About the song
Background
- Origin: “Don’t Rain on My Parade” was written by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics) for the 1964 Broadway musical Funny Girl. The musical was a loosely based biography of comedic star Fanny Brice.
- Streisand’s Signature: Barbara Streisand originated the role of Fanny Brice, making “Don’t Rain on My Parade” her signature song. The performance cemented her status as a Broadway star and propelled her into superstardom.
- Film Adaptation: The song was further popularized in the 1968 film version of Funny Girl, which also starred Streisand.
Themes
- Defiance & Determination: The overarching theme is bold defiance in the face of those who would try to dampen one’s spirit or ambitions. The speaker is determined to pursue her dreams and passions, refusing to be held back by naysayers.
- Embracing Individuality: It speaks to the importance of being true to oneself and not conforming to the expectations of others. The lyrics celebrate the speaker’s uniqueness.
- The Power of Will: The song underscores the immense power of personal ambition and the will to succeed against adversity. It’s a call to own your life path.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their implications:
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“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” This opening sets the defiant tone, emphasizing the speaker’s zest for life and unwillingness to be stifled.
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“I’m gonna live and live now! Get what I want, I know how!” Here, the speaker declares her determination to live life to the fullest and achieve her goals.
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“Hey, Mister Arnstein, here I am!” This line directly addresses a figure trying to hold the speaker back, demonstrating her willingness to stand up for herself.
Legacy
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” became an anthem of self-empowerment, particularly resonating with those who feel underestimated or held back. It embodies Streisand’s own trajectory as an artist who broke through barriers.
Video
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
Who told you you’re allowed
To rain on my parade?!
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, I guess I didn’t make it!
But whether I’m the rose
Of sheer perfection
A freckle on the nose
Of life’s complexion
The cinder or the shiny apple of its eye
I gotta fly once
I gotta try once
Only can die once, right, sir?
Ooh, life is juicy
Juicy, and you see
I gotta have my bite, sir!
Get ready for me, love
‘Cause I’m a “comer”
I simply gotta march
My heart’s a drummer
Don’t bring around a cloud
To rain on my parade!
I’m gonna live and live now
Get what I want–I know how
One roll for the whole shebang
One throw, that bell will go clang
Eye on the target–and wham–
One shot, one gun shot, and bam!
Hey, Mister Arnstein, here I am!
I’ll march my band out
I will beat my drum
And if I’m fanned out
Your turn at bat, sir
At least I didn’t fake it, hat, sir
I guess I didn’t make it
Get ready for me, love
‘Cause I’m a “comer,”
I simply gotta march
My heart’s a drummer
Nobody, no, nobody
Is gonna rain on my parade!