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."
Where's That Rainbow?
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm bubbling over today
Spring brings roses to people you see
But it brings hay fever to me
My luck will vary surely
That's purely a curse
My luck has changed
Yes, it gotten
To worse
Where's that rainbow they sing about
Where's that lining they cheer about
Where's that love nest where love is
King ever after
Where's that blue room they sing about
Where's that sunshine they fling about
I know morning will come but
Pardon my laughter
In each scenario you can depend
On the end where the lovers agree
Where's that Lothario where does he roam
With his dome Vaselined as can be
It is easy to see alright
Everything's gonna be alright
Be just dandy for everybody but me
In each scenario you can depend
On the end where the lovers agree
Where's that Lothario where does he roam
With his dome Vaselined as can be
It is easy to see alright
Everything's gonna be alright
Be just dandy for everybody but me
Oh yeah, I see that rainbow
For everybody
But me
The lyrics of Where's That Rainbow by Barbra Streisand showcases the singer's despair in the face of societal expectations. The lyrics start off with a play on the popular saying 'troubles are only bubbles', which the singer declares to be untrue as she is 'bubbling over' with grief. Spring, which is a season of renewal and rejuvenation for many, is portrayed as a cause of misery for the singer due to her hay fever, highlighting how happiness is not universal. Moreover, the singer's luck is portrayed as a curse, indicating a deep sense of hopelessness and resignation.
The frustration continues with the chorus, where the singer questions the existence of rainbows, love nests, and blue rooms, alluding to the societal expectation that happiness can be found in romantic love or materialistic pursuits. She also acknowledges that the lovers' endings are predictable, but she is left without any love or joy. The reference to Lothario (a seductive male character) with his vaselined hair is a satirical comment on the unrealistic expectations set for romance. The repetition of the line 'everything's gonna be alright' by the singer is a contrast to the earlier lines, emphasizing the singer's inner turmoil and feeling of hopelessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Troubles really are bubbles they say
People say that troubles are like bubbles, appearing and disappearing, but they still bother me today.
And I'm bubbling over today
I am overwhelmed by my troubles today, and it feels like they are rising up and spilling over.
Spring brings roses to people you see
Spring is a lovely time for most people, with flowers blooming like roses.
But it brings hay fever to me
Unfortunately, spring also brings allergies for me, with hay fever causing discomfort and irritation.
My luck will vary surely
I know that luck can change unexpectedly and can go either way.
That's purely a curse
Unfortunately, this unpredictable nature of luck feels like a curse on my life.
My luck has changed
Recently, my luck has shifted in some way.
Yes, it's gotten from rotten to worse
The shift in my luck has been for the worse, going from bad to even worse.
Where's that rainbow they sing about
I am wondering where the good times are that people often talk and sing about.
Where's that lining they cheer about
I am searching for the silver lining, the positive outcome or perspective that can come from any situation.
Where's that love nest where love is king ever after
I am wondering where the magical place is where love lasts forever and reigns supreme.
Where's that blue room they sing about
I am searching for the romantic setting that people describe in songs, such as a blue room where love blooms.
Where's that sunshine they fling about
I am looking for the happiness and optimism that people seem to radiate and throw around like sunshine.
I know morning will come but
I am aware that a new day will dawn and things might improve, but...
Pardon my laughter
I can't help but feel that my life is a joke or a tragedy, so forgive me if I don't find much to laugh about.
In each scenario you can depend
In every story or situation, there is a predictable pattern or ending that you can count on.
On the end where the lovers agree
Usually, the happy ending involves two people falling in love and finding a way to be together.
Where's that Lothario where does he roam
I am wondering where the charming and seductive person is, who might bring some excitement or romance to my life.
With his dome Vaselined as can be
This Lothario might have slicked-back hair or a smooth style that enhances his appeal.
It is easy to see alright
It's obvious to me...
Everything's gonna be alright
...that things will probably work out fine for most people.
Be just dandy for everybody but me
However, I am still stuck in my troubles and feeling left out from the happiness and ease that others seem to experience.
Oh yeah, I see that rainbow
I can see that other people are enjoying their good fortune.
For everybody but me
Unfortunately, I am not included in their joy and can only watch from the outside.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., IMAGEM MUSIC INC
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt