Yesterday I blogged about songs that energize me—songs that pump up my brain with positive molecules. Songs that make me feel more confident about barging through this world and going after what I want. Songs that make me feel better about myself and the world.
I prefer the rock-n-roll genre—more anthemic tunes. More thudding and bashing in the bass and drum parts. More audacious and rebellious lyrics.
If this kind of music doesn’t do it for you, there’s always the classic by Bob Merrill and Jule Styne: “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Well done, fellas!
This song will stir the dead. It will whoosh the lethargy right out of you. If you listen to this song and you don’t get roused, you better check for a heartbeat.
This song is a jewel in the Great American songbook. I LOVE the lyrics, especially the last line.
Here are some of the inspirational lyrics:
Don’t tell me not to live
Just sit and putter.
Life’s candy and the sun’s a ball of butter.
Don’t bring around a cloud to rain on my parade.
Don’t tell me not to fly,
I’ve simply got to.
If someone takes a spill.
It’s me and not you.
My favorite part:
Who told you you’re allowed to rain on my parade?
My other favorite part:
I’ll march my band out, I’ll beat my drum.
And if I’m fanned out,
Your turn at bat, sir.
At least I didn’t fake it.
Hat sir.
Another favorite part:
BAM!!!!!!!!
More favorite parts:
I gotta fly once,
I gotta try once.
Only can die once, right, sir!
Oh heck, the entire song is fantastic.
The very talented Lea Michele as "Rachel" from the fabulous TV show "Glee."
There are two riveting recordings of the song from living legend Ms. Barbra Streisand (circa 1968) and newcomer vocal phenom Lea Michele (who sang the song in an episode of the TV show Glee in 2009).
I prefer the orchestration of Lea’s Gleeversion. Sounds more modern. And loud. (LOUD is good).
Overall, Lea’s voice is powerful and athletic. She shows off her amazing range and sings with intensity throughout the entire performance. She also has a youthful exuberance that is totally endearing. Minor deductions for breathiness and dropping the volume at the end of lines, like “Right, sir.”
Ms. Streisand has perhaps the most powerful voice/range in pop music. She has more nuance and texture to her voice than Lea. She also excels in artistry and style. Ms. Streisand’s voice is loaded with emotional intensity, but it also has depth and playfulness. Her version is the gold standard. Lea’s is the clone with about 98% of the DNA intact.
Musical High Priestess Barbra Streisand. OY VAY can this lady sing!
If this were an Olympic figure skating competition, the judges would award the lovely Lea Michele a 5.9.
The incomparable Ms. Streisand would score a PERFECT 6.0.
The sing-off verdict: Ms. Streisand takes the gold.
Lea nabs the silver. (She’s young—there will be more Olympics!)
And, if Bobby Darin’s corny nightclub version of “Parade” wins the bronze, it’s a CLEAN SWEEP for the U.S.A.!
Here’s what I get out this song:
We would all be better off if we took to heart the last line:
NOBODY, NO, NOBODY, IS GONNA RAIN ON MY PARADE!
And don’t you ever forget it!
Lea Michele’s Glee version:
This post which was recommended by a friend. I enjoyed it and others, too. Lots of valuable information in all of them.
Thanks.
Lea Michele is much more beautiful.
To each his own. Plus different generations!