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."
Everybody Says Don't
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't it isn't right
Don't is isn't nice
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't walk on the grass
Don't skate on the ice
Well I say do, I say,
Walk on the grass it was meant to feel
I say sail till to the windmill
And if you fail you fail!
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't get out of line
When they say that then lady that's a sign
No times out of ten
Lady you are doing just fine.
Make just a ripple come on be brave
This time a ripple next time a wave
Sometimes you have to start small,
Climbing the tiniest wall
Maybe you're going to fall
But it is better than not starting at all.
Everybody says no stop
Musn't rock the boat musn't touch a thing
Everybody says don't
Everybody says wait
Everybody says can't fight city-hall
Can't upset the court
Can't laugh at the king!
Well I say try,
I say,
Laugh at the king or he'll make you cry
Loose your poise
Fall if you have to but lady make a noise...
Yes!
Everybody says don't
Everybody says can't
Everybody says wait around for miracles
That's the way the world is made
I insist on miracles if you do them,
Miracles might come true,
Then I say don't...
Don't be afraid!
The song "Everybody Says Don't" by Barbra Streisand is a song about encouraging people to not always listen to the restrictive advice of others. The lyrics start off by pointing out how everyone seems to say "don't" about everything, telling people not to walk on the grass or skate on ice, and that doing so is wrong and not nice. But Streisand comments that she believes people should be able to walk on the grass, sail into the windmill, and even make mistakes without fear of judgment. She suggests that if people don't start somewhere, they won't ever accomplish anything.
The chorus repeats the phrase, "Everybody says don't," and then continues to list more actions, such as not getting out of line or not rocking the boat, that people are discouraged from doing. However, Streisand urges listeners to take a chance and make a ripple or even a wave. She encourages people to climb the tiniest wall, try, and even laugh at the king, stating that it's better than never starting at all or waiting around for miracles. Ultimately, Streisand insists that people should embrace their fear and not be afraid to take risks.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody says don't
People often give warnings to avoid intimidating situations
Everybody says don't it isn't right
Many people discourage doing the right thing
Don't is isn't nice
Discouraging others has negative consequences for us and them
Everybody says don't walk on the grass
Many people discourage breaking rules or norms
Don't disturb the peace
Disturbing tranquility can create problems and chaos
Well I say do, I say,
Walk on the grass it was meant to feel
I say sail till to the windmill
And if you fail you fail!
Despite others' warnings, take risks, follow your instincts, and stand up for what you believe
Everybody says don't get out of line
Many people warn against deviating from the status quo
When they say that then lady that's a sign
No times out of ten
Lady you are doing just fine.
When others try to discourage you, it is often a sign that you are doing something significant and meaningful.
Make just a ripple come on be brave
This time a ripple next time a wave
Sometimes you have to start small,
Climbing the tiniest wall
Don't be afraid to take small steps towards your goals, even if you're not sure what to do next
Maybe you're going to fall
But it is better than not starting at all.
Although failure is always a possibility, it is still better to try than to do nothing at all.
Everybody says no stop
Musn't rock the boat musn't touch a thing
Many people fear change and uncertainty, and avoid taking action to avoid conflict
Everybody says wait
Every body says can't fight city-hall
Can't upset the court
Can't laugh at the king!
Many people feel powerless and unable to challenge authority, which has led to systemic injustice and oppression
Well I say try,
I say,
Laugh at the king or he'll make you cry
Loose your poise
Fall if you have to but lady make a noise...
Yes!
Challenge authority, speak truth to power, and make your voice heard, even if it means risking everything
Everybody says can't
Everybody says wait around for miracles
That's the way the world is made
I insist on miracles if you do them,
Miracles might come true,
Then I say don't...
Don't be afraid!
Although many people say that miracles are impossible and we should wait for the world to change on its own, it is important to take action and fight for the change we believe is possible. Don't be afraid to take risks and create change.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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I love Melinda Vesterfelt