About the song
“Memory,” performed by Barbra Streisand, is an iconic ballad that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of musical theater. Originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn and based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” this haunting melody first graced the stage in the 1981 Broadway musical “Cats.”
Streisand’s rendition of “Memory” was featured on her 1981 album “Memories,” which served as a tribute to the most memorable songs of her career. While not released as a single, the album received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Although Streisand’s version of “Memory” did not chart independently, its inclusion on her “Memories” album undoubtedly contributed to the record’s overall success. Moreover, Streisand’s unparalleled vocal prowess and emotional delivery undoubtedly added depth and resonance to this classic song, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most accomplished vocalists of her generation.
While Streisand’s rendition of “Memory” may not have achieved standalone chart success, its enduring popularity and significance within the context of her illustrious career cannot be overstated. As a cornerstone of both musical theater and Streisand’s expansive repertoire, “Memory” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and emotional depth, ensuring its place as a cherished classic for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Midnight, not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan
Memory, all alone in the moonlight
I can dream of the old days
Life was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
Every street lamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters
And soon it will be morning
Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn’t give in
When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin
Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale, cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning
Touch me, it’s so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me, you’ll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun