Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker who is considered one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand rose to fame in the 1960s with her powerful voice, distinctive style, and versatility as a performer.
Streisand’s career spans multiple decades and includes achievements in music, film, and theater. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, and Tony Awards, making her one of the few artists to achieve the coveted EGOT status.
As a singer, Streisand has released numerous hit albums and singles, with a wide range of musical styles including pop, jazz, Broadway, and standards. Some of her most famous songs include “The Way We Were,” “Evergreen,” “People,” and “Woman in Love.”
In addition to her music career, Streisand has also had a successful acting career, starring in iconic films such as “Funny Girl,” “Yentl,” “A Star is Born,” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces.”
Streisand’s influence extends beyond her artistic achievements; she is also known for her activism and philanthropy, advocating for causes such as civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental conservation.
Throughout her illustrious career, Barbra Streisand has remained a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and popular culture.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. It was released in 1978 as a single and later appeared on both Streisand’s album “Songbird” and Diamond’s album “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight”. The song became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and Canada.
Lyrically, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” tells the story of a relationship that has lost its spark. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and disappointment as the singers lament the lack of romantic gestures and affection in their partnership. The refrain “you don’t bring me flowers anymore” serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional distance between the couple.
The song’s haunting melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the chemistry between Streisand and Diamond made it an instant classic. It remains one of the most iconic duets in music history and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is often associated with themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, resonating with listeners of all ages.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. It was released in 1980 as the lead single from Streisand’s album of the same name, “Guilty”. The song became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
Lyrically, “Guilty” explores themes of love, desire, and temptation. The song’s lyrics convey the excitement and uncertainty of a new romantic relationship, as the singers confess their feelings and express their willingness to surrender to love. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “guilty, guilty, guilty”, adds to the sense of passion and urgency in the song.
Musically, “Guilty” features a lush and polished production, with Gibb’s distinctive falsetto blending seamlessly with Streisand’s powerful vocals. The song’s infectious melody, catchy hooks, and infectious rhythm made it an instant classic, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
“Guilty” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved and iconic songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to collaborate with other musicians. The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes of love and desire continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song originally composed by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman for the 1971 film “Summer of ’42.” The song was performed by Michel Legrand on the soundtrack album.
Barbra Streisand recorded a version of “The Summer Knows” for her 1974 album “ButterFly.” Streisand’s rendition of the song features her signature emotive vocals and lush orchestration. Her version of “The Summer Knows” showcases the song’s melancholic beauty and romantic lyrics.
“The Summer Knows” has since become a jazz standard and has been recorded by many artists. It is often praised for its evocative melody and poetic lyrics, capturing the nostalgia and bittersweetness of summer memories.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand. It was featured in the 1983 film “Yentl,” which Streisand directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in. The song was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
In “Yentl,” the song serves as a poignant moment where the protagonist, Yentl, expresses her innermost thoughts and feelings to her deceased father. The lyrics of “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” convey a sense of longing, longing for guidance, and a desire for connection with her father, who has passed away. Yentl reflects on her struggles and aspirations, seeking solace and understanding from her father in the afterlife.
Streisand’s emotive performance of “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” captures the emotional depth and complexity of the character of Yentl, earning widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The song became one of the highlights of the “Yentl” soundtrack and remains a fan favorite in Streisand’s repertoire. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the world of film music.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and performed by Barbra Streisand. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1964, and Streisand’s performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” became one of her signature songs.
In “Funny Girl,” the song is performed by the lead character, Fanny Brice, as she defiantly declares her determination to pursue her dreams and not let anyone discourage her. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and resilience, with the chorus proclaiming, “Don’t tell me not to live, just sit and putter / Life’s candy and the sun’s a ball of butter.”
Streisand’s rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is characterized by her powerful vocals and dynamic performance style. The song became a hit and remains one of Streisand’s most iconic and beloved songs. It has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic of musical theater and popular music.
6. People
“People” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and performed by Barbra Streisand. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1964, and “People” became one of Streisand’s signature songs.
In “Funny Girl,” the song is performed by the lead character, Fanny Brice, as she reflects on her feelings for Nick Arnstein, the man she loves. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and devotion, with the chorus proclaiming, “People who need people / Are the luckiest people in the world.”
Streisand’s rendition of “People” is characterized by her emotive vocals and the song’s lush orchestration. The song became a hit and remains one of Streisand’s most iconic and beloved songs. It has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic of musical theater and popular music.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, written by Streisand and Paul Williams, and produced by Williams. It was released in 1976 as the theme song for the film “A Star Is Born,” in which Streisand starred alongside Kris Kristofferson.
“Evergreen” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Streisand and Williams an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song also won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
Lyrically, “Evergreen” conveys themes of enduring love and emotional connection. The song’s lyrics speak to the timeless nature of love and the deep bond shared between two individuals. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Love, soft as an easy chair,” captures the comforting and nurturing aspects of a long-lasting relationship.
Musically, “Evergreen” is characterized by its beautiful melody, lush orchestration, and Streisand’s powerful vocals. The song’s soaring chorus and heartfelt delivery add to its emotional impact, making it a beloved classic in Streisand’s repertoire.
“Evergreen” remains one of Streisand’s most iconic songs and is considered a standout moment in her career. Its universal themes of love and devotion continue to resonate with listeners around the world, cementing its status as a timeless ballad.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a song from the musical “Cats,” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Trevor Nunn, based on a poem by T.S. Eliot. The song is sung by the character Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who has fallen on hard times.
In “Memory,” Grizabella reflects on her past and longs for the glamour and happiness she once knew. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, with the chorus lamenting, “Memory, all alone in the moonlight / I can smile at the old days / I was beautiful then.”
“Memory” has become one of the most famous and beloved songs from “Cats” and is considered a classic of musical theater. It has been recorded by many artists and has been performed in numerous languages around the world. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980 as the lead single from her album “Guilty.” The song was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and produced by Barry Gibb.
“Woman in Love” became one of Streisand’s biggest hits, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. The song’s lush orchestration, powerful vocals, and emotive lyrics struck a chord with audiences, making it an instant classic.
Lyrically, “Woman in Love” explores the theme of romantic obsession and infatuation. The song’s narrator expresses vulnerability and longing as she reflects on the depth of her feelings for her partner. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I am a woman in love,” captures the intensity and passion of the narrator’s emotions.
Musically, “Woman in Love” is characterized by its sweeping melody, dramatic arrangement, and Streisand’s soaring vocals. The song’s emotive delivery and catchy hooks contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
“Woman in Love” remains one of Streisand’s signature songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Its timeless themes of love and desire continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a beloved classic in Streisand’s discography.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a song recorded by Barbra Streisand for the soundtrack of the 1973 film of the same name. The song was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Marvin Hamlisch.
“The Way We Were” is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on memories of a past relationship. The lyrics evoke feelings of love, longing, and nostalgia, with the chorus lamenting, “Mem’ries, light the corners of my mind / Misty water-colored mem’ries / Of the way we were.”
Streisand’s rendition of “The Way We Were” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song has since become one of Streisand’s signature songs and is considered a classic of popular music.