Putting It Together

[BARBRA, spoken] Look, I, I've spent a lot of time working on this, I believe in it [PRODUCER 1, spoken] Look, no one's gonna buy it, no one [BARBRA, spoken] Well wha— how do— how can you— [PRODUCER 2, spoken] No one in middle America, anyway, that's for sure [PRODUCER 3, spoken] He's right [BARBRA, spoken] Well, wh— why, I mean [PRODUCER 1, spoken] Sweetheart, it's just not commercial [BARBRA, spoken] What is commercial, really? [PRODUCER 2, spoken] It's not what's selling nowadays [PRODUCER 1, spoken] I mean, personally, I love it, but— [BARBRA] Be nice, girl [PRODUCER 3, spoken] Nobody's into this kind of material [BARBRA] You have to pay a price, girl [PRODUCER 2, spoken] This album needs a hit single we can push [BARBRA] They like to give advice, girl [PRODUCER 1, spoken] The whole idea's too risky [BARBRA] Don't think about it twice, girl [PRODUCER 2, spoken] The audience won't understand this kind of thing [BARBRA] It's time to get to work [BARBRA, spoken] I disagree Why don't you wait 'til you hear it? [PRODUCER 3, spoken] This is like your old stuff! [BARBRA] Art isn't easy [PRODUCER 3, spoken] We gotta appeal to the kids [BARBRA] Even when you're hot [PRODUCER 2, spoken] Why would you want to make an album like this anyway? [BARBRA] Advancing art is easy [PRODUCER 1, spoken] I think we ought to talk seriously about this [BARBRA] Financing it is not [PRODUCER 2, spoken] Why take chances? [BARBRA] A vision's just a vision if it's only in your head [PRODUCER 1, spoken] Nobody respects your artistic integrity more than I do, but— [BARBRA] If no one gets to hear it, it's as good as dead! [PRODUCER 2, spoken] You have to think about your career [BARBRA] It has to come to life! Bit by bit, putting it together Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art Every moment makes a contribution Every little detail plays a part Having just a vision's no solution Everything depends on execution Putting it together, that's what counts! Ounce by ounce, putting it together Small amounts, adding up to make a work of art First of all, you need a good foundation Otherwise, it's risky from the start Takes a little cocktail conversation But without the proper preparation Having just a vision's no solution Everything depends on execution The art of making art Is putting it together, bit by bit [PRODUCER 2, spoken] Do we really need all these musicians? [BARBRA] Link by link, making the connections [BARBRA, spoken] Yes, we do! [BARBRA] Drink by drink, taking every comment as it comes Learning how to play the politician Like you play piano, bass, and drums Otherwise, you'll find your composition Isn't gonna get much exhibition Art isn't easy Every minor detail is a major decision Have to keep things in scale Have to hold to your vision [PRODUCER 1, spoken] Why don't we talk about this over dinner, darling? [BARBRA] What's a little cocktail conversation If it gets the funds for your foundation? Every time I start to feel defensive I remember vinyl is expensive! [PRODUCER 3, spoken] Now would you agree to do an interview? [BARBRA, spoken] Maybe one! [BARBRA] Dot by dot, building up the image Shot by shot, keeping at a distance doesn't pay Still, if you remember your objective Not give all your privacy away A little bit of hype can be effective As long as you can keep it in perspective Even when you get some recognition Everything you do you still audition Art isn't easy Overnight you're a trend You're the right combination Then the trend's at an end You're suddenly last year's sensation All they ever want is repetition All they really like is what they know Gotta keep a link with your tradition Gotta learn to trust your intuition While you reestablish your position So that you can be on exhibit— So that your work can be on exhibition! Be new, girl They tell you 'til they're blue, girl You're new or else you're through, girl And even if it's true, girl You do what you can do! Bit by bit, putting it together Piece by piece, working on the vision night and day All it takes is time and perseverance With a little luck along the way Putting in a personal appearance Gathering supporters and adherents— [PRODUCER 1, spoken] Well, she's an original [PRODUCER 3, spoken] Was [BARBRA] Mapping out the songs but in addition Harmonizing each negotiation Balancing the part that's all musicians With the part that's strictly presentation Balancing the money with the mission 'Til you have the perfect orchestration Even if you do have the suspicion That it's taking all your concentration The art of making art Is putting it together, bit by bit Beat by beat, part by part Sheet by sheet, chart by chart Track by track (Bit by bit) Reel by reel (Pout by pout) Stack by stack (Snit by snit) Meal by meal (Shout by shout) Deal by deal (Spat by spat) Spiel by spiel (Doubt by doubt) And that is the state of the art!