Gaga's five succeeding studio albums all debuted atop the US Billboard 200. Her second full-length album, Born This Way (2011), explored electronic rock and techno-pop and sold more than one million copies in its first week. The title track became the fastest-selling song on the iTunes Store, with over one million downloads in less than a week. Following her EDM-influenced third album, Artpop (2013), and its lead single "Applause", Gaga released the jazz album Cheek to Cheek (2014) with Tony Bennett, and the soft rock album Joanne (2016). She ventured into acting, winning awards for her leading roles in the miniseries American Horror Story: Hotel (2015–2016) and the musical film A Star Is Born (2018). Her contributions to the latter's soundtrack, which spawned the chart-topping single "Shallow", made her the first woman to win an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award and Grammy Award in one year. Gaga returned to dance-pop with her sixth studio album, Chromatica (2020), which yielded the number-one single "Rain on Me". She followed this with her second collaborative album with Bennett, Love for Sale, and a starring role in the biopic House of Gucci, both in 2021.
Having sold an estimated 170 million records, Gaga is one of the world's best-selling music artists and the only female artist to achieve four singles that each sold at least 10 million copies globally. Her accolades include 13 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, 18 MTV Video Music Awards, awards from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and recognition as Billboard's Artist of the Year (2010) and Woman of the Year (2015). She has also been included in several Forbes' power rankings and ranked fourth on VH1's Greatest Women in Music (2012). Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010 and 2019 and placed her on their All-Time 100 Fashion Icons list. Her philanthropy and activism focus on mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights; she has her own non-profit organization, the Born This Way Foundation, which supports the wellness of young people. Gaga's business ventures include Haus Labs, a vegan cosmetics brand launched in 2019.
That's Life
Lady Gaga Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what people say
You're ridin' high in April
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change their tune
When I'm back on top in June, oh
That's life (that's life)
Some people get their kicks just steppin' on a dream
But I don't let it get me down
'Cause this whole world keeps spinning around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a queen
I've been up and down and over and out
But 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 can't deny it
I've thought of quitting, but my heart just won't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
I've been a puppet, a pauper
A pawn and a queen
I've been up and down
But I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life)
I can't deny it
I've thought of quitting, but my heart just won't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
Lady Gaga's "That's Life" captures the essence of resilience and the ups and downs of the human experience, touching on themes of perseverance, self-acceptance, and the unpredictable nature of existence. The lyrics open with a stark acknowledgment of life’s cyclical nature, reminiscent of a proverbial adage that conveys both the highs and lows people experience—a “riding high in April” only to feel “shot down in May.” This line conveys not just the emotional fluctuations of life but also introduces the notion that one’s current state is not permanent. By proclaiming she will “change their tune” and be "back on top in June," Gaga conveys an unyielding optimism and a fight against fate, suggesting that while setbacks are inevitable, they can be turned around through determination and hard work.
The song then shifts to a reflection on the bizarre behaviors of others, particularly those who derive pleasure from undermining aspirations. The phrase “some people get their kicks just steppin' on a dream” serves as a commentary on the darker sides of human nature, emphasizing how some individuals thrive on discouraging others. Yet, Gaga counters this negativity with her resilience, proclaiming that she will not be brought down. The imagery of the world "spinning around" evokes a sense of the larger, indifferent universe that continues to move forward despite personal turmoil, highlighting the importance of finding personal strength and navigating life’s challenges regardless of external circumstances.
The chorus underscores Gaga's versatility and breadth of experiences, illustrating her identity through a series of contrasting roles—“a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a queen.” This catalogue captures her journey through familiar struggles and triumphs, representing the multifaceted nature of her identity. By invoking these archetypes, she reflects on her resilience while emphasizing that life’s trials have shaped her, whether they be moments of grandeur or loss. The repeated recognition that she has “been up and down and over and out” speaks to the universal experience of failure and the necessity of rising again each time. The repeated mantra of picking herself back up reflects an unshakeable commitment to perseverance.
Ultimately, Gaga’s declaration of her commitment to the fight resonates deeply with anyone who has faced struggle. The acknowledgment of having thought about quitting is a candid admission of vulnerability, contrasting the broader themes of strength and resilience. The metaphor of rolling herself up “in a big ball and die” serves as a strong reminder of life’s value—that giving up would amount to a loss of hope and vitality. Instead, she chooses to press forward, affirming that the struggle and effort involved in pursuit are worth it despite the inevitable pitfalls. By blending these personal reflections with broader observations about life, Gaga intricately weaves a message of hope, resilience, and the refusal to surrender, embodying the spirit of determination that drives us all to keep moving forward regardless of the obstacles faced.
Line by Line Meaning
That's life (that's life)
This is the reality of existence, encapsulating its ups and downs.
