Barbra Streisand Song Lyrics

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand (born *Barbara Joan Streisand* on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American singer, actress, filmmaker, and cultural icon. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and one of the few entertainers to achieve success in multiple fields, including music, film, and theater. Known for her powerful, expressive voice, she has released numerous chart-topping albums and is equally celebrated for her achievements in acting and directing, having won multiple Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Golden Globe Awards.

Years of Activity

Barbra Streisand has been active since the early 1960s, when she first gained recognition as a singer in nightclubs. She quickly became a Broadway star and then transitioned to film and mainstream pop music. Her career remains active today, with her continuing to release music, perform in concerts, and contribute to philanthropic causes.

Famous Albums and Songs

Barbra Streisand has released more than 35 studio albums, with her music career featuring a mix of traditional pop, show tunes, and more contemporary pop sounds. Some of her most iconic albums and songs include:

• The Barbra Streisand Album (1963): Her debut album won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performance. It introduced the world to her unique voice with songs like "Happy Days Are Here Again."
• Funny Girl (1968): This soundtrack for the hit musical *Funny Girl* features the classic song "People," one of Streisand’s most famous and beloved songs. The role of *Fanny Brice* became synonymous with Streisand and launched her into Hollywood stardom.
• Guilty (1980): A collaboration with *Barry Gibb* of *The Bee Gees*, *Guilty* became one of her best-selling albums, with hits like "Woman in Love" and "Guilty." This album expanded her popularity worldwide, incorporating elements of contemporary pop and disco.
• The Broadway Album (1985): A return to her Broadway roots, this album featured Streisand’s interpretations of classic show tunes. The album received widespread critical acclaim and reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
• Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway (2016): This album featured Streisand performing duets with stars like *Hugh Jackman*, *Alec Baldwin*, and *Anne Hathaway*. It topped the Billboard charts, making Streisand the only artist to have a #1 album in each of six consecutive decades.

Film Career

Barbra Streisand has also enjoyed a celebrated career in film, both as an actress and a director. She made her acting debut in *Funny Girl* (1968), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Some of her most notable films include:

• Funny Girl (1968): Streisand’s portrayal of Fanny Brice earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, cementing her status as a Hollywood star. Her performance of the song "Don’t Rain on My Parade" remains iconic.
• What’s Up, Doc? (1972): This screwball comedy showed Streisand’s versatility as a comedic actress, pairing her with *Ryan O'Neal* in a lighthearted role.
• The Way We Were (1973): This romantic drama, co-starring *Robert Redford*, is one of Streisand’s most beloved films. The theme song, "The Way We Were," became one of her signature songs and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
• A Star is Born (1976): Streisand won a second Academy Award, this time for Best Original Song, for "Evergreen." The film, a remake of the classic Hollywood love story, was a massive commercial success, and the soundtrack became one of her best-selling albums.
• Yentl (1983): Streisand directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in this musical drama about a young Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man to receive an education. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score and cemented Streisand’s reputation as a groundbreaking female director.

Personal Life and Influence

Barbra Streisand grew up in a working-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. She faced numerous challenges early in her career, including being told that her unconventional looks would prevent her from achieving success in show business. However, her undeniable talent and determination proved otherwise. Streisand is known for her perfectionism and strong control over her career, particularly when it comes to her music and film projects. She has been married twice, first to actor *Elliott Gould* from 1963 to 1971, with whom she has one son, *Jason Gould*. In 1998, she married actor *James Brolin*. Throughout her career, Streisand has been involved in numerous social and political causes, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and environmental protection.

Song Lyrics and Themes

Barbra Streisand’s songs are known for their emotional depth, often focusing on themes of love, self-expression, and perseverance. Her powerful ballads are characterized by their sweeping orchestration and heartfelt lyrics. Some notable examples include:

"People, people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world." — "People" from *Funny Girl*

This song reflects Streisand’s signature style of performing heartfelt ballads that connect with audiences on an emotional level. The song speaks to the human need for connection and has become one of her most iconic numbers. Another classic is her Academy Award-winning song "Evergreen" from *A Star is Born*:

"Love, soft as an easy chair, love, fresh as the morning air." — "Evergreen"

The lyrics and gentle melody capture the timeless quality of love, which is a recurring theme in Streisand’s music.

Influence and Recognition

Barbra Streisand is one of the most successful entertainers of all time, having achieved numerous accolades in music, film, and theater. Some of her most notable achievements include:

• 2 Academy Awards, for *Funny Girl* (Best Actress) and *A Star Is Born* (Best Original Song)
• 10 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Legend Award and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• 5 Emmy Awards, including multiple wins for her television specials
• 9 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Director for *Yentl*, making her the first woman to win in this category
• The Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015

Streisand has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists in history. She has also been a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, particularly as one of the few female directors in Hollywood who achieved major success.

Quotes from Barbra Streisand

Throughout her career, Barbra Streisand has shared her thoughts on creativity, success, and overcoming challenges. Some notable quotes include:

"I just don’t want to be hampered by my own limitations. So I must be able to do what I feel like doing when I feel like doing it." Barbra Streisand

"I wasn’t going to let my insecurities prevent me from doing what I wanted." Barbra Streisand

"Art, at its best, transcends boundaries, and I want my work to have meaning for everyone." Barbra Streisand

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Barbra Streisand’s impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. As both a singer and an actress, she has set new standards for success, particularly for women in Hollywood. She has helped to break barriers for female directors, and her control over her artistic projects has inspired countless artists to take ownership of their careers. Her influence extends far beyond music and film. As an activist and philanthropist, Streisand has used her platform to advocate for social justice, human rights, and environmental protection, leaving a lasting legacy as a powerful voice in both the arts and activism.

Conclusion

Barbra Streisand is a cultural icon whose contributions to music, film, and activism have made her one of the most influential figures in entertainment history. Her powerful voice, timeless performances, and fearless creativity continue to inspire audiences worldwide. From her early days as a