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 Swan
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shoot the swans?
These lovelies?
Can't you see when you look on me
What a lovely creature is a swan
Yo ho
I wouldn't peck at you or bite
And have tiny twinkle toes to dance upon
Oh, was that good?
So you just gotta have a swan
Or you're out of luck
'Cause a chicken wouldn't do
It would only cluck
And besides you couldn't say
"I saw a Chicken Lake ballet"
They would think you don't know nothin'
You are missing yer button
'Cause a chicken's only good for consummate
Where upon, where upon
Where upon, where upon
A chicken or a duck is a mistake
When you do 'Swan Lake'
The lyrics to Barbra Streisand's song The Swan appear to be a satirical take on the ballet classic Swan Lake. The opening lines question whether one would consider shooting swans, suggesting that these beautiful creatures are to be admired rather than destroyed. From there, Streisand's lyrics shift towards a humorous and lighthearted recounting of the attributes that make swans so unique and desirable. She notes that swans are fluffy, graceful, and possess tiny toes for dancing.
The crux of Streisand's lyrics seems to be the assertion that swans are the only appropriate "partner" for the ballet. She suggests that a chicken would not suffice, as it lacks the grace and beauty required for such an important performance. In fact, Streisand suggests that one should not even attempt to perform Swan Lake with a chicken or duck, as these lowly birds would not do justice to the grandiosity of the ballet.
Line by Line Meaning
What are ya gonna do?
What is your plan of action?
Shoot the swans?
Are you going to harm these beautiful creatures?
These lovelies?
The swans are beautiful and should not be harmed.
Can't you see when you look on me
You should be able to see the beauty of the swans just by looking.
What a lovely creature is a swan
The swan is a beautiful and elegant animal.
Yo ho
A playful interjection.
I'm all over fluffy white
The swan is covered in soft, white feathers.
I wouldn't peck at you or bite
Swans are gentle animals that would not attack humans.
And have tiny twinkle toes to dance upon
Swans have delicate feet that are used for graceful movements.
Oh, was that good?
A question asked in regards to the previous statement about swans.
So you just gotta have a swan
A swan is necessary for a particular purpose.
Or you're out of luck
Without a swan, the desired outcome will not be achieved.
'Cause a chicken wouldn't do
A chicken is not a suitable substitute for a swan.
It would only cluck
A chicken does not have the grace or elegance of a swan.
And besides you couldn't say
What you are about to say is not possible.
"I saw a Chicken Lake ballet"
A production of 'Swan Lake' featuring chickens would not be credible or impressive.
They would think you don't know nothin'
Others would question your taste and knowledge.
You are missing yer button
You are clueless or making an absurd suggestion.
'Cause a chicken's only good for consummate
Chickens are only appropriate for consumption as food.
Where upon, where upon
An archaic way of saying 'where'.
A chicken or a duck is a mistake
Choosing a chicken or duck in place of a swan would be an error.
When you do 'Swan Lake'
The production of 'Swan Lake' requires the use of swans for authenticity and beauty.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MERRILL, JULE STYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave Glo
I was only 12 when this movie came to the theaters. My parents dragged us kids, and we weren’t too happy. Then we watched this extraordinary Barbra-person make us laugh until we could barely breathe, make us cry when she fought for her marriage, dance ballet, roller skate, and sing like no human being has sung before or since. If anyone wonders why Streisand is a legend, Funny Girl is a good place to start.
Miro101
Perfectly expressed. :)
nina powlette
when she spoke I died laughing immediately.
Jakayla carter
Same "whattaya gonna do shoot the Shawns"
Edming Reviews
For who knows ballet, this is just simply hilarious…
Joel Ortiz
She is amazing she is hilarious i love Barbara
kyereCat
Yes. This scene is one of my Favorite.
Queen LoveOfMyLife
Love "Barbra"
Noticed her names spelling at 9 yrs old. Long time ago. 😉🤩🤗
kathryn spice
Love Barbra Streisand in this movie she is so funny. Love her xx
Robert Amsel
Some credit should go to Tommy Rall, who plays the prince tongue-in-cheek. Tommy had a wonderful career as a dancer/singer/actor in such films as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Kiss Me Kate, and on Broadway in "Milk and Honey".