C'est La Vie
Gotthard Lyrics

They say "cʼest la vie"
People often say "it's life", to brush off and accept a situation or outcome without trying to change it.

With a pat on a shoulder
This gesture is used to console someone and imply a level of sympathy, but does not necessarily acknowledge their feelings or needs.

Do they know what you need?
Despite the comforting gesture, it may not actually address the person's underlying needs or wants.

Or am I getting older?
The artist suggests that maybe they are starting to question the superficiality of such comforting words as they mature and gain experience.

So much I remember
The artist has memories of the past or of things they once believed in.

Yesterday just surrendered
The past has given way to the present and cannot be changed.

Those words "just let it be"
The phrase "just let it be" is another common expression used to advise someone to accept a situation as is and not try to change it.

And you say, say, say
The artist switches to addressing someone directly, someone who is refusing to accept the status quo and is determined to bring about change.

"Donʼt you take my dreams away"
The other person is afraid that their hope for change will be quashed, and they will become complacent again.

That youʼll change, change, change
The artist is assuring the other person that they can make a difference and bring about change if they keep trying.

That youʼll change the world but tomorrow
The singer acknowledges that change takes time to achieve and tries to motivate the other person to keep working towards their goals.

Who said "cʼest la vie"
The artist reflects on the origins of the phrase, questioning why it is so pervasive in society and trying to find a way to move beyond it.

To the little toy soldier?
The singer shares an anecdote about a toy soldier, perhaps to suggest that we are all like toys, manipulated by societal norms and beliefs.

How hard can it be?
The singer is asking a rhetorical question, challenging the idea that change is difficult or impossible to achieve.

Even when it gets colder
Despite challenges and adversity, the singer believes that change is still possible and worth pursuing.

Take a walk on the water, take a walk on the moon
The artist urges the other person to think big and imagine the impossible, to not be constrained by societal norms or expectations.

Who said "just let it sleep"?
The artist questions the wisdom of letting things be and not challenging the status quo.

And so many chances can pass you by
The singer acknowledges that many opportunities for change may be missed if one is not actively seeking them.

Maybe just a matter of trying
The singer suggests that attempting to effect change is a worthwhile endeavor, even if the outcome is uncertain or difficult to achieve.

'Cause, there ainʼt no mistaking how time goes by
Time will pass regardless of whether one attempts to make change or not, so it is worth making the effort to effect positive change.

Some say remember
Different people have different perspectives on what is important in life, some valuing nostalgia and tradition over progress.

Some say forget
Others value moving forward and letting go of the past in order to create a better future.

Some say it matters
Still others believe that the outcome of one's efforts does matter, and that change is worth striving for in order to make a difference in the world.

Some just regret
Finally, some may regret not having made more of an impact or not having tried harder to create positive change.

But I say, say, say
The singer offers their own perspective, which would seem to be one of believing in the value and importance of trying to create positive change.

I wonʼt take your dreams away
The singer reassures the other person that they will not discourage or belittle their ambition for change.

And youʼll change, change, change
The singer still has faith in the other person's ability to effect change and encourages them to keep trying.

Oh, change the world but tomorrow
Despite the difficulties and challenges, the artist still believes in the other person's ability to change the world, perhaps not immediately, but eventually.

But tomorrow you gonna change the world
The artist's final message is one of hope and motivation, indicating that with continued effort and determination, real change is possible and the other person will someday achieve their goals.