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."
Henry Street
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a block party decorated
With banners congratulating fanny. the neighbors and party guests all sing:
All:
Henry street,
No, it ain't broadway, it's henry street.
Way after midnight
Brighter tonight than the white house.
Boys:
We're proud to tell you that c.p.a.'s
We got in dozens, and lawyers, take your choice.
Messes and messes of young d.d.-esses,
A looney who teaches voice,
Girls:
Ah, ha, ha, ha--
All:
Henry street has something it ain't had so far:
The greatest, most glamorous, genuine, glorified
Ziegfeld star.
We're proud to tell you that c.p.a.'s
We got in dozens, and lawyers, take your choice.
Messes and messes of young d.d.-esses,
A looney who teaches voice,
Ah, ha, ha, ha--
Henry street has something it ain't had so far:
The greatest, most glamorous, genuine, glorified
Ziegfeld star.
The lyrics to "Henry Street" from the musical "Funny Girl" depict a jubilant scene at Rose Brice's saloon on Henry Street, where a block party is taking place to celebrate Fanny Brice's success. The neighborhood is adorned with festive banners honoring Fanny, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement as neighbors and party guests gather to sing in praise of the occasion.
The song paints a vivid picture of the bustling energy on Henry Street, contrasting it with the glamour and grandeur of Broadway. Despite not being in the spotlight of Broadway, Henry Street shines brightly in its own right, with the festivities continuing long into the night, illuminated like a lighthouse and outshining even the White House.
The lyrics reveal a sense of pride and accomplishment among the residents of Henry Street, boasting of the diverse talents and achievements present in their community. The mention of CPAs, lawyers, singers, and other professionals highlights the varied skills and personalities that make up the vibrant tapestry of Henry Street. The celebration is a testament to the rich tapestry of talents and personalities that form the fabric of the neighborhood.
The reference to a "looney who teaches voice" adds a touch of whimsy and eccentricity to the narrative, showing that Henry Street is a place where individual quirks and eccentricities are not only accepted but celebrated. The repeated refrain of Henry Street possessing the greatest Ziegfeld star underscores the community's pride in Fanny Brice's success, elevating her to a symbol of glamour and stardom within their midst. Overall, "Henry Street" celebrates the spirit of community, diversity, and joy in the face of adversity, showcasing the power of unity and celebration in a humble yet vibrant setting.
Line by Line Meaning
Rose brice's saloon on henry street is the center of a block party decorated
The celebration at Rose Brice's saloon on Henry Street is a highlight, with festive decorations all around.
With banners congratulating fanny, the neighbors and party guests all sing
Cheers and applause pour in for Fanny, as the whole community joins in song
Henry street, no, it ain't broadway, it's henry street
Despite not being as grand as Broadway, Henry Street has its own charm and character
Way after midnight, lit up as bright as a lighthouse
Even under the cover of darkness, Henry Street is illuminated brilliantly like a beacon
Brighter tonight than the white house
Tonight, the vibrancy of Henry Street outshines even the grandeur of the White House
Boys: we're proud to tell you that c.p.a.'s
Men expressing their pride in professionals such as CPAs
We got in dozens, and lawyers, take your choice
There is no shortage of CPAs and lawyers in the area, giving options to choose from
Messes and messes of young d.d.-esses, a looney who teaches voice
The neighborhood is full of aspiring entertainers and characters like a vocal coach who is eccentric
Girls: ah, ha, ha, ha--
Women laughing joyfully as they revel in the festivities
Henry street has something it ain't had so far
The street is experiencing a new level of excitement and glamour it hasn't seen before
The greatest, most glamorous, genuine, glorified ziegfeld star
A Ziegfeld star, renowned for their glamour and talent, has graced Henry Street with their presence
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noe Berengena
Musicals from the 1960s were phenomenal and this song in particular captures all of the excitement of a talented ensemble. The tap dancing is a great touch.
Tyler Eve
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am doing my school musical and this song helped me out so much :)
Thomas DiMaggio
Good as it is, "Henry Street" isn't the musical focus of the show; but it serves an important function nonetheless. The written copy on the inside of the original Broadway cast album put it perfectly: "No matter what heights Fanny scales, she is never far from her Lower East Side roots. This gives her the strength, not only to succeed in the theater, but to face her life once it has filled with misfortunes." Fanny's friends and neighbors are genuinely proud of her, and wish her the best. Nick Arnstein (who was a MUCH sleazier character in real life than either the play or film made him out to be) was a friendless wanderer, with no roots or attachments. There was no one, anywhere, to sing "Henry Street" to him.
Anti-pill
Henry Street
No, it ain't Broadway, it's Henry Street
Way after midnight
Lit up as bright as a lighthouse
Brighter tonight than the White House
We're proud to tell you that C.P.A.'s
We got in dozens and lawyers, take your choice
Messes and messes of young D.D.-esses
A looney who teaches voice
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Henry Street has something it ain't had so far
The greatest, most glamorous, genuine, glorified
Ziegfeld star
We're proud to tell you that C.P.A.'s
We got in dozens and lawyers, take your choice
Messes and messes of young D.D.-esses
A looney who teaches voice
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Henry Street has something it ain't had so far
The greatest, most glamorous, genuine, glorified
Ziegfeld star
joe stewart
Thank you. Couldn't make out the "DDSes".
Matt Edwards
This is a mindblower for me. In 1982 I was in the 4th grade and my mom enrolled me in a tap dance class, and we performed this number as part of a variety show we did as a school fundraiser. It wasn't until tonight I finally tracked down where this song came from, and the memories came flooding back. It doesn't seem like it was 33 years ago.
Noe Berengena
My question for you is who had the idea to have you children perform this number? It's a pretty snappy tempo for 4th grade tap dancers. But then again Shirley Temple was tapping with the best of them at a much younger age.
Matt Edwards
Our dance instructor and her husband decided on it. Mind you, we weren't as advanced as Shirley Temple was, but our moves were kept simple enough for us to follow. Thanks for asking!