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 Know Him So Well
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Perfect situations must go wrong
But this has never yet prevented me
Wanting far too much for far too long
One of few more moments who can tell
But it took time to understand the man
Now at least I know, I know him well
Wasn't it good? Oh so good
Wasn't he fine? Oh so fine
Isn't it madness, he can't be mine?
But in the end he needs a little bit
More than me more, she needs security
He needs his fantasy and freedom
I know him so well
No one in your life is with you constantly
No one is completely on your side
And though I move my world to be with him
Still the gap between us is too wide
Looking back, I could have played it differently
Planned about the man before I fell
But I was ever so much younger then
Now at least I know, I know him well
Wasn't it good? Oh so good
Wasn't he fine? Oh so fine
Isn't it madness, he won't be mine?
Didn't I know how it would go?
If I knew from the start
Why am I falling apart?
Wasn't he fine? Isn't it madness?
He won't be mine?
But in the end he needs a little bit
More than me more, she needs security
He needs his fantasy and freedom
I know him so well
It took time to understand me
I know him so well
The lyrics to Barbra Streisand's song "I Know Him So Well" explores the complexity of a romantic relationship and the evolving perceptions of one's partner. The song begins with the understanding that nothing is permanent and that even the most perfect of situations will eventually come to an end. The singer acknowledges that despite this knowledge, she has desired the same person for an extended period of time.
The second verse delves into the idea that no one is with us constantly and that even in a deeply committed relationship, there are always gaps and differences to overcome. The singer laments that if she had known more about the man she fell in love with from the start, perhaps she could have played it differently. However, despite the challenges, she now feels that she knows him well.
The chorus celebrates the good times the duo have shared, but also recognizes the madness of their situation. The bridge is a reflective moment where the singer acknowledges her own growth and understanding of her partner. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for what could have been, while also recognizing and accepting the reality of the current situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing is so good it lasts eternally
Nothing can last forever or remain perfect indefinitely.
Perfect situations must go wrong
Even the best scenarios can still take a turn for the worse.
But this has never yet prevented me
This fact has not stopped me from hoping or pursuing perfection.
Wanting far too much for far too long
My desire for perfection has been too strong for too long.
Looking back, I could have played it differently
Upon reflection, I realize that I could have approached the situation differently.
One of few more moments who can tell
The outcome could have been different with just a few minor adjustments or decisions.
But it took time to understand the man
It was not easy to fully comprehend the person I was dealing with.
Now at least I know, I know him well
I have finally gained a deep understanding and knowledge of this individual.
Wasn't it good? Oh so good
The situation was amazing, almost too good to be true.
Wasn't he fine? Oh so fine
The person was attractive, charming, and appealing in many ways.
Isn't it madness, he can't be mine?
It seems insane or illogical that this person cannot be with me.
But in the end he needs a little bit
Ultimately, this person has certain needs and desires.
More than me more, she needs security
This person prioritizes security and stability over other things, including me.
He needs his fantasy and freedom
This person desires to pursue his own aspirations and maintain his independence.
No one in your life is with you constantly
No one can be by your side or be present for every moment of your life.
No one is completely on your side
Even those who support you may not agree with you or have your best interests at heart at all times.
And though I move my world to be with him
I have rearranged my entire life or made major sacrifices in order to be with this individual.
Still the gap between us is too wide
Despite my efforts, there is still too much distance or difference between us.
Didn't I know how it would go?
Did I not have an idea of how this would turn out?
If I knew from the start
If I had known what I know now from the beginning.
Why am I falling apart?
Why am I still struggling even though I knew this was a possibility?
But it took time to understand me
It also took time for me to gain clarity and insight about my own desires, needs, and limitations.
I know him so well
I have gained a deep understanding of this individual and the dynamics of our relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tim Rice, Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt