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 Can Do It
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You have to fight to hold your dreams
I'll not let mine slip out the window
I've got no time to see which way the wind blows
One day I'll wash my grubby face
Then shine it right on in the race to somewhere
I can do it
Yes I can now
I know I can
Come big or small chance I'll take it there
I'll join the dance and sing my way
I can do it
Just you let me
I can do it
I know I can
I'll knock the whole world down on its ear
People can love I'll make 'em cheer
Think of all the boys
Think of all the girls
That life is passing by
I can do it
I've gotta do it
Just you watch me try!
The lyrics of Barbra Streisand's song "I Can Do It" encourage perseverance and confidence in the face of life's many challenges. She acknowledges that life is not always what we expect it to be, but instead of giving up, we should fight to hold onto our dreams. Barbra asserts that she will not let her dreams slip out the window and has no time to see which way the wind blows. She is solely focused on achieving her goals and washing her "grubby face" to shine and win the race somewhere. She repeats her determination to do it and reveals that taking chances, whether big or small, does not deter her from joining the dance and singing her way to success. She believes she can do it, and the whole world will hear all about it.
Barbra's lyrics conjure a sense of adventure, probability, and optimism. She acknowledges that life is passing us by and leaves it up to us to seize opportunities. Refusing to be deterred by challenges is the hallmark of the song. The lyrics generate an emotional response and encourage people to develop a fighting spirit to persevere and accomplish their goals. In summary, the song is a call to believe in ourselves and focuses on the importance of self-confidence, perseverance, and the pursuit of personal dreams and goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Life isn't always what it seems
Things aren't always as they appear
You have to fight to hold your dreams
You need to struggle to keep your aspirations alive
I'll not let mine slip out the window
I won't let my dreams disappear into oblivion
I've got no time to see which way the wind blows
I don't have the luxury of being indecisive and waiting for circumstances to change
One day I'll wash my grubby face
I will improve myself
Then shine it right on in the race to somewhere
And use my improved self to compete and succeed in life
I can do it
I am capable of accomplishing my goals
Yes I can now
Without doubt, I have the ability to achieve
I know I can
I am confident in my capacity to do it
Come big or small chance I'll take it there
I will pursue every opportunity, regardless of its size or importance
I'll join the dance and sing my way
I will embrace life with enthusiasm and joy
Just you let me
Just give me an opportunity
I'll knock the whole world down on its ear
I will amaze the world with my achievements
People can love I'll make 'em cheer
I will uplift and inspire those around me
Think of all the boys
Think of all the young men
Think of all the girls
Think of all the young women
That life is passing by
Whose lives might be slipping away without achieving their potential
I've gotta do it
It's essential for me to achieve my goals
Just you watch me try!
Just observe my committed efforts to be successful.
Contributed by Zachary J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt