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 Think It
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with gray
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today
Scarecrow's dressed in the latest styles
With frozen smiles to chase love away
Human kindness is overflowing
Lonely, lonely
Tin can at my feet
Think I'll kick it down the street
That's the way to treat a friend
Bright before me the signs implore me
Help the needy and show them the way
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today
The lyrics to Barbra Streisand's song "I Think It's Going to Rain Today" express a poignant message about the human condition. The opening lines describe a desolate scene of a broken world, with "broken windows and empty hallways" and a "pale dead moon in a sky streaked with gray." However, despite the bleak imagery, the song takes a hopeful turn when it speaks of "human kindness overflowing." It seems to suggest that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is still a spark of compassion and empathy that shines through.
The second verse introduces another character, a "scarecrow dressed in the latest styles with frozen smiles to chase love away." This image can be interpreted in a few different ways; perhaps it symbolizes the way people put on a brave face to hide their pain or how societal norms can make us feel like we have to pretend to be something we're not. But again, there is hope in the chorus when it affirms that "human kindness is overflowing."
The third verse introduces the singer's own loneliness, symbolized by a "tin can at my feet." The impulse to kick it down the street might be read as an attempt to suppress or ignore the feeling of isolation, but the final line of the song urges the listener to "help the needy and show them the way." Ultimately, the song seems to be calling for empathy and connection, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Broken windows and empty hallways
The building is unkempt and abandoned, showing signs of neglect and sadness.
A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with gray
The moon's appearance is dull and lifeless, and the sky around it is similarly lacking in vivid colors.
Human kindness is overflowing
People are compassionate and generous, providing care and support to others.
And I think it's going to rain today
The artist believes that sadness or hardship is imminent, despite the presence of kindness in the world.
Scarecrow's dressed in the latest styles
Even a symbol of powerlessness and fear like a scarecrow has the appearance of being fashionable and up-to-date.
With frozen smiles to chase love away
The scarecrow's smile is rigid and unmoving, symbolic of the way people might hide their genuine emotions to protect themselves and avoid vulnerability.
Lonely, lonely
The singer is feeling isolated and disconnected from others.
Tin can at my feet
A worthless object lies at the artist's feet, reflecting their despondency and sense of abandonment.
Think I'll kick it down the street
The artist has no use for the object and will discard it without much thought or care.
That's the way to treat a friend
The artist is sarcastic, implying that they do not believe in true friendship or meaningful connections with others.
Bright before me the signs implore me
The singer is surrounded by messages urging them to help those in need.
Help the needy and show them the way
The artist recognizes the importance of compassion and guidance in lifting up others who are struggling.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Randy Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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