About the song
“No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand is one of the most iconic collaborations in pop and disco history. Released in 1979, the song was a standout single from Donna Summer’s album Bad Girls and became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts and cementing Summer’s place as one of the defining artists of the disco era. The track, a dazzling blend of disco and pop, was written by Summer, Paul Jabara, and Bruce Roberts, with production from the legendary Giorgio Moroder. This collaboration between two powerhouse vocalists was a groundbreaking moment in pop music, offering a fresh and dynamic sound that would reverberate through the 80s and beyond.
At its core, “No More Tears” is a powerful anthem of liberation and emotional release. The song tells the story of a woman who has had enough of an unhealthy relationship. The lyrics reflect the pain, frustration, and eventual empowerment that comes from realizing the need to break free. The line “no more tears” becomes a defiant declaration, symbolizing the moment when one decides to stop enduring emotional torment. With Donna Summer’s powerful, soulful vocals and Barbra Streisand’s soaring, dramatic delivery, the song creates an emotional resonance that captures the intense inner conflict of the protagonist. The fusion of their distinct vocal styles elevates the song, making it not just a hit, but a piece of musical art that speaks to the heart of listeners.
The song’s themes are universal, tapping into feelings of heartbreak, strength, and independence. For many, it was an anthem of empowerment, particularly in the context of the late 70s, a time when social change was rampant and women were increasingly asserting their rights and power. The song’s message resonated with listeners who had faced their own struggles with love and loss, offering a sense of solidarity and strength. The track’s upbeat tempo and dramatic orchestration also embodied the era’s exuberance and optimism, even as the song’s subject matter dealt with heavier emotional themes.
“No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” had a profound social impact, particularly in the world of pop and disco music. Its release in 1979 came during the height of the disco movement, a time when disco music was seen not only as a genre but as a cultural force. The collaboration between Donna Summer, often referred to as the “Queen of Disco,” and Barbra Streisand, a beloved pop and Broadway legend, created a buzz that transcended the music world. The song’s success was a key moment in the crossover between disco, pop, and adult contemporary music, bringing different fanbases together. It also played a part in shaping the evolving role of women in popular music, offering a strong, vocal representation of female strength and autonomy.
The song became one of Donna Summer’s most beloved tracks, solidifying her status as a musical legend and helping to ensure her legacy in the pop and disco pantheon. Its success was not just chart-based—“No More Tears” remains a timeless classic, still celebrated in various forms of media and live performances. It also marked a significant moment in Barbra Streisand’s career, showcasing her versatility as an artist who could seamlessly cross over into different musical genres. The two vocalists, while stylistically different, blend together beautifully, with their voices intertwining to create a remarkable harmonic texture that only adds to the song’s emotional depth.
In terms of its musical influence, the song marked a high point in the late 70s disco era and helped usher in the early 80s, a decade that would see the evolution of both pop and dance music. Its combination of lush orchestration, emotional depth, and danceable rhythm exemplified the disco-pop hybrid that would become popular throughout the next decade.
Overall, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is a track that transcends time. Its combination of Donna Summer’s powerhouse vocals, Barbra Streisand’s grandeur, and a message of self-empowerment makes it an anthem that resonates just as much today as it did when it first hit the airwaves. A reflection of both its era and the timeless struggle for personal freedom and emotional strength, it remains one of the greatest pop collaborations of all time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of disco or someone just discovering this iconic song, “No More Tears” is a track that continues to inspire and captivate.
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Lyrics
What are you laughing at? It works for BarbraRaining, it’s pouringMy love life is boring me to tearsAfter all these yearsNo sunshine, no moonlightNo stardust, no sign of romanceWe don’t stand a chanceI always dreamed I’d find the perfect loverBut he turned out to be like every other man I lovedI lovedRaining (raining)Pouring (it’s pouring)There’s nothing left for us hereAnd we won’t waste another tearAh, yeah, yeah, yeah, ayy (yeah)If you’ve had enough, don’t put up with his stuffDon’t you do it (don’t you do it)Ohh, if you’ve had your fill, get the check, pay the billYou can do it (you can do it)Tell him to just get out(Talk about) nothing to talk aboutPack his raincoat, show him outJust look him in the eye and simply shoutEnough is enough (is enough)I can’t go onI can’t go on no more, noEnough is enough (is enough)I want him outI want him out that door nowI always dreamed I’d find the perfect loverBut he turned out to be like every other manI lovedI lovedI lovedI lovedI lovedEnough is enough (is enough)I can’t go onI can’t go on no more, noEnough is enough (is enough)I want him outI want him out that door nowEnough is enough (is enough)Is enough, is enough, is enough, is enough (yes, I’ve had it, I’ve had it)Is enough, is enough, is enough, is enough (she’s had it)Is enough, is enough, is enough, is enoughIs enough, is enoughThank youTina ArenaCome gimme a big heart, girlGod bless you, good jobGod bless you, see you backstageIs she sweet or what?Tina Arena, everybodyWooThis next song is a song that, uhOops, I forgot my microphone stand