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."
I've Been Here
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No they-perhaps, just here-and-nows
Tomorrow's dream is not my dream
It comes too late and I can't wait
The river runs with one remark
Get on your way, it's growing dark
And so I live to have my say
To get and give each burning day
He'll find that I'm no frightened dove
For all too soon young love is passed
It's tender leaves fall off too fast
Each rising hill, each falling stream
Cause to fulfill each day's new dream
Some brighter road to fly along
Some stronger wine, some wilder song
And when I'm gone don't shed one tear
The world will know that I've been here!
The lyrics of Barbra Streisand's "I've Been Here" emphasize the importance of living in the present moment and seizing great opportunities that come along. The first line "Draw me no maps, vow me no vows" suggests that the songwriter does not want to be tied down to promises of a future commitment but rather desires to live in the "here-and-now." They go on to say "Tomorrow's dream is not my dream" conveying that they prefer spontaneity over planning for a predetermined future and that waiting too long for something could result in disappointment.
The phrase "The river runs with one remark, get on your way, it's growing dark" implies that time is fleeting, and it is best to make a move now; the songwriter recognizes the transience of time and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities while one can. The song portrays the idea that each day is a chance to achieve a brighter future, and each experience is worth cherishing. The sentiment expressed in the final line of the song "The world will know that I've been here!" suggests that living in the moment with passion and purpose will result in leaving an impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Draw me no maps, vow me no vows
Don't make promises or elaborate plans for me as I like to live free in the moment.
No they-perhaps, just here-and-nows
I don't like to ponder what-ifs or maybes, I simply want to experience the present.
Tomorrow's dream is not my dream
I don't want to wait or plan for tomorrow as I value the present moment over the future.
It comes too late and I can't wait
Waiting for tomorrow takes away from living life currently, hence I can't wait for it.
The river runs with one remark
Time passes by quickly and doesn't stop for anyone - it keeps flowing like a river.
Get on your way, it's growing dark
Time is running out, so take action now before it's too late.
And so I live to have my say
I want to make my voice heard and live life on my terms.
To get and give each burning day
I want to make the most of each day and both receive and give as much as possible.
And if in time I find my love
If I happen to find my soulmate down the line, I hope to cherish them during my time with them.
He'll find that I'm no frightened dove
I'm not a weak or scared person, and can handle intense emotions like love.
For all too soon young love is passed
Young love doesn't last forever, and eventually fades away over time.
It's tender leaves fall off too fast
The passion and intensity of young love quickly fades away like fallen leaves in the fall.
Each rising hill, each falling stream
Life is full of ups and downs, and each new moment brings new experiences and opportunities.
Cause to fulfill each day's new dream
Life is about pursuing new dreams each day and making them a reality.
Some brighter road to fly along
I hope to find a more fulfilling path in life to journey on.
Some stronger wine, some wilder song
I hope to experience more intense and passionate things in life, like love or music.
And when I'm gone don't shed one tear
I want people to accept my death and be content with the knowledge that I lived my life to the fullest.
The world will know that I've been here!
I hope people recognize the impact I had on the world around me and remember me fondly.
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt