About The Song
Released in 1966, “That’s Life” arrived like a shot of bourbon on a frosty night, warming the soul with its brassy optimism even as it acknowledged life’s curveballs. It was a time when the world was changing fast, the winds of revolution swirling, and Sinatra, ever the chameleon, found himself navigating a music scene dominated by rock and roll. But Ol’ Blue Eyes, ain’t one to be sidelined. He embraced the changing landscape, choosing this swinging number written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon, proving once again that Sinatra could hold his own with any genre.
And hold his own he did. From the opening twang of the guitar, “That’s Life” grabs you by the lapels and pulls you onto the dance floor. The horns blare, the drums swing, and Sinatra’s voice glides in, smooth as aged leather. He paints a picture of life that’s a rollercoaster, one minute sunshine, the next rain, but he does it with a mischievous glint in his eye. Remember those lines? “You get what you get and you don’t get upset.” He throws them out there, daring you to disagree, daring you to find the humor in the absurdity of it all.
But “That’s Life” is more than just a shrug and a smile. It’s a nod to the grit it takes to keep going, to pick yourself up after a fall. Sinatra’s voice cracks a little with emotion when he sings, “I’ve been up and down and over and out,” and you know he ain’t just talking about a day at the races. He’s seen the dark side, tasted the bitterness, and yet, he keeps on swingin’. That’s the magic of “That’s Life”. It’s a reminder that life throws punches, but we throw them back. We laugh, we cry, we dance, and we keep on movin’.
So, the next time you feel the world’s got you down, put on “That’s Life”, pour yourself a drink, and let Sinatra’s voice wash over you. Remember, it’s a bumpy ride, this life, but there’s a swingin’ beat to it, and Ol’ Blue Eyes is there to remind you that you can dance to it, no matter what life throws your way. Now, go out there and live it, with a wink and a swagger, just like Frank Sinatra would have wanted.
Video
Lyrics
“That’s Life”
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 JuneI 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’ aroundI’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!