c'est la vie
Robert Nevil Lyrics


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Got a job that's okay
But they got me working night and day
Punching in, punching out
Is this really what life's all about?

(What'cha gonna do, what'cha gonna feel?)
I don't know
(What'cha gonna feel, what'cha gonna do?)
Ooh, won't someone tell me
(What'cha wanna say, what'cha wanna do?)
There's only one thing left to say
(What'cha wanna say, what'cha wanna say?)

(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)
Oh, yeah
(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)

Baby's gone, all alone
Are you sad because you're on your own?
Get that girl, party down
There's so many good ones still around

(What'cha gonna do, what'cha gonna feel?)
I don't know
(What'cha gonna feel, what'cha gonna do?)
Ooh, won't someone tell me
(What'cha wanna say, what'cha wanna do?)
I guess there's just one thing to say
(What'cha wanna say, what'cha wanna say?)
Woo

(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)
Oh, yeah, ooh
(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)
Oh

Hey it's J.J, what you been doin'
You say your car broke down, the thing just isn't movin'
J.J.J., don't you know
When you're down there's just one way to go
Now sing it

(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)
Sometimes
(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes

(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
That's just the way it goes
(That's life)
Ooh, yeah
(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)
Oh, that's just the way it goes
(That's life)
You know it

(C'est la vie, c'est la vie)




That's just the way it goes
(That's life)

Overall Meaning

In Robert Nevil's song C'est La Vie, the lyrics express a sense of dissatisfaction with the routines of daily life, specifically in regards to work and relationships. The singer notes that their job is alright, but they feel trapped working day and night, with no real sense of purpose or fulfillment. They are questioning whether this is truly what life is all about, and uncertain about what actions they should take to change their circumstances. Similarly, in the second verse, the singer discusses being alone after a breakup and feeling sad, but ultimately suggesting that there are other opportunities for fun and companionship. The chorus offers a resigned perspective on life, with the repeated phrase "C'est la vie" ("That's life" in French) suggesting a sense of acceptance of the ups and downs of existence.


Throughout the lyrics, there's a sense of uncertainty and questioning, with the repeated use of "what'cha gonna do, what'cha gonna feel?" as a kind of refrain. It's as if the singer is searching for guidance or answers, but ultimately comes to the conclusion that some things in life can't be changed and we must accept them. The use of "C'est la vie" as a repeated phrase in the chorus reinforces this idea that some aspects of life are beyond our control, and we must accept them and move on.


Line by Line Meaning

Got a job that's okay
I have a job that's fine, but not great.


But they got me working night and day
However, I work day and night without much rest.


Punching in, punching out
I'm just following the daily routine of clocking in and out.


Is this really what life's all about?
Is there more to life than just working and following the same routine?


I don't know
I'm not sure.


Ooh, won't someone tell me
Can someone give me some guidance?


There's only one thing left to say
I only have one thing to say.


That's just the way it goes
That's the reality of the situation.


Oh, yeah
Expressing agreement with the previous statement.


Baby's gone, all alone
My romantic partner is no longer with me, and I'm feeling lonely.


Are you sad because you're on your own?
Are you feeling melancholic because you're by yourself?


Get that girl, party down
However, I can find other people to connect with socially and have a good time.


There's so many good ones still around
There are plenty of great people around me that I can connect with.


I guess there's just one thing to say
In the end, there's only one more message to convey.


Woo
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm.


Hey it's J.J, what you been doin'
A new character, J.J, is introduced into the song and asking what the artist has been up to.


You say your car broke down, the thing just isn't movin'
The artist mentions that their car has broken down and won't move.


Don't you know when you're down there's just one way to go
J.J advises the singer that when things are tough, there's only one way to move forward.


Sometimes
At times.


You know it
Acknowledging the statement made previously.




Contributed by Claire I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Mickey9833

Got a job
That's okay
But they've got me workin' night and day
Punchin' in
Punchin' out
Is this really what life's all about?

What ya gonna do, what ya gonna feel?
I don't know
What ya gonna feel, what ya gonna do?
Ooh, won't someone tell me?
What ya wanna say, what ya wanna do?
There's only one thing left to say
What ya wanna do, what ya wanna say? Woo

C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)
Oh yeah
C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)

Baby's gone, all alone (all alone)
Are you sad because you're on your own?
Get that girl, party down
There's so many good ones still around

What ya gonna do, what ya gonna feel?
I don't know
What ya gonna feel, what ya gonna do?
Ooh, won't someone tell me
What ya wanna say, what ya wanna do?
I guess there's just one thing to say
What ya wanna do, what ya wanna say? Woo-hoo

C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)
Oh yeah, ooh
C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life), oh

Hey it's J.J. (hey it's J.J.)
What you been doin'?
You say your car broke down, the thing just isn't movin'
J.-j.j., don't you know?
When you're down there's just one way to go
Now sing it

C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)
Sometimes
C'est la vie, c'est la vie (ay, yeah)
That's just the way it goes
C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)
Mh-ay, ooh-yeah, mmh-yeah
C'est la vie, c'est la vie
Oh, that's just the way it goes (that's life)
You know it, ooh, yeah

C'est la vie, c'est la vie
That's just the way it goes (that's life)
C'est la vie, c'est la vie



All comments from YouTube:

@BarryTaylor-xk5vy

Nothing out there is better than 80's and 90's music period ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜ฎ

@lasharncampbell8698

This song rocks. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Šโคโคโค

@risaandjesus

Robbie Nevil has an unreal voice! When this song first came out. I couldnโ€™t stop listening to it. His high notes and r and b style is just stellar.

@williamscott6406

He's the greatest
How are you doing?

@anthonyrobinson6590

He sounds like Kenny Loggins. Loggins is the originator of this style for white male singers.

@ebayerr

Risa Laughter: I haven't heard this song in decades.
Honestly,it sounds better in 2022,than it did in when I heard it in '86

@rayva1

Underrated.

@joeyrincones9308

โ€‹@@anthonyrobinson6590....Yeah, he sure does sound like Loggins.

2 More Replies...

@jd-um4jw

This great song was one of my mom's favorites! It always makes me think of her.. today is the 1st anniversary of her leaving us and having a heaven birthday. She was only 62. She was a crazy redhead ๐Ÿ˜Artist, music lover, funny. Make sure to hug your loved ones! We miss you mom! ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ

@chereejohnson2400

As someone whose mommy passed at the tender age of 42, I pray that you cherish the many years with Momma-reds and know that 10-15 years from now, you will call her phone unknowingly, remember her number, hear her voice,......stop everything and embrace her! It will rejuvenate your spirit instantly! I'm not into spirits, simply a mommy's girl affirming that a mother's love is indeed, forever upon you!๐Ÿฅฐโค๐Ÿ™

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