P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwr… Read Full Bio ↴P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwriter, and actor noted for his voice and his theatrical portrayals of Elvis Presley, plus interpretations of modern standards in the vein of Tom Jones. Until 1961, he used the name Jett Powers.

The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested to him by a friend named Sharon Sheeley (Eddie Cochran's girlfriend) who remembered the name of an old high school boyfriend.
P.J. Proby did demos for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other artists. His greatest hits are "Somewhere", "Maria", "Hold Me", "Niki Hoeky" and "I Apologise". In 1996, Marc Almond produced the album Legend which included the duet single "Yesterday Has Gone".

Whatever Will Be Will Be
P.J. Proby Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, "What will I be?
Will I be pretty?
Will I be rich?"
Here's what she said to me

"Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be"

When I was just a child in school
I asked my teacher, "What will I try?
Should I paint pictures"
Should I sing songs?"
This was her wise reply

"Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be"

When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweetheart, "What lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows
Day after day?"
Here's what my sweetheart said

"Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be"

Now I have Children of my own
They ask their mother, "What will I be?"
Will I be handsome?
Will I be rich?"
I tell them tenderly

"Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera

What will be, will be
Que Sera, Sera!"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to P.J. Proby's song "Whatever Will Be, Will Be" revolves around the concept of destiny, which is a popular philosophical belief held by many people worldwide. It suggests that the future is not always within our control, regardless of how much we plan, hope or wish for it. The lyrics take the form of a conversation between the artist and different people in his life, including his mother, teacher, sweetheart, and his own children. In the first verse, he asks his mother what the future holds for him, whether he will be pretty or rich. His mother, however, responds by telling him that the future is not ours to see, and whatever will be, will be.

Similarly, in the second verse, he asks his teacher what he should focus on, whether he should paint or sing. The teacher responds with the same words his mother used, telling him that the future is not ours to see, and whatever will be, will be. The same message continues in the third verse, where he asks his sweetheart what the future holds for them. His sweetheart responds with the same words, saying that the future is not ours to see, and whatever will be, will be.

Finally, in the last verse, he has children of his own who ask him the same question he asked his mother, whether they will be handsome or rich. He tells them tenderly that whatever will happen, it will happen, and they should focus on living their lives instead of worrying about what the future holds.

Line by Line Meaning

When I was just a little girl
As a young child, the singer had questions about their future.

I asked my mother, "What will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?"
The singer approached their mother seeking answers to what they will become when they grow and wondering if they will have desirable qualities such as beauty and wealth.

Here's what she said to me "Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be"
The mother offers reassurance to the singer that the future is unpredictable and we must accept whatever happens.

When I was just a child in school I asked my teacher, "What will I try? Should I paint pictures" Should I sing songs?"
The artist seeks guidance from their teacher on what they should do in life, whether they should pursue art or music.

This was her wise reply "Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be"
The teacher encourages the artist to not worry about the future, because it's not in our control.

When I grew up and fell in love I asked my sweetheart, "What lies ahead? Will we have rainbows Day after day?"
The singer inquires of their partner about the future of their relationship and whether they'll experience everlasting bliss.

Here's what my sweetheart said "Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be"
Similar to the mother and teacher's response, the partner echoes that the future is unpredictable and must be accepted.

Now I have Children of my own They ask their mother, "What will I be?" Will I be handsome? Will I be rich?"
The artist, now a parent, is approached by their own children inquiring about their future and if they'll have desirable qualities such as attractiveness and wealth.

I tell them tenderly "Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be Que Sera, Sera!"
The artist responds with the same reassurance they received from their mother, telling their children that the future is unpredictable and must be accepted with whatever may come.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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