Crooner Culture

Okay, so sometimes we all need a little help remembering that not everything in life that takes us down a notch is truly a tragedy. Life is full of ups and downs, and yes, sometimes the downs are a lot lower and longer than the ups, but the fact remains that if we continue on without giving up we’re going to be back on top again.

This song was made famous by Frank Sinatra of course, but Michael Buble released it on his “Call Me Irresponsible” album as well.

(Written by D.K. Thompson, K. Gordon)
[Sinatra recorded October 18, 1966, Hollywood]

That’s life (that’s life), that’s what all the people say
You’re ridin’ high in April, shot down in May
But I know I’m gonna change that tune
When I’m back on top, back on top in June

I said that’s life (that’s life), and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin’ on a dream
But I don’t let it, let it get me down
’cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin’ around

I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race

That’s life (that’s life), I tell you I can’t deny it
I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain’t gonna buy it
And if I didn’t think it was worth one single try
I’d jump right on a big bird and then I’d fly

I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin’ flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race

That’s life (that’s life), that’s life and I can’t deny it
Many times I thought of cuttin’ out but my heart won’t buy it
But if there’s nothin’ shakin’ come this here July
I’m gonna roll myself up in a big ball a-and die

My, my!

It’s those last couple lines there that make the whole thing a wash of course, but I think this song really resonates with humanity. Even though we know that whatever’s bothering us now in life isn’t going to mean as much to us in a month or so, we still can’t help but say, “If things don’t get better soon I’ll just DIE!” The song takes a lighthearted look on the fact that not everything can be sunshine and roses, no matter how bad you think things are.

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