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."
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Barbra Streisand's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a Christmas song that speaks of the beauty and simplicity of the town where Jesus was born. The opening verse evokes the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. The reference to the "deep and dreamless sleep" highlights the quietness of the town, where nothing disturbed the peacefulness of the night. Despite the darkness of the streets, the "everlasting light" shines through – a metaphor representing hope, love, and faith.
The second verse describes the birth of Jesus, as seen by both mortals and angels. While people sleep peacefully, angels gather around to witness and celebrate the birth of the Savior. Their praises and hallelujahs are directed not only to the Divine being but also to the people of the earth, who will be blessed with peace and love.
In general, Streisand's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a celebration and a reminder of the simple joy and wonder of Christmas, a time when all the hopes and fears of the years are met.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem is quiet and calm
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars pass quietly above the town while everyone sleeps soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Although the town is dark, there is a bright and constant light shining
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Everyone's hopes and fears have come together tonight in Bethlehem
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus is born from Mary and is surrounded by angels
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
The angels watch over Jesus with love while people sleep
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars celebrate the birth of Jesus together
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
People sing praises to God and wish for peace on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem is still and quiet
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars pass over the town while everyone sleeps soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness, there is a bright and constant light shining in the town
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Everyone's hopes and fears have come together tonight in Bethlehem
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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