PAPA, CAN YOU HEAR ME? (YENTL, 1983)

“Why is it people who want the truth

never believe it when they hear it?” - Yentl

Yentl, one of Barbra Streisand’s obscure yet very popular film is about a jewish tomboyish gal who longs to study laws but was deemed taboo for young girls and women. In order to pursue her passion, she dresses up as a man to be accepted. Based on “Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy" by Isaac Bashevis Singer (1902-1991). The theme was nominated at the Oscars for best original song. Papa, Can You Hear Me? Undeniably, one of Streisand’s signature songs.


PAPA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Sung by: Barbra Streisand

PRAYER:

God - our heavenly Father

Oh, God - and my father

Who is also in heaven

May the light

Of this flickering candle

Illuminate the night the way

Your spirit illuminates my soul

Papa, can you hear me?

Papa, can you see me?

Papa, can you find me in the night?

Papa, are you near me?

Papa, can you hear me?

Papa, can you help me not be frightened?

Looking at the skies

I seem to see a million eyes

Which ones are yours?

Where are you now that yesterday

Has waved goodbye

And closed its doors?

The night is so much darker

The wind is so much colder

The world I see is so much bigger now that I'm alone

Papa, please forgive me

Try to understand me

Papa, don't you know I had no choice?

Can you hear me praying

Anything I'm saying

Even though the night is filled with voices?

I remember ev'rything you taught me

Ev'ry book I've ever read

Can all the words in all the books

Help me to face what lies ahead?

The trees are so much taller

And I feel so much smaller

The moon is twice as lonely

And the stars are half as bright

Papa, how I love you

Papa, how I need you

Papa, how I miss you

Kissing me goodnight