I Don't Know Where I Stand
Barbra Streisand Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Funny day
Looking for laughter
And finding it there

Sunny day
Braiding wild flowers
And leaves in her hair
Picked up a pencil and wrote
"I love you"

In my finest hand
I wanted to send it
But I don't know where I stand

Telephone
Even the sound of your voice is still new
All alone in California

I'm talking to you
I'm feeling too foolish and strange
To say the words that I had planned
I guess it's too early

'Cause I don't know where I stand
Crickets call courting the ladies
In starred apple green thickets tall

Until the morning
Comes up like a dream
How muted and misty
Such rouse and I'll take
What sleep I can
I know that I miss you
But I don't know where I stand




I know that I miss you
But I don't know where I stand

Overall Meaning

The song "I Don't Know Where I Stand" by Barbra Streisand is a contemplative piece about the confusion and uncertainty that comes with a new and budding relationship. The lyrics describe a day filled with joy and the simple pleasures of life, like braiding wildflowers into one's hair, but also the fear and hesitation that come with expressing one's feelings. The singer of the song confesses that she has written a love letter to her object of affection but is unsure where she stands in their relationship. She is too afraid to say the words she had planned, as she is feeling foolish and strange.


The verse about the crickets calling and the morning mist suggests that time is passing, and the relationship may be slipping away. By the end of the song, the singer is left with the feeling that she misses the person but still doesn't know where she stands with them. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and uncertainty that many people can relate to when starting a new relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Funny day
It was an odd day


Looking for laughter
Trying to find something to make me smile


And finding it there
And finally finding something that brought me joy


Sunny day
Beautiful weather outside


Braiding wild flowers
Weaving together flowers from the outdoors


And leaves in her hair
And adding in some greenery for decoration


Picked up a pencil and wrote
Grabbed a writing utensil and penned some words


"I love you"
Expressing my love with three simple words


In my finest hand
Using my best handwriting


I wanted to send it
I had the intention of mailing it


But I don't know where I stand
But I'm not sure where we stand in our relationship


Telephone
Calling on the phone


Even the sound of your voice is still new
Your voice is unfamiliar to me


All alone in California
I'm by myself in California


I'm talking to you
I'm having a conversation with you


I'm feeling too foolish and strange
I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable


To say the words that I had planned
To express the feelings I prepared beforehand to tell you


I guess it's too early
I think it's too soon to have this conversation


'Cause I don't know where I stand
Because I'm unsure of where we are in our relationship


Crickets call courting the ladies
The crickets are making noise to attract mates


In starred apple green thickets tall
In tall green bushes decorated with stars


Until the morning
Until the sun rises


Comes up like a dream
Rising in a soft and misty way


How muted and misty
The morning is soft and foggy


Such rouse and I'll take
If there's any activity, I'll wake up


What sleep I can
I'll try to get as much sleep as possible


I know that I miss you
I'm aware that I feel your absence


But I don't know where I stand
But I'm still uncertain about our relationship


I know that I miss you
I'm aware that I feel your absence


But I don't know where I stand
But I'm still uncertain about our relationship




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joni Mitchell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Robo


on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)

I love Melinda Vesterfelt

More Versions