Way We Were

Barbra Streisand

About Way We Were

"The Way We Were" is a song recorded by American vocalist Barbra Streisand for her fifteenth studio album, The Way We Were (1974). It was physically released as the record's lead single on September 27, 1973 through Columbia Records. The 7" single was distributed in two different formats, with the standard edition featuring B-side track "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" and the Mexico release including an instrumental B-side instead. The recording was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch, while production was solely handled by Marty Paich. "The Way We Were" was specifically produced for the record, in addition to three other tracks, including her then-upcoming single "All in Love Is Fair" (1974). Its lyrics detail the melancholic relationship between the two main characters in the 1973 film of the same name. Its appeal was noted by several music critics, who felt its impact helped revive Streisand's career. It also won two Academy Awards, which were credited to the songwriters of the track. The single was also a commercial success, topping the charts in both Canada and the United States, while peaking in the top 40 in Australia and the United Kingdom. Additionally, "The Way We Were" was 1974's most successful recording in the United States, where it was placed at number one on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles list. It has since been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over one million units. Streisand has also included "The Way We Were" on various compilation albums, with it most recently appearing on 2010's Barbra: The Ultimate Collection. 


Year:
1994
3:10
144 

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Memories light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were

Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we?
Could we?

Memories may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were

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Barbra Streisand

Barbra Joan Streisand (born Barbara Joan Streisand /ˈstraɪsænd/; April 24, 1942) is an American singer, actress, writer, film producer, and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, five Emmy Awards including one Daytime Emmy, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Kennedy Center Honors award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who has won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award. more »

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Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

The Way We Were" Song Composition
The song "The Way We Were" was composed by famed composer Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The song was initially for the 1973 film of the same name, where it was performed by Barbra Streisand.
Barbra Streisand's renditions
Barbra Streisand's version of "The Way We Were" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and earned her a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1974. - In addition to the original film version, Streisand also recorded an album version, which later appeared in many compilations of her work.
Andy Williams's Adaptation
Andy Williams covered "The Way We Were" in 1974 for his album of the same name. His version reached number 21 on Billboard's Easy Listening (now Adult Contemporary) chart.
Gladys Knight & the Pips' Rendition
Gladys Knight & the Pips also recorded a version of "The Way We Were" for their 1974 album "I Feel a Song". - Their version incorporated elements of two other popular songs of the era, "Try to Remember" and "The Need to Be", in a medley.
Song Legacy
In 1998, "The Way We Were" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. - In 2004, it finished at number 8 on AFI's list of the 100 best songs in American cinema.
Recent Performances
Streisand has often included "The Way We Were" in her live performances, most notably in the 2013 Oscars, where she performed the song as a tribute to the late Marvin Hamlisch.
Changed Lyrics
The lyrics of the song were slightly changed for each artist's cover. Every artist was provided with room to adapt the song to fit their style. For instance, Andy Williams's version included a key change to suit his vocal range.
Song's Impact
Decades after its release, "The Way We Were" remains a popular cover choice for many artists and is often regarded as one of the greatest romantic ballads of all time.

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