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."
On My Way To You
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I find myself reciting
The words I've or should have said
Like scenes that need rewriting
The smiles I never answered
Doors perhaps I should have opened
Songs forgotten in the morning
The tears I may have squandered
The many pipers I have paid
Along the roads I've wandered
Yet all the time I knew it
Love was somewhere out there waiting
Though I may regret a kiss or two
If I had changed a single day
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you
If I had changed a single day
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you
I wouldn't change a thing that happened
On my way to you...
The lyrics to Barbra Streisand's song "On My Way to You" speak to the human experience of looking back on past relationships and wondering what could have been different. The singer reflects on missed opportunities, words unsaid, and chances not taken. The repetition of the phrase "if I had changed a single day" emphasizes the idea that even small decisions can have a big impact on our lives and relationships.
Despite these regrets, the singer ultimately realizes that everything that happened in the past was necessary to lead them to where they are now. The final lines, "I wouldn't change a thing that happened on my way to you," suggest that the singer is grateful for all the ups and downs that led them to their current partner, even if it wasn't a straight path.
This song is relatable to anyone who has looked back on past relationships with a sense of nostalgia or regret. It encourages us to think about how the choices we make impact our lives and relationships, and to appreciate the journey that brings us to where we are today.
Line by Line Meaning
So often as I wait for sleep
As I lay in bed waiting to fall asleep, I often find myself thinking deeply about my past.
I find myself reciting
These thoughts and memories play repeatedly in my mind, as if rehearsing lines for a performance.
The words I've or should have said
I contemplate about the things I have said or wish I had said, knowing that words hold great power and can create lasting effects.
Like scenes that need rewriting
Just as a director may revise a scene in a movie, I realize that some of my past interactions could have been improved if I had the chance to redo them.
The smiles I never answered
I regret not responding or acknowledging the kindness in others, missing opportunities for connection.
Doors perhaps I should have opened
I realize that some paths in life could have led me to greater experiences, but I didn't take that chance when it presented itself.
Songs forgotten in the morning
There were moments of inspiration, creativity, and beauty that passed by too quickly, leaving me with only a fading memory.
I relive the roles I've played
I reflect on the different identities and personas I've taken on in different stages of my life, wondering if I stayed true to myself or if I was just playing a part.
The tears I may have squandered
I think about the times where I wasted tears on things that didn't matter, instead of putting that emotion towards something or someone more deserving.
The many pipers I have paid
I recognize the times where I invested time, money, and resources into things or people that didn't bring me true happiness or fulfillment.
Along the roads I've wandered
As I reflect on my journey through life, I see how each decision and choice led me down a certain path, even if it wasn't the most direct or obvious one.
Yet all the time I knew it
Deep down, I always felt that there was something missing or incomplete in my life, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Love was somewhere out there waiting
Despite my doubts and fears, I had faith that there was someone out there for me, who would love and accept me for who I am.
Though I may regret a kiss or two
Even though there were some romantic encounters that didn't end well or were regrettable, I know that they were all part of the journey that led me to where I am now.
If I had changed a single day
I am grateful for every moment of my life, even the difficult and challenging ones, because they helped shape me into the person I am today.
What went amiss or went astray
I don't dwell on my mistakes or missteps, but instead learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
I may have never found my way to you
If I had made different choices or taken different paths in life, I may never have met the person who has become so important and special to me.
I wouldn't change a thing that happened
Despite my regrets and reflections on the past, I ultimately realize that every little thing that happened, good or bad, was part of a greater plan and led me to where I am now.
On my way to you...
All the struggles, joys, heartbreaks, and growth I experienced along the way were worth it, because they led me to the person I love and cherish the most.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALAN BERGMAN, MARILYN BERGMAN, MICHEL LEGRAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt