That's Life I Guess
Billie Holiday W/ Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics
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What's in store for me
Your love could open
Heaven's door to me
But you don't care a straw for me
That's life I guess
My days and nights
My sugar kisses taste like salt to you
But why should I find fault with you
That's life I guess.
The world was bright when you loved me
Sweet was the touch of your lips
The world went dark when you left me
And then there came a total eclipse
Nobody knows how cruel fate can be
How close together love and hate can be
Goodbye, just clean the slate for me
That's life I guess
In Billie Holiday's "That's Life I Guess," the singer explores the tumultuous nature of love and relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty and resignation, as she acknowledges that her lover does not feel the same level of affection towards her. She wonders what her future holds and if her lover's love could be the key to unlock joy and serenity in her life. However, despite her hopeful dreams, she accepts that he does not care for her and resigns herself to the reality of the situation. The chorus of "that's life, I guess," emphasizes the inevitability of the ups and downs of love.
Holiday's lyrics are full of vivid and poignant images that convey the emotional confusion associated with a relationship's end. She admits to putting all her faith in her partner's love and even though her love is unwavering, she realizes that it is not reciprocated. Despite this, she cannot help but long for the love that made her world light up, like the touch of her partner's kiss. The melancholic nature of the song reaches its climax when Holiday sings about the complete darkness that ensues when love is lost, with "a total eclipse" blocking out any light.
"That's Life I Guess" is a testament to Billie Holiday's ability to transcend genres and create music capable of moving people emotionally. Despite the simple nature of the lyrics, the message remains evergreen and universally relatable. It is no surprise that Holiday remains one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I wonder
At times, I ponder
What's in store for me
What my future holds
Your love could open
Your affection has the power to unlock
Heaven's door to me
The gates of paradise for me
But you don't care a straw for me
However, you don't value me in the slightest
That's life I guess
I suppose that's just how things go sometimes
My days and nights
My waking moments and slumber hours alike
Are starting off with you
Begin with you in my thoughts
My sugar kisses taste like salt to you
Despite my loving actions, they are worthless to you
But why should I find fault with you
Yet, I cannot blame you
That's life I guess.
As previously mentioned, this is just life
The world was bright when you loved me
In the past, life was full of possibilities while you loved me
Sweet was the touch of your lips
Your kisses were delightful
The world went dark when you left me
However, upon your departure, life became bleak
And then there came a total eclipse
As depression took over
Nobody knows how cruel fate can be
One can never predict how harsh destiny can get
How close together love and hate can be
The thin line between adoration and detestation
Goodbye, just clean the slate for me
Farewell, I only request to start with a fresh outlook
That's life I guess
In conclusion, life goes on regardless of what happens
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER DE ROSE, SAM M. LEWIS, SAMUEL M. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Beata Koder
one of my fav. songs sung by her..thank you!!
Margarita Schultz
es asÃ: un eclipse cuando nos falta una simple sonrisa... aunque los eclipses son bellos!
reubenroo
Fantastic!
Marie-Anne Le Clerc
Lovely!
Fanouvvi
Listening to the long overture, I visioned a man walking down the street with swagger, falling leaves rest scattered on the ground and there Billie stood waiting underneath that big ole maple tree. Then, she began to sing.
Phaethon V
I love long overtures in jazz songs :)
Emily Upjohn
"My days and nights all start and halt with you"
"Goodbye just cleaned the slate for me"
WMC
I own every single album
hfh2o100
shouldnt there be words???
berriganfan
who is on trumpet and clarinet