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 Do You Start
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
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How do you separate the present from the past?
How do you deal with all the things you thought
Would last that didn't last?
With bits of memories scattered here and there
I look around and don't know where to start
Which books are yours?
Our lives are tangled like the branches
Of a vine that intertwine
So many habits that we'll have to break
And yesterdays we'll have to take apart
One day there'll be a song or something in the air again
To catch me by surprise and you'll be there again
A moment in what might have been
Where do you start?
Do you allow yourself a little time to cry?
Or do you close your eyes and kiss it all goodbye?
I guess you try
And though I don't know where
And don't know when I'll find myself in love again
I promise there will always be
A little place no one will see
A tiny part deep in my heart
That stays in love with you
"Where Do You Start" is a heartfelt ballad by Barbra Streisand that delves into the complexities of moving on from a failed relationship. The lyrics amplify the sense of confusion and loss one experiences when trying to untangle the memories and belongings that were shared with a former partner. The song raises introspective questions about starting anew and dealing with the disappointment of things that were once believed to be eternal.
The opening line "Where do you start?" sets the tone for the song, posing an existential question about where one begins the process of moving on. The following lines contemplate the difficulty of separating the present from the past and coming to terms with the demise of what was once expected to last forever.
The lyrics further explore the intricacies of disentangling intertwined lives, addressing the challenge of determining what belongs to whom. They touch upon the need to let go of habits and dismantle the memories of the past, symbolizing the arduous work of healing and rebuilding one's life after a breakup.
Amidst the pain and confusion, there is a glimmer of hope expressed in the anticipation of a future moment when love might unexpectedly resurface. Streisand sings of a potential song or something in the air that could bring about a romantic encounter, signifying the possibility of finding love again.
Ultimately, the song concludes with a bittersweet promise that regardless of what happens, there will always be a hidden place in the singer's heart that remains in love with the person she is moving on from. It encapsulates the enduring impact of a past love, while acknowledging the need and determination to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Where do you start?
How do you begin to navigate the complexities of this situation?
How do you separate the present from the past?
How do you distinguish and move on from the memories and experiences that still linger?
How do you deal with all the things you thought
Would last that didn't last?
How do you handle the disappointment of lost expectations and broken promises?
With bits of memories scattered here and there
I look around and don't know where to start
Surrounded by fragments of the past, I struggle to find a starting point for moving forward
Which books are yours?
Which of these experiences and emotions belong to you?
Which tapes and dreams belong to you and which are mine?
Which shared memories and aspirations are solely yours or mine?
Our lives are tangled like the branches
Of a vine that intertwine
Our lives are intricately woven together, making it challenging to unravel and untangle
So many habits that we'll have to break
And yesterdays we'll have to take apart
There are numerous patterns and routines that need to be changed, and past experiences that need to be dissected and processed
One day there'll be a song or something in the air again
To catch me by surprise and you'll be there again
Someday, unexpectedly, a reminder of you will reappear, evoking memories of our connection
A moment in what might have been
A bittersweet reflection on the possibilities and potential that was never realized
Do you allow yourself a little time to cry?
Do you give yourself permission to grieve and express your emotions?
Or do you close your eyes and kiss it all goodbye?
Do you choose to let go and say farewell to the past without dwelling on it?
I guess you try
Perhaps you make an attempt to cope and move forward
And though I don't know where
And don't know when I'll find myself in love again
Despite the uncertainty of when and where, I believe I will eventually experience love again
I promise there will always be
A little place no one will see
A tiny part deep in my heart
That stays in love with you
I vow to keep a secret, hidden space within my heart where my love for you will forever reside
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Alan Bergman, Johnny Mandel, Marilyn Bergman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt