Martina
Barbra Streisand Lyrics


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I can see Martina as a child of three
In the sad seclusion of her nursery
Go outside, Martina! go outside and play
Never speak, Martina, put your toys away
So her days were loveless
And her nights the same

When she cried for someone
No one ever came...
Is it any wonder that her eyes grew cold?
That she loved nobody and her young heart grew old




All the children crying from the age of three
Grow to be Martina and me...

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Barbra Streisand is painting a poignant picture of Martina's childhood. She begins with a scene of a three-year-old Martina, locked away in her nursery. Martina is not allowed to go outside or play, and is silenced by her caregivers. Her days are filled with loneliness and her nights with tears, but no one comes to comfort her. As a result, Martina's emotions are stifled and she grows up with a cold, empty heart.


The lyrics highlight the importance of love and nurturing in childhood. Without it, children can grow up feeling unloved and lonely, with emotional scars that last a lifetime. The song paints a vivid picture of Martina's childhood, but it also speaks to a larger truth about the impact of neglect on young children.


Line by Line Meaning

I can see Martina as a child of three
The singer envisions Martina at a very young age.


In the sad seclusion of her nursery
Martina is isolated and alone in her nursery, feeling sad and disconnected from the world around her.


Go outside, Martina! go outside and play
Someone urges Martina to go outside and enjoy the world around her, but she is unable to do so.


Never speak, Martina, put your toys away
Martina is told not to speak and is forced to put away her toys, depriving her of any joy or stimulation.


So her days were loveless
Martina lives a loveless life with very little joy or happiness.


And her nights the same
The sadness and isolation continue through the night, leaving Martina feeling lonely and disconnected from the world.


When she cried for someone
Martina reaches out for help or companionship, but no one comes to her aid.


No one ever came...
Martina is left alone and abandoned, with no one to turn to for solace or comfort.


Is it any wonder that her eyes grew cold?
Given her loveless and lonely upbringing, it is not surprising that Martina becomes emotionally numb and disengaged from the world around her.


That she loved nobody and her young heart grew old
Martina is unable to form any meaningful connections or relationships and as a result, her heart becomes cold and hardened at a young age.


All the children crying from the age of three
The singer suggests that there are many children who experience similar pain and sadness from a very early age.


Grow to be Martina and me...
The artist identifies with Martina's experience, suggesting that many people who experience these pains as young children carry this pain and sadness into adulthood.




Contributed by Caleb I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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