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."
Funny Girl Overture
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did you hear that?
Funny
Yeah, the guy said
"Honey, you're a funny girl"
That's me
I just keep them in stitches
And though I may be all wrong for the guy
I'm good for a laugh
I guess it's not funny
Life is far from sunny
When the laugh is over
And the joke's on you
A girl oughta have a sense of humor
That's one thing you really need for sure
When you're a funny girl
The fella said "A funny girl"
Funny
How it ain't so funny
Funny girl
In Barbra Streisand's song Funny Girl, she sings about being a funny girl and how it's not always easy. The starting lyrics show that someone called her funny and she correctly affirms that it is her. She keeps people entertained and happy by making them laugh. But then she goes on to admit that she might not be the right person for everyone. However, she can always make them laugh and that's her strength. She acknowledges that life isn't always sunny and when the laughter ends, sometimes the jokes are on you. A girl, according to her, should have a sense of humor as it's the one thing you need when you're a funny girl. The song concludes with repeating the words "funny girl" multiple times.
The song is about being a woman in a man's world and how important it is to maintain a sense of humor. Barbra's voice has a deep melancholic tone to it that highlights the sadness behind the lyrics. The lyrics talk about being funny on the surface, but underneath it all, it's a woman's struggle to fit in and be taken seriously. Moreover, it's also a song about not giving up on humor even when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Funny
Isn't this amusing?
Did you hear that?
Did you catch what that person said?
Funny
This is humorous.
Yeah, the guy said
Yes, someone made a comment.
"Honey, you're a funny girl"
"My dear, you are quite the jester."
That's me
Yes, that's who I am.
I just keep them in stitches
I generate much amusement, to the point of causing side-splitting laughter.
Doubled in half
My antics cause great physical reaction and produce much laughter.
And though I may be all wrong for the guy
Despite the fact that I may not be the ideal partner for him.
I'm good for a laugh
I am great at making people laugh.
I guess it's not funny
Perhaps it is not so amusing after all.
Life is far from sunny
Life is not always bright and cheerful.
When the laugh is over
Once the humorous moment has passed.
And the joke's on you
When you become the subject of ridicule.
A girl oughta have a sense of humor
A woman should possess the ability to find humor and make light of situations.
That's one thing you really need for sure
It is a necessary trait to possess.
When you're a funny girl
When you are someone who can generate much humor and laughter.
The fella said "A funny girl"
The gentleman described me as a woman who is humorous.
Funny
This is amusing, but also ironic.
How it ain't so funny
How something initially perceived as humorous can have an unexpected, unfunny outcome.
Funny girl
The title given to a woman who generates much amusement and laughter through her humor.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Merrill, Jule Styne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt