Legendary actress and recording artist Barbra Streisand has released the first single from her upcoming album, Walls, set for release November 2.
According to the socially conscious actress/director/singer/songwriter, she intended the new single, “Don’t Lie to Me,” to have “very subtle” references to Donald Trump.
But, she just couldn’t do it.
Instead, the track includes questions and comments clearly meant for Trump.
How do you sleep when the world keeps turning?
All that we built has come undone
How do you sleep when the world is burning?
Everyone answers to someone
And then there’s the title of the album itself – Walls. There’s a none-too-subtle reference to Trump’s favorite subject.
In addition to "Don't Lie to Me," the album includes new songs like "Lady Liberty," "Better Angels," and "What's On My Mind," as well as La Streisand's take on classics like "Imagine," "What The World Needs Now," and "What A Wonderful World."
In an interview with the Associated Press, the Oscar/Emmy/Grammy winner shared that the current “assault on democracy” inspired much of the new collection’s intent.
“I wanted to talk about the things that were making me feel so sad, heartbroken,” she said. “I’m a kind of fierce American.
“I don’t know who we are anymore as a country. Are we embracing people who flee oppression? Or are we separating children from parents, putting them in cages?
“I don’t know if people care about the planet, the survival of the planet. Do they care about clean air? Clean water? Clean food? If they do, how could they vote for somebody like Trump, who believes it’s a hoax?”
“I’m frightened for this country. And yet, I have hope.”
Part of that hope rests in the country's youth, as the 76-year-old dedicates the new collection to "young people who are speaking out."
Streisand turned to music industry luminaries Walter Afanasieff, John Shanks and David Foster – all Grammy recipients for Producer of the Year – to help craft the arrangements and production of Walls.
And speaking of achievements, a brief recap of Streisand’s career highlights is the stuff artists dream of.
With 52 gold, 31 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums in her career, she is the only recording artist in history to achieve a #1 Album in six consecutive decades.
She is the only woman to make the All-Time Top 10 Best Selling Artists list, and she ranks as the female artist with the most number one albums in Billboard’s history.
And yes, the mantles in her home are packed with honors considering her two Oscars, ten Grammys (including two special Grammys), five Emmys, three Peabodys, and eleven Golden Globes including the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Walls Tracklisting
1. What’s On My Mind
2. Don’t Lie To Me
3. Imagine / What A Wonderful World
4. Walls
5. Lady Liberty
6. What The World Needs Now
7. Better Angels
8. Love’s Never Wrong
9. The Rain Will Fall
10. Take Care Of This House
11. Happy Days Are Here Again
The single, "Don't Lie to Me," is available at this link as well as a pre-order for the November 2 release of Walls.
