The Way We Were

“The Way We Were” is the 4th track from American vocalist, actress and musician Barbra Streisand’s fifteenth studio album of the same name. The track was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch, and produced by Marty Paich.

“The Way We Were” details the sad relationship between the two main characters from the 1973 of the same name – Katie Morosky (played by Streisand) and Hubbell Gardiner. The final melody of the song which was produced by American composer Hamlisch, caused problems between him and Streisand, who has asked for the composition in minor key, with Hamlisch writing it in major key due to the fear that the lyrics to the track were being revealed far too early.

There is no official music video for the song, but a YouTube user by the name of “elisa biagianti” uploaded a video for the song accompanied by pictures from the “The Way We Were” film. Since its upload in November 2008, the video has 17.5 million views as of mid-May 2020.

Release Date: 27th September 1973

Songwriter/s: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman & Marvin Hamlisch

Producer: Marty Paich

Label: Columbia

Chart Rankings, Certifications, Accolades & Awards: In its year of release, “The Way We Were” charted at #6 and #7 on various Australian charts; #1 on Canadian charts, #1 in Japan, #31 in the UK, and #1 on various US Billboard charts. “The Way We Were” is certified Platinum in the US, and is ranked at #298 on the RIAA’s list of “365 Songs of the Century. The song has also won the award for “Best Original Song” at the 46th Academy Awards; the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year” in 1975, and the “Best Original Song” award at the 1974 Golden Globes.

The lyrics to “The Way We Were” can be accessed here: LINK