Second Hand Rose

Barbra Streisand · Other Songs - Barbra Streisand

Father has a business,
Strictly second-hand,
Everything from tooth-picks to a baby grand.
Stuff in our apartment,
Came from Father's store,
Even things I'm wearing, someone wore before.
It's no wonder that I feel abused;
I never get a thing that ain't been used!

I'm wearing second-hand hats,
Second-hand clothes,
That's why the call me Second Hand Rose.
Even our piano in the parlor,
Father bought for ten cents on the dollar.
Second-hand pearls,
I'm wearing second-hand curls,
I never get a single thing that's new!
Even Jake the plumber, he's the man I adore,
Had the nerve to tell me he'd been married before!
Everyone knows that I'm just Second Hand Rose,
From Second Avenue.

I'm wearing second-hand shoes,
Second-hand hose,
All the girls hand me their second-hand beaus!
Even my pajamas, when I don them,
Have somebody else's 'nitials on them.
Second-hand rings, I'm sick of second-hand things,
I never get what other girliess do.
Once while strolling through the Ritz, a girl got my goat,
She nudged her friend and said, "Oh, look, there goes my old fur coat!"
Everyone knows that I'm just Second Hand Rose,
From Second Avenue.

Second Hand Rose

Barbra Streisand's "Second Hand Rose" stands as a poignant exploration of lost love and emotional vulnerability, delivered with her signature vocal clarity and dramatic flair. Recorded during a period where Streisand frequently revisited themes of heartbreak and resilience, the track exemplifies her ability to blend pop sensibilities with theatrical intensity. The song's narrative captures the bittersweet nature of relationships that have ended, using the metaphor of a second-hand rose to symbolize beauty that has already been experienced by others. Streisand's performance is characterized by a dynamic range that shifts from tender intimacy to soaring power, reflecting the complex emotions of longing and acceptance. While the specific album placement varies across different releases, the song remains a staple in her discography, showcasing her enduring capacity to craft emotionally resonant music that resonates with listeners across generations.