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."
Watch Closely Now
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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You'll observe a curious exchange of energy
Are you a figment of my imagination
Or I one of yours?
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
Your eyes are like fingers
They're touching my body and arousing my soul
How high can I go?
You're comin' with me girl
I'm gonna show you how
When it's scary, don't look down
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I see the hunger arise in your eyes and it's a-urging me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Than I've ever gone
You're comin' closer lady
Don't ya leave me now
We're gonna make it
Don't look down
Maybe I'm takin' me too many chances
With no net at all
Maybe I'll teach you at least that
You've got to be free when you fall
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I'm the master magician, who's setting you free
From the lies you've been told
When they're breaking your back
Bring your last straw to me
I turn straw into gold
I'm gonna need you later
When you're not around
But I can take it
Don't look down
Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
The song "Watch Closely Now" by Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson is a passionate and intense ballad that speaks of a curious exchange of energy between two individuals. The song starts with a question - whether they are a figment of each other's imagination or not - and goes on to describe the passion and the desire that arises in them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the way they touch each other, and how their feelings are so intense that they are willing to take risks and face their fears. The song speaks of how they can push each other to new heights and how they can turn each other's weaknesses into strengths.
The chorus of the song is the most memorable part, with Kristofferson's deep voice delivering lines that are both captivating and soul-stirring. The song is all about the exchange of energy between two people, and how they can use it to take themselves to new heights. It shows how love and passion can bring out the best in us and how they can push us to face our deepest fears and insecurities. Overall, the song is a fascinating exploration of human emotion and the way it can transform us.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch closely now
Pay attention to what's happening
You'll observe a curious exchange of energy
You'll notice that something special is happening
Are you a figment of my imagination
Am I imagining this, or is it really happening?
Or I one of yours?
Perhaps you're imagining me?
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
Are you still paying attention to me?
Your eyes are like fingers
Your gaze is touching me deeply
They're touching my body and arousing my soul
Your gaze is having a powerful effect on me
Ridin' the passion arising inside me
I'm feeling a surge of excitement and desire
How high can I go?
How intense can this feeling get?
You're comin' with me girl
Let's experience this together
I'm gonna show you how
I'm going to let you in on my secrets
When it's scary, don't look down
Don't lose your nerve, even when things get intense
I see the hunger arise in your eyes and it's a-urging me on
I can sense your desire and it's spurring me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Let's take this experience to new heights
Than I've ever gone
I've never felt this way before
You're comin' closer lady
We're getting closer to each other
Don't ya leave me now
Stay with me, don't go away
We're gonna make it
We will succeed together
Maybe I'm takin' me too many chances
Perhaps I'm being reckless
With no net at all
Without any safety precautions
Maybe I'll teach you at least that
Perhaps you'll learn a lesson from my experience
You've got to be free when you fall
You have to take risks and accept whatever comes
I'm the master magician, who's setting you free
I'm the one who's helping you break free from your chains
From the lies you've been told
From the falsehoods that have held you back
When they're breaking your back
When everything is falling apart
Bring your last straw to me
Bring whatever you have left to me and I'll turn it into something valuable
I turn straw into gold
I have the power to make something out of nothing
I'm gonna need you later
We will need each other in the future
When you're not around
Even when we're apart
But I can take it
I'm tough enough to handle it
Don't look down
Don't lose your nerve or focus
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KENNETH LEE ASCHER, PAUL H. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richie Gregory
This is utterly amazing and if you notice folks... it's 100% LIVE and ONE TAKE. There is no editing or over dubs here.
She was able to change mood, tones, emotions, vocal styles all within this 6:40 non-stop performance.
NO ONE DOES THAT!! She is and was... THE VOICE
Julie Bright
Yes she can change our mood with all her many inflections in her voice
Kurosaka黒坂Miwako三和子
I appreciate your explanation about her this performance ! I am amazed by her !
denise marie
you are so right about that
Bigmuddog
Richie i totally agree absolutely amazing
pam0626
I totally agree. I cannot believe she did not receive a Best Actress nomination for this performance. All sung live, no playback. It is astonishing. People will always talk about Streisand’s singing firstly, but she is one amazing actress. Her timing, her instincts, are incredible.
Nancy Ann
I cry every time. Not only a beautiful song and performance but brings back some very tender memories for me. ❤️
Patricia Ilges
I have never been able to watch this part without sheading a tear. She's the only singer who can sing "Evergreen" the way she can. Such a beautiful voice!!
RyogaHibikiPigDance
This is someone who completely mastered control over her voice. She was at her peak in this performance. Absolute perfection. Who else can sound this perfect while crying?
Edith Carter
@AJ P She is the very best there is. I grew up listening to her and what a joy she has been. I'm still listening.