The Ultimate Ballad of Nostalgia
The Way We Were is one of the most recognizable ballads in history. Composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, it defines the "Barbra Streisand sound." Unlike modern pop songs that rely on rhythmic hooks, this song relies entirely on melodic shape and vocal color.
To sing this well, you need to master legato. This means singing in smooth, connected lines with no gaps in the sound. Streisand is famous for her ability to hold long notes with a seamless vibrato that only kicks in at the very end of the phrase.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Management
Many singers run out of air during the phrase "scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind." Practice inhaling deeply into your lower back before you start the line. Do not breathe in the middle of a word.
Phase 1: The Hummed Intro (0:00 - 0:45)
The song famously begins with a hum on the word "Memories." This isn't just a stylistic choice; it places the voice perfectly in the "mask" (the forward resonators).
The Trap: Don't start too breathy. Even though the volume is soft (piano), the cords must come together cleanly. Think of a "cry" in the voice to keep the tone active.
Phase 2: The Bridge Build (1:30 - 2:15)
As the lyrics move to "Can it be that it was all so simple then?", the key is dynamics. You must start growing the sound. The melody rises, and you need to drop your jaw slightly more to create space for the resonance.
- Or has time rewritten every line: Be careful with the "r" sounds here. Keep them soft so they don't interrupt the legato flow.
- If we had the chance: This is the setup for the climax. Engage your core support here.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:45 - End)
The emotional peak arrives at "If we had the chance to do it all again." This requires a confident mix-belt. You are hitting notes around D5/E5.
To achieve the Streisand sound, ensure you aren't squeezing your throat. Keep the back of the tongue flat and the soft palate raised. The final note on "The way we were" should start straight and bloom into a warm vibrato.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the original key, the highest note is an E5 (on the word "chance" in the climax). It requires a strong head-mix or belt.
The range is manageable for many female voices (Mezzo-Soprano/Alto), but the breath control required makes it an intermediate challenge. It is perfect for training stamina.
Shaking usually comes from lack of support. Try singing the long notes while pushing against a wall with your hands. This engages your torso muscles and stabilizes the airflow.
