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."
Hello Dolly! Medley
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's so nice to be back home where I belong
You are lookin' swell Manny, I can tell Danny
You're still glowin', you're still crowin', you're still goin' strong
I feel the room swayin' for the band's playin'
One of my old favorite songs from way back when
So, bridge that gap, fellas, find me an empty lap, fellas
Well, hello Dolly (look who's here)
This is Louis, Dolly (hello Louis)
It's so nice to have you back where you belong (I am so glad to be back)
Ah you're lookin' swell, Dolly (thank you, Louis)
I can tell, Dolly (does it show?)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin' you're still (mmm goin' strong)
I feel the room swayin'
And the band's playin'
One of our old favorite songs from way back when, so (I remember it so, you're my favorite)
Show some snap, fellas, find her an empty lap, yeah (yeah uhm)
Dolly'll never go away again
Well, well hello, Dolly
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're looking swell, Dolly,(wow)
We can tell, Dolly, (wow)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
I hear the ice tinkle (I hear it tinkle)
See the lights twinkle (I see them twinkle)
And you still get glances from us handsome men
So
Mmmm, wow wow wow, fellas
Hey, yeah
Look at the old girl now, fellas (wow)
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again
The song "Hello Dolly!" by Barbra Streisand is a playful and upbeat tune that celebrates the return of Dolly to her hometown. The song opens with Dolly greeting old friends Rudy, Harry, Manny, and Danny, who are all still doing well. She then notes that she can feel the sway of the room, with the band playing one of her favorite songs from years past. As she looks around the room, she asks for the men to find her an empty lap so that she can sit down and enjoy the music.
As the song progresses, Louis enters and greets Dolly, noting that it is so nice to have her back where she belongs. He tells her she looks swell, and Dolly responds with gratitude. As the room grows more festive, Dolly takes notice of the ice tinkling and the lights twinkling, and she continues to soak in the enjoyment of the night.
The tone of the song is celebratory and joyous, as Dolly's return to her hometown is seen as something momentous and exciting. The lyrics reflect this mood, with the repeated refrain of "Dolly'll never go away again" reinforcing the idea that Dolly is back for good.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello Rudy, well, hello Harry
Greetings Rudy, greetings Harry
It's so nice to be back home where I belong
It feels great to be back where I truly belong
You are lookin' swell Manny, I can tell Danny
Manny, you look wonderful, and Danny, you also seem to be doing well
You're still glowin', you're still crowin', you're still goin' strong
You are still vibrant, you are still boasting, you are still thriving
I feel the room swayin' for the band's playin'
The band's music is causing me to feel the room moving
One of my old favorite songs from way back when
One of my all-time favorite songs from many years ago
So, bridge that gap, fellas, find me an empty lap, fellas
Boys, bring me closer to the music, find me a free lap to sit on
Dolly'll never go away again
I will never leave again
Well, hello Dolly (look who's here)
Well, hello Dolly (I've just noticed you)
It's so nice to have you back where you belong (I am so glad to be back)
It feels wonderful to have you back in your rightful place (I'm thrilled to be back)
Ah you're lookin' swell, Dolly (thank you, Louis)
Wow, Dolly, you look fantastic (thanks, Louis)
I can tell, Dolly (does it show?)
I can perceive it, Dolly (do you think it shows?)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin' you're still (mmm goin' strong)
You still exude radiance, you are still unceasingly bragging and you are still strong and thriving
I feel the room swayin' and the band's playin'
I am experiencing the room moving as the band plays
One of our old favorite songs from way back when, so (I remember it so, you're my favorite)
This is one of our beloved songs from many years ago, so (I remember it well, it's one of my favorites)
Show some snap, fellas, find her an empty lap, yeah (yeah uhm)
Boys, be quick and find an available lap for her to sit, yeah (Yeah, I'm agreeing with you)
Dolly'll never go away again
I will never leave again
Well, well hello, Dolly
Wow, hello Dolly
You're looking swell, Dolly,(wow)
You are looking great, Dolly, (amazing)
We can tell, Dolly, (wow)
We can see, Dolly (remarkable)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You still exude radiance, you are still boasting
You're still goin' strong
You are still thriving
I hear the ice tinkle (I hear it tinkle)
I hear the sound of ice clinking (I can hear it)
See the lights twinkle (I see them twinkle)
I see the lights glitter (I can see them)
And you still get glances from us handsome men
You are still catching the attention of us attractive men
Mmmm, wow wow wow, fellas
Mmm, guys, wow
Hey, yeah
Hey, yeah
Look at the old girl now, fellas (wow)
Look at the elderly woman now, guys (amazing)
Dolly'll never go away
I will never leave
Dolly'll never go away
I will never leave
Dolly'll never go away again
I will never leave again
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY HERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave Glo
I’m trying to think of any singer today who could just open her mouth and sing like this — without autotune or fireworks or backup dancers or skimpy costumes. Streisand knew how to put her cards on the table.
j gipson
for 12 minutes!
EmeralDQueenTV
This is a gem, I've never seen this before. I've always love the movie since I was a little kid dreaming one day to sing like her, you don't see performances like this no more, Barbara Streisand was gifted with a beautiful voice, amazing just amazing my hat off!!!
Aide le serpent
Agreed!
Som Luong
Some say she was too young to play Dolly, but I think she was perfectly charming and captivating...and her singing!
Jorvieto
I was at this show 50 years ago tonight, the night before this film was made. It was to be a TV special, but was only telecast on Ed Sullivan in this great segment. I was 16 years old. It was a memorable night. For $15, you got Barbra and a lobster dinner. I still have the program/menu. Her singing and star power were consummate perfection. I feel lucky to have been there and remember the show vividly. That same afternoon Ted Kennedy had gone on TV to try to explain Chappaquidick. To think, Barbra was just singing in Hyde Park a week or so ago. Like the song says, "She's still going strong."
Alex D
This is amazing! 15$? WOW! I can’t believe she was performing so rarely at the time. Her voice and persona are so unique. I miss her hilarious comic quality from that time which kinda disappeared during the 80’s and later. Her voice back then and growl sounded like a trumpet. How was it hearing her live at the time? Were you and people aware that you were in the presence of a legend or was it not that obvious at the time? Thank you
Regine Jul
What a lovely era you had, you guys are so lucky to have witnessed in person such talent. I'm 28 and I am glad I discovered this incredible woman. ❤️❤️❤️
Marcelo Wendler
@Jorvieto unfortunately I don't see Elvis in a live concert. I'm from Brazil and I was born in 75. Now, I'm researching about that period of his career between 1968 and 1970, trying to find out more informations. 1969 was a great year for him and to wrote a post I needed read about Barbra Streisand on International.
Jorvieto
@Marcelo Wendler I haven't looked for photos of the International. Would love to see some, but I remember it very vividly. It had some wild colors. The carpet in the lobby and casino was a pattern with mainly lime green and pink. The Showroom Internationale, as they called it, was mostly turquoise, with red velvet booths and a red velvet looking stage curtain. Did you get to see Elvis there? The special edition menu sounds cool.