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."
Not While I'm Around
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
No sir, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere nowadays
I'll send them howling, I don't care, I've got ways
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile for a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you, not while I'm around
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to, I would never
Hide a thing from you
Like some
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not a worry, whistle I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile for awhile
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
In the song, "Not While I'm Around," Barbra Streisand shows her maternal instincts by offering to protect a loved one from harm. The lyrics affirm her unwavering determination to ensure that the person she is addressing is shielded from whatever danger that may come their way. The opening lines of the song, "Nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around," convey the idea of safety and assurance that nothing can harm or touch the person as long as she is there by their side. Throughout the song, Streisand reiterates her pledge to keep her loved one from harm, promising to drive away any threat or danger.
The line "demons are prowling everywhere nowadays" suggests the presence of danger or evil things in our world. Still, the phrase "I'll send them howling, I don't care, I've got ways" infers that she has been preparing for such dangers and has the ability to protect now and in the future. The words of the song embody a mother's love and net of protection, promising to ease tensions and care for the hurt, while promising to fight against whatever tries to harm this person.
In conclusion, "Not While I'm Around" is a song that captures a mother's love and determination to safeguard a loved one from danger. The lyrics offer assurance, comfort, and protection to the person being addressed in the song, promising to defend them against all elements.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing's gonna harm you
You will always be safe.
Not while I'm around
As long as I am with you.
No sir, not while I'm around
Definitely not while I am here.
Demons are prowling everywhere nowadays
There are dark forces in the world.
I'll send them howling, I don't care, I've got ways
I am not afraid to fight them off.
No one's gonna hurt you
I will protect you.
No one's gonna dare
No one will be brave enough to try to harm you.
Others can desert you
People might abandon you.
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
But I promise to always be there for you.
Demons'll charm you with a smile for a while
Darkness can appear friendly at first glance.
But in time
But eventually.
Nothing can harm you, not while I'm around
I will always protect you from harm.
Being close and being clever
Being physically or intellectually close is not the same as being truly close.
Ain't like being true
Being truly close means being honest and transparent.
I don't need to, I would never
I don't have to hide anything from you.
Hide a thing from you
I would never keep anything from you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt