In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.
Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.
While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".
Is That All There Is?
Chaka Khan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up in his arms
And raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I stood there shivering in my pajamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
And when it was all over I said to myself,
'Is that all there is to a fire?'"
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends,
Then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze
And have a ball
If that's all there is.
"And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to the circus, the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears and a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And as I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle, I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over I said to myself,
'Is that all there is to a circus?'"
Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends,
Then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze
And have a ball
If that's all there is.
"Then I fell in love with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love. Then one day, he went away.
And I thought I'd die, but I didn't.
And when I didn't, I said to myself,
'Is that all there is to love?'"
Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends,
Then let's keep dancing.
"I know what you must be saying to yourselves.
'If that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?'
Oh, no. Not me. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment.
For I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
When that final moment comes and I'm breathing my last breath,
I'll be saying to myself..."
Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends,
Then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze
And have a ball
If that's all there is.
The lyrics to Chaka Khan's "Is That All There Is?" explore the concept of disappointment and disillusionment with life's experiences. The three verses each focus on a different aspect of life - a traumatic event, a moment of joy and love, and the finality of death - and in each case, the singer comes to the realization that the experience was ultimately unsatisfying or unfulfilling.
In the first verse, the young narrator witnesses her house burning down and is initially traumatized by the experience, but then questions if the event was all that life had to offer. In the second verse, she describes going to the circus as a child and feeling like something was missing from the experience, despite its grandeur. In the final verse, she reflects on a past love and after its ending, questions whether love is all that there is to life.
The repetition of the lyric "Is that all there is?" throughout the song functions as a rhetorical question, suggesting that there must be more to life than these disappointing experiences. However, the chorus that follows each verse ("If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing. Let's break out the booze and have a ball if that's all there is.") suggests a certain resignation to this realization - if this is all there is, then might as well enjoy it.
Overall, the lyrics of "Is That All There Is?" challenge the listener to consider the purpose and value of their own experiences and to reflect on what truly makes life fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember when I was a very little girl, our house caught on fire.
I recall an incident in my childhood where my home caught on fire.
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up in his arms
And raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I still remember the expression of my dad’s face as he rescued me from the burning house.
I stood there shivering in my pajamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
I was frightened and cold as I observed everything burning down around me.
And when it was all over I said to myself,
'Is that all there is to a fire?'
After it was all done, I contemplated whether a fire is just a mere occurrence.
Then I fell in love with the most wonderful boy in the world.
I came to love a boy who meant the world to me.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We used to walk or spend long hours staring at each other, filled with love.
Then one day, he went away.
However, one day, he vanished from my life.
And I thought I'd die, but I didn't.
I believed I couldn't live without him, but I managed to survive through the heartbreak.
And when I didn't, I said to myself,
'Is that all there is to love?'
Upon realizing my strength, I wondered whether love is as fulfilling as it is portrayed.
I know what you must be saying to yourselves.
'If that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?'
Oh, no. Not me. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment.
For I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
When that final moment comes and I'm breathing my last breath,
I'll be saying to myself...
I understand that someone could suggest suicide as a solution, but I am not keen on that drastic step. I realize that when my life reaches its end, I shall think...
Is that all there is?
Am I to assume that is there is nothing more to this life than this?
If that's all there is, my friends,
Then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze
And have a ball
If that's all there is.
If this is all there is, then we might as well strive to enjoy the little we have, drown our sorrows in drinks and continue dancing.
Contributed by Jayden T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Miss My’Asia
Her phrasing is brilliant! It’s legendary ..!
Rock Bright
A smooth, jazzy performance from Chaka, for those cold, lonely nights with a glass of malt !
melissa beljeter
what a wonderful rendition..love Chaka😄😄
linda hofman
Chaka is simply the best!!!
Frank D
Wow. The superb silky voice of Ms Khan makes this classic something special.
Tony Taravella
This is BEAUTIFUL!
mrkinla
Her spoken parts make this even more adorable.
Kelly Lincoln
this is wonderful!
Celita Jamison
One of my favorite Chaka Khan's
ReactionShot
That is so very very cool. Absolutely wonderful