About the song
Released in October 1979, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is an iconic disco-pop anthem and a groundbreaking duet between two legendary vocal powerhouses: Donna Summer, the “Queen of Disco,” and Barbra Streisand, the Broadway and pop superstar. Written by Paul Jabara and Bruce Roberts, the song was initially intended for Streisand’s album Wet, but it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first duet by two women to achieve this feat. It’s a defiant declaration of independence from a toxic relationship, delivered with unparalleled vocal intensity and a powerful disco beat.
The sound and style: “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is a dynamic disco-pop power ballad that builds from a melancholic opening into an explosive, high-energy dance track. It’s characterized by its dramatic shifts in tempo and intensity, soaring orchestral arrangements, and the incredible vocal interplay between Summer and Streisand. The sound is grand, theatrical, and incredibly catchy, embodying the lavish production values of late 1970s disco and pop.
Musical features:
- Dual Vocal Powerhouses: The most defining feature is the combined vocal prowess of Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand. Their voices, though distinct, complement each other perfectly, creating a thrilling push-and-pull dynamic. Streisand often takes the more dramatic, soaring melodic lines, while Summer brings her signature soulful and rhythmic delivery.
- Dramatic Introduction: The song begins with a slow, melancholic, almost ballad-like opening (“It’s raining, it’s pouring, my love life is boring me to tears…”) sung by Streisand, setting a somber tone before the dramatic shift.
- Abrupt Tempo Change and Disco Beat: Around the two-minute mark, the song abruptly switches to a driving, pulsating disco beat, completely transforming the mood and energy. This dramatic transition is a hallmark of the song.
- Orchestral and Synthesizer Elements: Lush strings and prominent synthesizers create a rich, layered soundscape that was typical of the era, adding to the song’s grand, almost cinematic feel.
- Powerful Chorus: The chorus, “Enough is enough / I can’t go on / No more tears / No more tears,” is an incredibly anthemic and empowering declaration, delivered with full vocal force by both singers.
- Vocal Ad-libs and Runs: Both divas engage in impressive vocal ad-libs and runs, showcasing their individual strengths and creating thrilling moments of improvisation.
- Driving Rhythm Section: A strong bassline and punchy drums provide the irresistible groove that propels the dance section of the song.
It’s dramatic, empowering, and vocally spectacular, a quintessential disco-pop anthem of liberation.
Lyrical themes and atmosphere:
“I’ve got to break free / No more crying / I’ve got to find me / A new way of trying”
The lyrics tell a story of a woman (or two women, in this duet) who has finally reached her breaking point in a dissatisfying relationship. She is tired of the tears, the pain, and the endless cycles of disappointment. The opening lines, with their mundane “raining, pouring, love life boring,” quickly escalate into a defiant demand for change and liberation. The atmosphere shifts from initial sadness and resignation to powerful anger, resolve, and ultimately, triumphant self-empowerment. It’s a universal message of breaking free from what no longer serves you.
Themes:
- Empowerment and Liberation: The central theme is gaining strength and independence from a harmful situation.
- Ending a Toxic Relationship: The narrative focuses on walking away from a partner who causes pain.
- Self-Respect: The decision to prioritize one’s own well-being over emotional abuse or neglect.
- Defiance and Resolve: A firm stance against continued suffering.
- Emotional Catharsis: The transformation from tears and sadness to assertive action.
This song is a direct, undeniable statement of female strength and autonomy, making it a timeless anthem.
Legacy and impact:
- Groundbreaking Duet: Became the first duet by two female artists to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place in music history.
- Iconic Collaboration: A rare and unforgettable pairing of two distinct but equally powerful voices.
- Disco Anthem: A defining track of the late disco era, celebrated for its high energy and dramatic flair.
- Empowerment Anthem: Its message of “enough is enough” has resonated globally, making it a popular song for personal empowerment and farewells to difficult situations.
- Cultural Touchstone: Widely recognized and often featured in films, TV shows, and other media, representing a powerful moment in music.
- Continual Influence: Its structure and vocal theatrics have influenced subsequent power ballads and dance tracks.
“No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is more than just a hit song; it’s a monumental collaboration that combined vocal brilliance with a powerful message, creating an enduring symbol of defiance and liberation.
Final thoughts: “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is a truly extraordinary song, a masterclass in vocal performance and dramatic pop production. The initial contrast between the melancholic opening and the explosive disco beat is pure genius, perfectly setting the stage for the powerful lyrical message. Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand, at the peak of their powers, deliver a tour de force, each pushing the other to new heights of vocal intensity and emotional expression. It’s an anthem that empowers, inspires, and makes you want to get up and declare your own “enough is enough.” A timeless classic that cemented the legacies of two undisputed divas.
Video
Lyrics
It’s raining, it’s pouringMy lovelife 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 manOh, our love, our loveRaining (Raining)Pouring (Pouring)There’s nothing left for us hereAnd we won’t waste another tearIf you’ve had enoughDon’t put up with his stuff, don’t you do itAh, if you’ve had your fillGet the check, pay the bill, you can do itTell him to just get outNothing left to talk aboutPack his raincoat, show him outJust look him in the eye and simply shoutEnough is enoughI can’t go on, I can’t go on no more, noEnough is enoughI want him out, I want him out that door nowEnough is enough (Ooh)(Oh) Enough is enoughThat’s enough (Ooh)YeahIf you’ve reached the endDon’t pretend that it’ss right when it’s over (It’s over)If the feeling is goneDon’t think twice, just move on, get it over (Over)Tell him to just get outSay it clearly, spell it outEnough is enough is enoughI can’t go on, I can’t go on no more, noEnough is enough is enoughI want him out, I want him out that door nowEnough is enough (Ooh)(Oh) Enough is enoughThat’s enough (Ooh)I always dreamed I’d find the perfect loverBut he turns out to be like every other manOur love (I had no choice from the start), our loveOur love (I’ve got to listen to my heart), our love(Tearing us apart) Our loveEnough is enough is enoughI can’t go on, I can’t go on no more, noEnough is enough is enoughI want him out, I want him out that door nowEnough is enough (Ooh)(Oh) Enough is enoughThat’s enough (Ooh-ooh)Yeah (Tear)No more tears (No more tears)No more tears (No more tears)Enough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughEnough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughEnough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughEnough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enough (I’ve had it)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (I’ve had it, you’ve had it)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (He’s had it)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (We’ve had it, he’s have it)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (I’ve had, enough is enough)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (I’ve had it, you’ve had it)Is enough is enough is enough is enough (We’ve haid it, enough is enough)I always dreamed I’d find the perfect loverBut he turned out to be like every other manI-I had no choice from the start, ohListen to me, I’ve got to listen to my heartTearing us apartEnough is enough is enoughI can’t go on, I can’t go on no more, noEnough is enough is enoughI want him out, I want him out that door nowGoodbye, misterGoodbye, goodbye, misterGoodbye, sugarIt’s raining, it’s pouringThere’s nothing left for us hereAnd we won’t waste another tearEnough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enough (No more tears)Is enough is enough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough is enough is enoughIs enough is enough!