Meaning of "The Shadow Of Your Smile" by Barbra Streisand

"The Shadow of Your Smile" is a song filled with longing and melancholy, highlighting the lasting impression a lost love leaves behind. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning for a person who is no longer in the narrator's life. The phrase "The shadow of your smile" becomes symbolic of the lingering presence of the person's memory. Just as a shadow is a faint representation of the real thing, the memory of the lost love is a reminder of what once was. The lyrics suggest that even though the person is gone, their impact on the narrator's life is profound and continues to shape their perception of the world. The narrator pleads for the person to truly see and understand the depth of their feelings, emphasizing the idea that the person was significant and irreplaceable. The verse "A wistful little star was far too high, A tear drop kissed your lips and so did I" adds to the bittersweet nature of the song, suggesting that the narrator feels a sense of regret and missed opportunities. Overall, "The Shadow of Your Smile" explores the complex emotions of longing, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of a love that has been lost.