From TELL HIM (single)
Written by David Foster, Walter Afanasieff & Linda Thompson
“Tell Him” was the first collaboration between superstars Barbra Streisand and Céliné Dion. Dion always mentioned Streisand as her most significant singing influence and Streisand often praised Dion’s amazing voice.
The associations between the two songbirds were their common label, Sony Music, and David Foster. The Canadian studio wizard who launched Céliné’s international career and produced a multitude of Barbra’s projects was asked to create a special song for the duet. Foster co-wrote the music with fellow super-producer Walter Afanasieff while his former wife, Linda Thompson, wrote the lyrics. “Tell Him” was musically and lyrically tailor made for the two phenomenal singers. It’s a lot more than a big ballad sporting a beautiful orchestration and unique crescendo enhancing the two voices’ spectacular interplay. Released in November 1997 as the first single off Dion’s “Let’s
Talk About Love” and Streisand’s “Higher Ground,” “Tell Him” became a massive hit worldwide selling well over a million copies. The song reached the Top 5 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. However, given the single wasn’t released in stores, it didn’t crossover to the Pop charts. “Tell Him” was also nominated for a 1998 Grammy as “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.”
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/tell_him.mp3|titles=Tell Him|artists=Barbra Streisand & Celine Dion]
Lead Vocals: Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand
Keyboards & Drum Programming: Walter Afanasieff
Additional Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Dann Huff
Synths Programming: Dan Shea
Backing Vocals: Claytoven Richardson, Konesha Owens, Jeanie Tracy, Leslie Ellis, Skyler Jett,
Strings Arranged by William Ross
Produced & Arranged by David Foster & Walter Afanasieff
Lyrics
I’m scared
So afraid to show I care
Will he think me weak
If I tremble when I speak
Oooh – what if
There’s another one he’s thinking of
Maybe he’s in love
I’d feel like a fool
Life can be so cruel
I don’t know what to do
I’ve been there
With my heart out in my hand
But what you must understand
You can’t let the chance
To love him pass you by
Should I
Tell him
Tell him that the sun and moon
Rise in his eyes
Reach out to him
And whisper
Tender words so soft and sweet
Hold him close to feel his heart beat
Love will be the gift you give yourself
Touch him
With the gentleness you feel inside
Your love can’t be denied
The truth will set you free
You’ll have what’s mean to be
All in time you’ll see
I love him
Of that much I can be sure
I don’t think I could endure
If I let him walk away
When I have so much to say
Love is light that surely glows
In the hearts of those who know
It’s a steady flame that grows
Feed the fire
with all the passion you can show
Tonight love will assume its place
This memory time cannot erase
Blind faith will lead love where it has to go
Never let him go