That's what people say
It reflects a common understanding that many share about life's unpredictability.
You're ridin' high in April
You may experience great joy and success during some periods.
Shot down in May
Yet, soon after, you can face setbacks and disappointments.
But I know I'm gonna change their tune
I have confidence that I can shift people's perceptions about me.
When I'm back on top in June, oh
There is hope for resurgence and triumph in the near future.
That's life (that's life)
This is simply the nature of our existence.
Funny as it seems
It's ironic how life plays out in unexpected ways.
Some people get their kicks just steppin' on a dream
There are those who derive satisfaction from undermining others' aspirations.
But I don't let it get me down
I refuse to be disheartened by others' negativity.
'Cause this whole world keeps spinning around
Life progresses regardless of individual troubles; the world continues.
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
I have experienced a vast array of roles and identities throughout my journey.
A pawn and a queen
My positions have varied from insignificant to powerful in different contexts.
I've been up and down and over and out
I have faced both successes and failures along my path.
But I know one thing
I have learned a crucial lesson amidst the chaos.
Each time I find myself flat on my face
Whenever I encounter failures or hard falls in life.
I pick myself up and get back in the race
I always gather my strength to continue striving towards my goals.
That's life (that's life)
This is simply how life unfolds, full of cycles.
I can't deny it
I acknowledge the reality of my struggles.
I've thought of quitting, but my heart just won't buy it
Though tempted to give up, I find it impossible to accept surrender.
If I didn't think it was worth a try
If I didn't believe in the value of my efforts.
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
I would succumb to despair, unable to face life’s challenges.
I've been a puppet, a pauper
I have lived through various states of vulnerability and insignificance.
A pawn and a queen
Once again referencing the fluctuating roles I have occupied.
I've been up and down
My experiences have been filled with fluctuations in fortune.
But I know one thing
There remains a central truth that I hold dear.
Each time I find myself flat on my face
Each failure is yet another opportunity for resilience.
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
I consistently rise again to pursue my dreams and ambitions.
That's life (that's life)
This encapsulates the overall patterns and rhythms of living.
I can't deny it
I must face the truth of my difficulties head-on.
I've thought of quitting, but my heart just won't buy it
Even in moments of doubt, my passion refuses to accept defeat.
If I didn't think it was worth a try
Should I not believe in the merit of my endeavors.
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
Hopelessness would lead me to a state of despair devoid of ambition.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dean Kay, Kelly L Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chamomile08
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
That's life (That's life)
That's what people say
You're ridin' high in April
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change their tune
When I'm back on top in June, oh
[Verse 2]
That's life (That's life)
Funny as it seems
Some people get their kicks just steppin' on a dream
But I won't let it get me down
'Cause this whole world keeps spinnin' around
[Chorus]
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a queen
I've been up and down and over and out
But I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
[Verse 3]
That's life (That's life)
I can't deny it
I thought of quittin', but my heart just won't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll up in a big ball and die
[Chorus]
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pawn and a queen
I've been up and down
But I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
[Verse 4]
That's life (That's life)
I can't deny it (Life)
I thought of quittin', but my heart just won't buy it (Life)
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
@Nicholas-kt4ul
"That's Life"
Lady Gaga
[Verse 1]
That's life (That's life)
That's what people say
You're ridin' high in April
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change their tune
When I'm back on top in June, oh
[Verse 2]
That's life (That's life)
Funny as it seems
Some people get their kicks just steppin' on a dream
But I won't let it get me down
'Cause this whole world keeps spinnin' around
[Chorus]
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a queen
I've been up and down and over and out
But I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
[Verse 3]
That's life (That's life)
I can't deny it
I thought of quittin', but my heart just won't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll up in a big ball and die
[Chorus]
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pawn and a queen
I've been up and down
But I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
[Verse 4]
That's life (That's life)
I can't deny it (Life)
I thought of quittin', but my heart just won't buy it (Life)
If I didn't think it was worth a try
I'd roll myself up in a big ball and die
@russellsue
Tony Bennett is dancing with Sinatra right now 🎉❤
@cassandramerrick3633
Tony would be proud
@renatozegarra2622
Absolutely
@SVUE-jj9jc
I actually own an original photo of Sinatra playing baseball on set in Hawaii. Love Tony Bennett and the Rat Pack. What an era!
@amymizunoluna285
They would be proud
@jairocastro42
😭😭
@guhsantos34
I loved hearing Lady Gaga sing this Sinatra classic.❤️💙
@tripanzo
The movie was mid but the songs were bangers
@garywright2
I love that Gaga is bringing back old songs, but with her own touch on them. I love it!
@bilyanastancheva2522
Yeah I didn't know she's that good at jazz She is on fire in this video and I have goosebumps