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."
What About Today?
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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I hear will dry in time
The fears I'm fearing now
I hear will die in time
But while I wait around for tomorrow
Watching life drift away
What about, yes what about, today?
I know if I just wait
And when it does
The weather will be fine someday
But while the skies I search for tomorrow
Stay that same shade of grey
What about, yes what about, today?
'Till nirvana comes
What about today?
'Till Messiah comes
What about today?
'Till the mountains move
And oceans part
And angels sing
And life can start
What about, yes what about, today?
I can't help wondering
If tomorrow ever comes
And what's my life
Been lived for if it never comes
I've heard a lot of toasts to tomorrow
But non of them ever say
What about today?
What about today?
'Till nirvana comes
What about today?
'Till Messiah comes
What about today?
'Till the mountains move
And oceans part
And angels sing
And life can start
What about, yes what about, today?
I can't help wondering
If tomorrow ever comes
And what's my life
Been lived for if it never comes
I've heard a lot of toast to tomorrow
Non of them ever say
What about today?
What about today?
What about, yes what about, today???
In Barbra Streisand’s song "What About Today?", the lyrics suggest that worrying about the future and hoping for a better tomorrow can cause one to overlook the present. Though the tears and fears of today may eventually subside, the singer argues that it’s important to consider the value of each day as it comes. There’s no guarantee of tomorrow, and the singer can’t help wondering if it will ever come, and if it does, what will her life have been lived for if she didn’t appreciate the present? The song invites listeners to embrace the moment and recognize the significance of today.
The repetition of "What about today?" emphasizes the importance of being present and enjoying life in the moment. The references to religious concepts - "nirvana," "Messiah," & "angels" - offer the sense of longing for a better future while acknowledging the value of one’s daily life. The song might resonate with individuals struggling to stay positive and find joy in life despite the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
The tears I'm shedding now
I hear will dry in time
I trust that the pain I am experiencing presently is temporary and will eventually cease.
The fears I'm fearing now
I hear will die in time
I believe the worries that plague me currently will eventually dissipate.
But while I wait around for tomorrow
Watching life drift away
While I anticipate the future, I am neglectful of the present and life is passing me by.
What about, yes what about, today?
What about the current moment? It is just as worthy of attention and appreciation as the future.
I know if I just wait
The sun will shine someday
I am confident that eventually, good things will happen if I remain patient and optimistic.
And when it does
The weather will be fine someday
Once things improve, all will be well and I will be able to bask in the fruits of my labor.
But while the skies I search for tomorrow
Stay that same shade of grey
Although I yearn for a brighter tomorrow, the current bleakness makes it challenging to stay hopeful.
What about, yes what about, today?
What about the present moment? It is vital to cherish and make the most of what we have now.
'Till nirvana comes
What about today?
Even if I hope for a perfect future, it is essential to account for the present along the way.
'Till Messiah comes
What about today?
Even if I believe in a divine figure who will ultimately save us, I should still appreciate and value the present.
'Till the mountains move
And oceans part
And angels sing
And life can start
Even in the face of insurmountable odds or divine intervention, the present is still of the utmost importance.
I can't help wondering
If tomorrow ever comes
And what's my life
Been lived for if it never comes
I am uncertain of the future and the purpose of my life if it does not unfold as I hope.
I've heard a lot of toasts to tomorrow
But non of them ever say
What about today?
People often raise a glass to the future, but seldom appreciate the present moment and all it has to offer.
What about today?
What about the here and now? We should cherish and embrace the present, rather than overlooking it in favor of the future.
'Till nirvana comes
What about today?
Irrespective of whether we reach ultimate enlightenment, we must still be mindful and appreciative of each moment.
'Till Messiah comes
What about today?
Even if we believe in an afterlife or divine intervention, we must not lose sight of the importance of the present.
'Till the mountains move
And oceans part
And angels sing
And life can start
Regardless of what happens in the future, life is already happening in the present, and we must pay heed to it.
I can't help wondering
If tomorrow ever comes
And what's my life
Been lived for if it never comes
I am uneasy about an uncertain future and the meaning of my life if my expectations are not met.
I've heard a lot of toast to tomorrow
Non of them ever say
What about today?
We frequently celebrate the future, but overlook the significance of the present and all it represents.
What about today?
What about now? This moment is crucial, and we should appreciate and make the most of it.
What about, yes what about, today???
Overall, we should ask ourselves what we can do to appreciate, enjoy, and embrace the present moment and all it has to offer.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Lee Shire
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt