
Some were born with rags and patches but
Not everyone has the same upbringing or opportunities in life, some are born into poverty and hardship.
We use dollar bills for matches and
Our wealth is so abundant that we are able to use dollar bills to light our cigarettes or other objects.
Vanderbilt
One of the wealthiest families in America during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kowtows to us
Even those of great wealth and status must show us respect and defer to our own higher status and standing.
J.p. morgan scrapes and bows to us
Even the most powerful and influential figures in society are forced to show deference and homage to us and our own elevated status.
We were born with elegance
Our inherent qualities of charisma, grace, and poise separate us from the masses and give us an aura of sophistication.
I beheave like walter wally
I conduct myself like Walter Wally, a well-known example of elegance and class.
When the streets are full of mud
Even when conditions are less than ideal, I continue to exude elegance and poise.
And the bluest huckelberry isn't bluer than my blood
My blue blood gives me an inherent understanding and appreciation for the finer things in life.
Have you noticed when I hold my cup
I always hold my cup in a proper and elegant way, without spilling or losing my composure.
The saucer never moves
I maintain such perfect control over my movements that even the saucer beneath my cup doesn't move.
And the way I keep my pinky up
By keeping my pinky finger raised when drinking, I demonstrate my total mastery of the art of elegance and class.
Indubitably proves that
This action is an undeniable demonstration of my expertise in matters of etiquette and sophistication.
We got built in elegance
Our natural qualities of grace, charm and poise are part of our inherent makeup, and are not something that can be learned or faked.
And with elegance...elegance...
Our innate elegance and sophistication allow us to navigate any social situation with ease and grace.
Elegance...elegance...elegance
Our elegance is a fundamental part of who we are and shapes every aspect of our lives and interactions with others.
We'll carry it off!
Our natural elegance and poise allow us to be successful in any situation, no matter how challenging or difficult.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt