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."
The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hun, we’ve got fish to fry
Then, there’s dinner at the Dodges’, the reception at the Roosevelt’s
And every party filled with millionaires who want
To build the biggest villa since the days of Ancient Rome
So what do you say we just stay home?
You are the best thing that ever has happened to me
Alright then, one of the best things that’s happened to me
You are
They say we all find love
I never bought it
I never thought it would happen to me
Who could foresee?
You are the god-damnd’est thing that has happened to me
Ever
When did I have this much happiness happen to me?
Never
I can’t believe my luck
And all I can do
Is be the best thing that’s happened to you
So what do you say we just stay home?
What do you say we just go out on the boat and get smashed
And make love on the beach and stare up at the moon?
You might just be the best thing that has happened to me
So far
Of course, not much ever really has happened to me
So far
I didn’t much like love
I always fought it
I never thought it would happen like this
Give us a kiss
We might just be the best thing that has happened to us
Partner
Another moment like this might not happen to us
Lover
When all is said and done
I have to agree
You are the best thing that’s happened to me
Who knew?
Who dreamed?
Beats me
In this song, Barbra Streisand reminisces about the various social events that she and her partner have been invited to. These events are hosted by wealthy and influential people, and they are filled with guests who are eager to outdo each other with the grandeur of their properties. However, Barbra realizes that what truly matters is the person that she is with - her significant other. She acknowledges that he is the best thing that has ever happened to her, and she is incredibly grateful to have him in her life. She had never believed in love before, but with him, she has found a deep connection that she never thought was possible.
The lyrics of this song are a testament to the power of love and how it can change our lives for the better. Barbra's experiences at the glamorous events contrast with the warmth and intimacy of being with her partner. This song reminds us that material goods and superficial displays of wealth are fleeting and ultimately insignificant compared to the love and companionship that make life truly meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
First, there’s cocktails at the Cosden’s
We are invited to parties filled with the wealthy elite, such as the Cosden’s, where we can indulge in fancy drinks
Hun, we’ve got fish to fry
But let's focus on our own important matters and priorities
Then, there’s dinner at the Dodges’, the reception at the Roosevelt’s
In addition to the Cosden’s, we are also invited to other extravagant gatherings hosted by the Dodges and the Roosevelt’s
And every party filled with millionaires who want
These parties are filled with wealthy individuals who have a desire
To build the biggest villa since the days of Ancient Rome
To build lavish mansions that rival those of the ancient Roman empire
So what do you say we just stay home?
So instead of attending these parties, let's just stay home
You are the best thing that ever has happened to me
You are the most wonderful and significant event that has ever occurred in my life
You are
You are
Alright then, one of the best things that’s happened to me
Okay, maybe not the absolute best, but definitely one of the greatest things in my life
They say we all find love
It is a common belief that everyone eventually finds love in life
I never bought it
Personally, I never believed in that notion
I never thought it would happen to me
I never thought I would experience love myself
Who could foresee?
Who would have guessed?
You are the god-damnd’est thing that has happened to me
You are absolutely incredible and amazing to the point where it is almost unbelievable
Ever
Ever
When did I have this much happiness happen to me?
When have I ever felt such immense joy and contentment in my life?
Never
Never
I can’t believe my luck
I am so fortunate and grateful that this amazing experience has happened to me
And all I can do
The only thing I can do
Is be the best thing that’s happened to you
Is to reciprocate and provide the same level of happiness and love to you
What do you say we just go out on the boat and get smashed
Instead of attending the parties, let's go out on a boat and drink excessively
And make love on the beach and stare up at the moon?
We can then have a romantic evening on the beach, making love and admiring the moon
You might just be the best thing that has happened to me
You may be the most magnificent occurrence in my life so far
So far
So far
Of course, not much ever really has happened to me
Admittedly, not many significant events or moments have occurred in my life
I didn’t much like love
I never really cared for the idea or concept of love
I always fought it
I always resisted the thought of falling in love
I never thought it would happen like this
I never imagined finding love in this particular way
Give us a kiss
Please show affection by giving me a kiss
We might just be the best thing that has happened to us
Together, we could be the most marvelous occurrence that has ever happened to us
Partner
Companion or significant other
Another moment like this might not happen to us
We might not experience another moment as wonderful and special as this in our lives
Lover
Intimate partner or romantic interest
When all is said and done
In the end
I have to agree
I must concur
You are the best thing that’s happened to me
You are the most amazing and significant event that has ever occurred in my life
Who knew?
Who would have thought?
Who dreamed?
Who could have had such a wonderful dream or vision?
Beats me
I have no idea
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