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."
Time Machine
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many listened but they never heard the words
In my mind I can travel back in time
Relive the memories that kept my faith alive
In every heart there's a time machine
If you believe in your memory
Trace every place you've been
In every heart beats a time machine
Where you can be what you want to be
Love is your memory
You can relive your life
Looking back on all the changes I have made
I may have stumbled but
I never lost my way
Now I feel all the world is on my side
When I remember there's
A special place inside
In every heart there's a time machine
If you believe in your memory
Trace every place you've been
You know what it means
In every heart beats a time machine
Where you can be what you want to be
Love is your memory
You can relive your life
Now that your eyes are open
You can explore each moment
For you are the only one
That know where your life should lead
In my mind I can travel back in time
Relive the memories that kept my faith alive
Iin every heart there's a time machine
If you believe in your memories
Trace every place you've been you'll know what it means
In every heart beats a time machine
Where you can be what you want to be
Love is your memory
You can relive your life
In every heart there's a time machine
If you believe in your memories
Trace every place you've been you'll know what it means
In every heart there's a time machine
(In every heart beats a time machine)
Where you can be what you want to be
Where you can be what you want to be
(Love is your memory)
In every heart (heart) heart (heart)
Barbra Streisand's "Time Machine" is a song that explores the power of memory to transport one back in time and relive the moments that have shaped one's life. The opening lines of the song, "I remember when my voice was never heard/Many listened but they never heard the words," suggest a sense of frustration and isolation felt by the singer in the past. However, as the song progresses, the focus shifts to the idea that memories can act as a kind of time machine, allowing one to revisits the past and find a sense of purpose and direction in the present.
The idea of memory as a time machine is reinforced throughout the song, with repeated references to "tracing" one's past and "reliving" one's life. The chorus, with its anthemic refrain "In every heart beats a time machine," encourages listeners to embrace their memories as a way of not only revisiting the past but also of creating a better future for themselves.
Overall, "Time Machine" seems to be a hopeful song about the power of memory to guide and inspire us. The use of the past tense in lines like "Looking back on all the changes I have made/I may have stumbled but I never lost my way" suggests that the singer has come to terms with the challenges of the past and is now focused on moving forward with confidence and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember when my voice was never heard
There was a time in the past when no one cared to hear me speak or listen to my words.
Many listened but they never heard the words
Even though I tried to convey my thoughts and feelings, people seemed to ignore me or only pretend to listen.
In my mind I can travel back in time
I have the ability to revisit my past memories in my imagination.
Relive the memories that kept my faith alive
I can journey through the experiences that have sustained and encouraged me throughout my life.
In every heart there's a time machine
Every person has within them the capacity to access their memories and revisit their past.
If you believe in your memory
If you trust in the accuracy of your recollection and the importance of revisiting the past.
Trace every place you've been
Revisit each moment in time that has contributed to shaping you into the person you are today.
You'll know what it means
You will understand the significance of the life experiences that have influenced your perspective and your path.
Where you can be what you want to be
Through revisiting your past memories, you can access the person you've always wanted to be and the goals you've always had.
Love is your memory
Your past experiences, particularly those that involved love, provide the foundation for who you are and who you will become.
You can relive your life
Through revisiting your past, you have the opportunity to experience your life over again in a new way.
Looking back on all the changes I have made
Reflecting on my past allows me to see the growth and transformation that I've undergone.
I may have stumbled but I never lost my way
Despite any setbacks or challenges, I've stayed true to my values and followed my heart.
Now I feel all the world is on my side
By revisiting my past and gaining new perspective, I now feel supported and empowered by the world around me.
When I remember there's a special place inside
Through revisiting my past, I recognize the unique potential and significance of my own inner self.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HUNTER FAIRWEATHER, MARTIN GEORGE PAGE, MAURICE WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chris N
She followed up the almost classical score of Yentl with this! Her versatility would not have been possible without her mastery of a voice that goes wherever she wants it to and without tremendous courage.
Mathew Horodner
My favorite Barbra Streisand song!
Reijo Hiltunen
This has been my favorite so many years. I just love the song and Barbra singing it!
Bill Priddy
Underrated. Streisand was brilliant with Maurice White producing.
Mario Tarradell
The late great Maurice White co-wrote the song as well. Love it and yes, so underrated. This entire album is very underrated.
Geoffrey Sonnen
Yes! I so agree. The whole album is amazing, and it didn't get the right and timely promo to push it.
Kevin Cook
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT !!!! Streisand is one of the GREATEST musical instruments EVER !!
EWFMW
Maurice White is the treasure of world.Thank you Mr.White for everything.I love him so much.My children too🙏☯🕉
Josean Sancho
Siempre he echado de menos que Barbra hiciera más música como esta
Jose Damian Soler Carrillo
Gracias Bárbara por está hermosa canción.