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."
Try To Win A Friend
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There ain't nothin' can start it over again.
Pack your bags and leave, ain't no use to grieve.
Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.
The partings easier when there are smiles instead of tears.
In your dreams you see that moment even if you live a million years.
Shake hands goodbye then, for remember when;
Then go home, and cry your eyes out,
You'll only feel a little better.
Try to keep your body busy and let your mind forget him.
'Cause when it's over, really over,
There ain't nothin' can start it over again.
Shake hands goodbye then, for remember when;
Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.
Though you leave behind a lover,
Leave behind a friend.
Try to win a friend.
In the song "Try to Win a Friend," Barbra Streisand sings about the aftermath of a breakup, emphasizing the importance of trying to maintain a friendship with an ex-partner. The lyrics express the idea that although a romantic relationship may have ended, there is still value in salvaging the friendship that existed before the romance.
Streisand is clear that when a relationship is truly over, there is no going back or restarting it. However, she advises that, instead of grieving the loss and dwelling in pain, it is better to focus on gaining something positive from the experience. In this case, that would be a newfound friendship. The second verse expands on this idea, suggesting that it is easier to part with someone you still care about if the parting is amicable and involves a handshake rather than tears.
The final two lines of the song restate the main message: even if a lover is lost, the opportunity to win or maintain a friend remains. The lyrics are ultimately optimistic, offering a path to healing and growth after a difficult period of life.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's over, really over,
Once a relationship has truly ended,
There ain't nothin' can start it over again.
There's no going back or undoing what's been done.
Pack your bags and leave, ain't no use to grieve.
Don't dwell on what's happened, it's time to move on.
Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.
Even though the romantic relationship is over, try to maintain a friendship.
The partings easier when there are smiles instead of tears.
It's easier to say goodbye when it's done with positivity rather than sadness.
In your dreams you see that moment even if you live a million years.
Memories of that moment will last a lifetime and beyond.
Shake hands goodbye then, for remember when;
Bid farewell amicably and remember the good times.
Then go home, and cry your eyes out,
It's okay to grieve, just don't do it in front of the person you're saying goodbye to.
You'll only feel a little better.
Crying may help ease some of the pain but it won't fix everything.
Try to keep your body busy and let your mind forget him.
Stay occupied with other activities to help take your mind off of the past relationship.
'Cause when it's over, really over,
Because when it's all said and done,
Leave behind a lover,
You may have left your romantic relationship behind,
Leave behind a friend.
But don't leave your friendship behind too.
Try to win a friend.
Instead, focus on nurturing a friendship going forward.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt