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."
Someone To Watch Over Me
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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He's the big affair, I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret
There's a somebody I'm longing to see,
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone to watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the world
To one who'll watch over me
Although he may not be the man
Some girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key, humm
Won't you tell him, please, to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
The lyrics to the song "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Barbra Streisand represent a longing for a significant other who can provide comfort and security. The singer has not found this person yet, but they hope to soon. They have a regret about a man they cannot forget, who perhaps was not the right person to watch over them as they desired. The singer acknowledges their vulnerability in the world, like a "little lamb" who needs someone to watch over them. They express the desire to be good to this person who will ultimately bring them the protection and love they desire. The final line of the chorus, "to my heart he carries the key," implies that this person will be the only one the singer opens up to, sharing their heart and soul.
The song was first introduced in the 1926 Broadway musical "Oh, Kay!" with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother, Ira Gershwin. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sting, and Amy Winehouse. Streisand's version was released on her 1981 album "Memories" and became a top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song has endured as a beloved jazz standard and has been used in several films, including the romantic comedy "Manhattan" and the thriller "Copycat."
Line by Line Meaning
Looking everywhere haven't found him yet
Despite searching high and low, the person I'm seeking has not yet been found.
He's the big affair, I cannot forget
This person is the most significant event in my life, one that I cannot forget.
Only man I ever think of with regret
Regrettably, this man is the only one I ever think about.
There's a somebody I'm longing to see,
I'm experiencing an intense longing to see a specific person.
I hope that he turns out to be
I'm hoping that this person will live up to my expectations.
Someone to watch over me
I'm yearning for someone to care for me and protect me from harm's way.
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the world
I feel lost and vulnerable in this big, complex world I inhabit.
I know I could always be good
I am confident that I could be a reliable and supportive partner to the right person.
To one who'll watch over me
I desire to find someone who will always be there for me through thick and thin.
Although he may not be the man
Even though this person may not be conventionally attractive, it doesn't matter to me.
Some girls think of as handsome
Some people might not find him handsome, but I do, and that's all that matters.
To my heart he carries the key, humm
I have entrusted the keys to my heart to this person and hope he takes good care of it.
Won't you tell him, please, to put on some speed
I'm asking for someone to hurry up and introduce me to this person.
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
I need someone to assist me in meeting this person, and I'm willing to lead the way.
Someone to watch over me
I reiterate my wish to find someone to be my protectorate.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt