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."
My Pa
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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With just his being near
And make a fear for dream all right
By grinning ear to ear
My Pa can do most anything
He sets his mind to do
He'd even move a mountain
My Pa can sweeten up her day
That clouds and rain make gray
And tell me funny stories
That will chase the clouds away
My Pa's the only one on earth
I can tell my troubles to
His arms are house and home to me
His face's a pretty poem to me
My Pa's the finest friend I ever knew
I only wish that you could know him too
In Barbra Streisand’s touching song “My Pa,” she describes the special relationship she shares with her father. She beautifully articulates how her father provides her with unwavering love, support, and strength throughout her life. The opening lines of the song, “My Pa can light my room at night with just his being near,” illustrate the immense comfort and security that her father, in presence alone, brings to her. She also references how her father can easily dispel her fears with his contagious smile, making everything alright. Through this, she highlights the strength and power that fathers possess to impact and shape the lives of their children.
As the song progresses, Barbra accentuates her father’s determination and dedication to achieving his goals. She proclaims that her father can move mountains if he sets his mind to it. The following lines are especially touching as she describes how her father can turn a gloomy day into a brighter one. She appreciates how he can chase the clouds away with funny stories and bring joy to her heart. The song ends with a beautiful expression of love where Barbra recounts how her father is her best friend and how she wishes others could experience the same bond as she shares with her father.
Line by Line Meaning
My Pa can light my room at night
My father's presence alone can illuminate my surroundings in the dark of night
With just his being near
Simply by being near me, my father brings comfort and light into my life
And make a fear for dream all right
When I am frightened, my father's happy and carefree attitude can ease my worries and bring me pleasant dreams
By grinning ear to ear
My father's wide, beaming smile can instantly brighten any situation
My Pa can do most anything
My father is capable of achieving almost anything he sets his mind to
He sets his mind to do
My father possesses an unwavering determination and focus when it comes to accomplishing his goals
He'd even move a mountain
My father possesses a strength and tenacity that would enable him to move even the most imposing obstacle in his path
If he really wanted to
If he desired something strongly enough, my father could overcome any challenge or adversity in his way
My Pa can sweeten up her day
My father has the ability to bring joy and happiness to my mother's day, even in the midst of gloom and rain
That clouds and rain make gray
Even when the outside world is dark and dreary, my father's positivity and humor can shine through and bring light to our family
And tell me funny stories
My father has a talent for storytelling and can make me laugh with his humorous anecdotes
That will chase the clouds away
My father's entertaining and lighthearted stories can dispel negative emotions and bring sunshine into my day
My Pa's the only one on earth
Of all the people in the world, my father is the only one with whom I feel comfortable sharing my deepest thoughts and concerns
I can tell my troubles to
I can confide in my father and trust that he will provide me with wise counsel and support when I am facing challenges or difficulties
His arms are house and home to me
My father's warm embrace provides me with a sense of safety and belonging, like a house and home rolled into one
His face's a pretty poem to me
My father's face radiates beauty and love to me, like a work of art or a poetic expression of tenderness
My Pa's the finest friend I ever knew
My father is not only a loving parent, but also a true companion and confidant, making him the best friend I have ever had
I only wish that you could know him too
I wish everyone could have the pleasure of knowing my father and experiencing his gentle spirit, positivity, and unwavering support
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HERBERT MARTIN, MICHAEL (USA LEONARD, MICHAEL (USA) LEONARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt