Some songs fade with time. Others grow deeper roots in the hearts of listeners, becoming emotional landmarks across generations. “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” belongs firmly in the second category. Nearly five decades after its release, this sweeping ballad—brought to life by Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson—remains one of the most cherished love songs ever written for the silver screen.
Released in 1976 as the emotional centerpiece of the film A Star Is Born, “Evergreen” wasn’t just another soundtrack single. It became the soul of the movie, capturing the fragile beauty of love, the ache of vulnerability, and the hope that two people can find something lasting in an unpredictable world.
A Love Song That Broke the Hollywood Mold
At a time when movie theme songs often leaned toward grand orchestration and traditional pop stylings, “Evergreen” dared to be different. Co-written by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams, the song blended soft pop melodies with subtle country influences—an artistic nod to Kris Kristofferson’s musical roots. The result was intimate rather than flashy, heartfelt rather than theatrical.
This understated approach mirrored the film itself, a romantic drama about love, fame, and personal struggle. Streisand played Esther Hoffman, an aspiring singer, while Kristofferson portrayed John Norman Howard, a fading rock star. Their on-screen chemistry was raw and believable, and “Evergreen” felt less like a performance and more like a private confession shared between two souls.
Instead of overwhelming listeners with vocal acrobatics, the song builds slowly, drawing you in with warmth and sincerity. It feels lived-in, like a memory you didn’t know you had.
The Power of Two Distinct Voices
One of the reasons “Evergreen” still resonates is the striking contrast between Streisand and Kristofferson’s voices. Streisand’s vocals are polished, emotionally precise, and effortlessly soaring. Kristofferson’s voice, on the other hand, carries a rough, weathered texture—earthy and deeply human.
Together, they create a perfect emotional balance. Streisand brings clarity and hope, while Kristofferson adds vulnerability and quiet ache. Their harmonies feel less like studio perfection and more like two people leaning on each other, uncertain but sincere.
This vocal pairing reflects the story’s emotional arc: a love that is passionate, imperfect, and ultimately bittersweet.
Lyrics That Speak Softly — and Last Forever
“Love, soft as an easy chair
Love, fresh as the morning air…”
The opening lines of “Evergreen” set the tone for a song that doesn’t shout its message. Instead, it whispers truths that feel universal. The lyrics explore love not as fireworks and fantasy, but as something gentle, enduring, and quietly transformative.
The metaphor of something “evergreen” is especially powerful. Evergreen trees don’t lose their leaves with the seasons—they remain alive, vibrant, and constant. That image perfectly captures the kind of love the song celebrates: steady, resilient, and capable of surviving life’s harshest winters.
It’s this emotional authenticity that has made “Evergreen” a favorite at weddings, anniversaries, and life’s most meaningful moments. It doesn’t just describe love—it honors its endurance.
Award-Winning, Era-Defining
The impact of “Evergreen” wasn’t limited to the film’s emotional core. The song went on to become a major commercial and critical success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned widespread acclaim from both the music and film industries.
In 1977, “Evergreen” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, cementing its place in cinematic history. Streisand also took home a Grammy Award for Song of the Year, a rare achievement that highlighted the track’s cultural reach beyond the movie theater.
These accolades weren’t just industry recognition—they were proof that audiences had connected deeply with the song’s message and melody.
A Legacy That Continues to Bloom
Few movie love themes have enjoyed the lasting relevance of “Evergreen.” The song has been covered and performed by countless artists over the years, each bringing a different emotional shade to its timeless melody. Yet no version quite captures the tender vulnerability of the original duet.
Its influence can also be heard in later romantic ballads that prioritize emotional sincerity over spectacle. In many ways, “Evergreen” helped redefine what a movie love song could be—personal, reflective, and emotionally grounded.
Even as newer versions of A Star Is Born have introduced fresh music to modern audiences, the 1976 film’s signature song remains a benchmark. It’s a reminder that while musical styles change, the feeling of true love—hopeful, fragile, enduring—never goes out of style.
More Than Nostalgia
Listening to “Evergreen” today isn’t just a nostalgic experience. It’s a return to a moment when music and film came together to express something timeless about the human heart. The song’s gentle melody, poetic lyrics, and heartfelt performances create an emotional space that still feels relevant in a fast-moving world.
It reminds us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the softest promises are the ones that last the longest.
Why “Evergreen” Still Matters
In an era of streaming hits and rapidly changing trends, “Evergreen” stands as proof that sincerity never goes out of fashion. It represents a golden moment in music history when storytelling, performance, and emotion aligned perfectly.
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson didn’t just record a song—they created an emotional memory that listeners continue to carry with them decades later.
And like its name suggests, “Evergreen” is still alive, still growing, and still reminding us that the truest kind of love never fades.