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."
Melinda
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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Just a mirage, so they say
This whole affair they all declare
Was dreamed every step of the way
You're a mere dream, Melinda
Out for a gaily loose spin
Telling me lies before my eyes
Of days that never have been
There's no Melinda, they say for sure
But don't go Melinda
I know and you know
That you're no mere dream, Melinda
Gone when the dawn gleam is through
You and I know that long ago
Before the dream there was you
There was, was you
The opening lines of Barbra Streisand's song "Melinda" evoke a mournful tone, as the subject of the song appears to be something that is ultimately unattainable - the eponymous Melinda is said to be "just a mirage", a product of the singer's imagination. However, the song also suggests that the singer is reluctant to let go of this dream, despite the fact that the concept of Melinda is something that "they all declare" to be unreal. The lyrics suggest that while the ideal of Melinda may be intangible, it is also compelling in some way, as the singer is lured by her "lies" of a life that was never actually lived.
Throughout the lyrics, there is a sense of longing and wistfulness, as the singer reflects on the ephemeral nature of the dream of Melinda. The song suggests that the idea of Melinda is something that the singer has been holding onto for a long time, perhaps clinging to it as a way of coping with some kind of loss or disappointment. While the dream may not be "real", it has nevertheless been a powerful source of comfort or escape, and the singer appears to be reluctant to give it up completely.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a dream Melinda
Barbra Streisand is addressing a person named Melinda, but she views her as a dream or an unattainable fantasy.
Just a mirage, so they say
Others have told Barbra that Melinda is not real, just a figment of her imagination.
This whole affair they all declare
Everyone around her believes that she is imagining her relationship with Melinda.
Was dreamed every step of the way
Barbra recognizes that even though others think that she is just dreaming of Melinda, the relationship has seemed real to her every step of the way.
You're a mere dream, Melinda
Barbra acknowledges that others have labeled Melinda as a mere dream, but she still sees her as something more.
Out for a gaily loose spin
Barbra feels that Melinda is carefree and living life without any real direction or deeper meaning.
Telling me lies before my eyes
Barbra feels that Melinda is not truthful with her, and is hiding things that could destroy their relationship.
Of days that never have been
Melinda talks about a future together that Barbra believes is impossible and unlikely to ever happen.
There's no Melinda, they say for sure
Others are still insistent that Melinda is not a real person.
But don't go Melinda
Despite what others say, Barbra does not want Melinda to leave her or disappear from her life.
I know and you know
Barbra still believes that Melinda is real, and she thinks that Melinda understands that as well.
That you're no mere dream, Melinda
Barbra recognizes that Melinda is more than just a dream, and that her feelings for her are very real.
Gone when the dawn gleam is through
Barbra recognizes that the relationship with Melinda will inevitably end, possibly when the reality of the situation becomes clearer in the light of day.
You and I know that long ago
Barbra and Melinda have known each other for a long time, possibly even before the current situation, and that their relationship is more complex than it appears on the surface.
Before the dream there was you
Barbra acknowledges that Melinda is more than just a dream; there is a real person behind that dream, and she has known her for a long time before the current situation.
Contributed by Jordan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt