Barbra Streisand (born Barbara Joan Streisand; April 24, 1942 Brooklyn, Ne… Read Full Bio ↴Barbra Streisand (born Barbara Joan Streisand; April 24, 1942 Brooklyn, New York), is an Academy Award-winning American singer, theater and film actress, composer, film producer, and director. She has won Oscars for Best Actress and Best Original Song as well as multiple Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and an honorary Tony Award. She received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor on December 7, 2008. She is the most successful female recording artist according to the Recording Industry Assoc. of America (RIAA).

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 Want to Be Seen With You Tonight
Barbra Streisand Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Afterwards, ziegfeld is angry but agrees she was right to go for the comedy.
Nick arnstein comes backstage and wants to escort fanny out to celebrate her
Opening night. fanny would love to go out with nick but she's obligated to
Appear at a party at her mother's saloon; she invites nick and he accepts.

Nick:
I want to be seen, be seen with you,
With you on my arm,

To wear you like a charm,
Your glitter decorating my arm.
Now, natch'rally such proximity
Gives rumors a rise,
We'll let them analyze
What our amalgamation implies.
Oh yes,
The gossips will press,
So willing to stress
The seamy side--
Know what?
So what!
I want to be seen, be seen with you,
With you on my arm.
Let's give this town a light,
And hit it like a me-te-or-ite--tonight.
I want to be seen with you.
Fanny:
The moon over mother's saloon,
Have a nice macaroon
I'll buy you a light beer.
Nick:
Right, dear.
Both:
I want to be seen, be seen with you,
Nick:
With you on my arm.
Let's give this town a light
And hit it like a me-te-or-ite--
Both:
Tonight--I want to be seen with,
Nick:
Oh, please let me be seen with,
Fanny:
And I would like to be seen with

Both:
I want to be seen with you.

Overall Meaning

The song "I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight" by Barbra Streisand and Sydney Chaplin tells the story of Nick Arnstein asking Fanny Brice to go out with him after her opening night in a Ziegfeld show. Nick is infatuated with Fanny and wants to show her off to the world, while Fanny is torn between her professional obligations and her desire for Nick. The lyrics describe their desire to be seen together, despite the rumors and gossip that may follow.

The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics reflect the excitement and anticipation of a new romance. The use of metaphors such as "wear you like a charm" and "hit it like a me-te-or-ite" demonstrate Nick's desire to display Fanny as his gorgeous accessory while enjoying the glamour of fame and fortune. On the other hand, the line "The moon over mother's saloon, have a nice macaroon" portrays Fanny's more modest and practical side as she is obligated to attend a party at her mother's saloon. However, the couple ultimately agrees to attend the party together and overcome any obstacles to be seen with each other.

Overall, "I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight" illustrates the tension between personal relationships and professional obligations in the entertainment industry. It also reflects the desire to be recognized and appreciated as a couple, even amidst the chaos of show business.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to be seen, be seen with you,
I desire to be noticed in public with you,

With you on my arm,
I want to display that I am with you,

To wear you like a charm,
I want to proudly show you off as a valuable possession,

Your glitter decorating my arm.
I want your presence to enhance my image and status,

Now, natch'rally such proximity
Naturally, being close to each other in public,

Gives rumors a rise,
Invites rumors and gossip,

We'll let them analyze
We will allow them to speculate and comment,

What our amalgamation implies.
What our relationship may suggest or mean,

Oh yes,
Indeed,

The gossips will press,
The gossipers will inquire and question,

So willing to stress
Eager to highlight,