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 Is The Wonder
Barbra Streisand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where is the wonder that I once felt?
Watching snowflakes melt as a child
Where is the wonder that I once knew?
When the sky of blue turned wild?
Where is the magic that thrilled me so,
Watching flowers grow in the spring?
How did robins fly and sing?
Where are the marvels that I marveled at?
What changed the kitten to a cat?
Where are the mysteries that I couldn't solve?
What made the world revolve?
Where is the wonder that years conceal,
That a child can feel now and then?
Oh, where is the wonder of long ago
That I'll never know again?
In Barbra Streisand's song "Where Is The Wonder," she reminisces about the childlike curiosity and awe for the world that often fades away as we grow older. The lyrics speak to a longing for the wonder and magic of childhood, where even the simplest things can hold a sense of wonder and amazement. The first two lines refer to the classic experience of watching snowflakes melt as a child, which can be an enchanting moment that can often go unnoticed as adults. The following lines continue to express the yearning for the magic of the past, where blue skies could turn wild and flowers grow in the spring.
The later part of the song poses a series of questions about the things and experiences that used to arouse a sense of wonder but have since vanished. Streisand asks about the marvels she used to marvel at, the kitten that turned into a cat, and the mysteries she couldn't solve. She then concludes the song with a reflection on the childlike wonder that remains hidden through the years, a wonder that may return throughout our lives but is never quite the same as it once was. The song's message is one that anyone who has ever grown up and longs for a return to the innocence of childhood can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
Where is the wonder that I once felt?
I long for the sense of amazement and awe that I used to experience.
Watching snowflakes melt as a child
I remember being fascinated by the simple beauty of something as delicate as a snowflake melting before my eyes when I was young.
Where is the wonder that I once knew?
I’m looking for the feeling of magic and enchantment that I used to believe in.
When the sky of blue turned wild?
I recall the excitement and wonder I felt when the once clear blue sky became the backdrop for a breathtaking storm.
Where is the magic that thrilled me so,
I yearn for the enchanting feeling of excitement and wonder that used to captivate me.
Watching flowers grow in the spring?
I used to be mesmerized by the simple beauty and mystery of watching plants burst forth and grow.
Where is the magic that filled the sky?
I miss the enchanting sense of wonder and grandeur that used to fill the sky with every sunset and sunrise.
How did robins fly and sing?
I used to be captivated by the simplicity yet inexplicable beauty of watching birds fly and sing.
Where are the marvels that I marveled at?
I’m searching for the extraordinary events and things that used to fill me with amazement and awe.
What changed the kitten to a cat?
I’m puzzled by how quickly and effortlessly time passes, transforming something once small and helpless into a grown and independent creature.
Where are the mysteries that I couldn't solve?
I miss the sense of intrigue and fascination I used to feel when encountering something I couldn't quite understand or explain.
What made the world revolve?
I’m longing to understand the workings of the universe and the mysterious forces that keep everything in motion.
Where is the wonder that years conceal,
The passing of time has hidden the once bright and miraculous moments in my life.
That a child can feel now and then?
Even though I can’t fully remember the feeling of wonder, I know that children still have the ability to experience it.
Oh, where is the wonder of long ago
I am filled with nostalgia and longing for the sense of wonder from my past.
That I'll never know again?
I am resigned to the fact that the wonder and magic of my youth can never be fully recaptured, but I will always cherish the memories.
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robo
on Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
I love Melinda Vesterfelt