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."
New York State Of Mind
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
Hop a flight to Miami beach or to Hollywood
But I'm takin' a greyhound
On the Hudson river line
I'm in a New York state of mind
And their fancy cars and their limousines
I've been high in the rockies, under the evergreens oh oh
But I know what I'm needin'
And I don't want to waste more time
I'm in a new york state of mind oh oh
It was so easy livin' day by day
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues (oh with the rhythm and blues)
But now I need a little give and take (give and take)
New York times (and the daily news), the daily news oh oh
Comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
I don't care if it's Chinatown (or up on riverside) or up on riverside
I don't have any reasons
'Cause I left them all behind
We're in a New York state of mind
Get a New York state of mind
It was so easy livin' day by day
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues (with the rhythm and blues)
But now I need a little give and take
The New York times (the daily news) (helps you lose your blues)
Comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
I don't care if it's Chinatown or up on riverside (or up on riverside)
We don't have any reasons
We've left them all behind
I'm in a New York,
I'm in a New York state of
We're in a New York state of mind
The song "New York State of Mind" by Barbra Streisand is an ode to New York City, where the fast-paced lifestyle, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture have left an indelible impression on the singer. The opening lines suggest that while some people prefer to escape their neighborhood and go on holiday, the singer is comfortable in her own skin and content to ride the Hudson River line on a Greyhound bus. She is in a New York state of mind and doesn't need the glamour of Hollywood or Miami Beach.
Streisand has seen it all – movie stars, their fancy cars, and limousines, as well as scenic views from the Rocky Mountains. However, she knows what she wants and doesn't want to waste her time on anything else. The dailies, the New York Times, and the Daily News keep her up-to-date with the realities of life.
The chorus is a declaration of her allegiance to New York, with its ever-changing and dynamic neighborhoods that can be both Chinatown and up on Riverside. Streisand is in a New York State of Mind, and she's not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, some folks like to get away
Some people like to escape their everyday surroundings
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
They take a break from the familiar streets and places they know so well
Hop a flight to Miami beach or to Hollywood
They go to sunny, glamorous destinations like Miami or Hollywood
But I'm takin' a greyhound
But I am taking a bus
On the Hudson river line
On the bus that travels along the Hudson River
I'm in a New York state of mind
I have a certain mindset that is aligned with the city of New York
I've seen all those movie stars
I have seen famous actors and actresses
And their fancy cars and their limousines
I have seen their expensive cars and fancy limousines
I've been high in the rockies, under the evergreens oh oh
I have also experienced the beauty of nature, like being up high in the rocky mountains among the evergreen trees
But I know what I'm needin'
However, I know what I truly need
And I don't want to waste more time
And I do not want to waste any more of my time
It was so easy livin' day by day
It used to be effortless to live day after day
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues (oh with the rhythm and blues)
Not connected to the emotional power of music, particularly of the R&B genre
But now I need a little give and take (give and take)
But now I need some harmonious interaction in life, both giving and receiving
New York times (and the daily news), the daily news oh oh
I find this in sources like the New York Times and other daily news publications
Comes down to reality
It all comes down to truth and real-life experiences
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
And I am okay with this because I have allowed myself to be more relaxed and accepting
I don't care if it's Chinatown (or up on riverside) or up on riverside
I do not have a preference for where I am, whether it is the vibrant Chinatown or the peaceful Riverside
I don't have any reasons
I do not have any specific motives
'Cause I left them all behind
Because I have left them all in the past
We're in a New York state of mind
We share the same attitude and perspective towards New York City
Get a New York state of mind
Adopt a similar mindset that is in tune with the energy, culture, and vibe of New York
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emma Rose
I'm going to be singing "New York State of Mine" by Billy Joel, popularized by one MISS Barbra Streisand.
RawOne911
Billy Joel is the reason I know the song. It's been covered by lots of singers. It's become a sort of standard.
Blue
gleeeeeeee ♥
Robbe Van Hyfte
In what world did barbra popularized it the original is way more popular
Queen Arie
Gleeeee 😭🥰 that’s why I’m here I want to sing this song now
Jeho Salvador Melchor
YAAAASSS GLEE!!🤩
LucyLux
Marley and Rachel's version!
Monica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU06eYBriok
symo
she nails this. her voice was at her best in the 70,s in my opinion .
𝘡𝘦𝘥
60s-70s best Barbra