Meaning of "A Man I Loved" by Barbra Streisand

The lyrics of "A Man I Loved" speak to the power of imagination, longing, and the ability of dreams to offer solace in times of loneliness and longing. The woman's description of the man living in the sky and whispering to her ear reflects a deep sense of connection and comfort she finds in her dreams. The dream being over represents a harsh reality she doesn't want to face, preferring to stay in the realm of her imagination where she can escape from her loneliness. This song underscores the idea that dreams can provide an alternate reality where one can find refuge and feel loved, even if only in their mind.