She now resides in Monaco and has recently sold her London apartment. Many of its furnishings were auctioned for charity. Two very popular 'Audiences With Shirley Bassey' have aired on British TV, the most recent being in March 2006.
In 2006, UK retailer Marks and Spencer hired Bassey for their Christmas advertising campaign, with Dame Shirley singing a cover of P!nk's 'Get the Party Started'.
In late 2009 Bassey released 'The Performance' her first studio album for two decades, which was released in a maelstrom of anticipation. Still popular well into one of the longest and most illustrious musical careers in British and indeed international history, Bassey is considered by Brits to be a national treasure.
That's Life
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June.
I said that's life, and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
But I don't let it, let it get me down,
'Cause this fine ol' world it keeps spinning around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And 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
I tell ya, I can't deny it,
I thought of quitting baby,
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it.
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try,
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life
That's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out
But my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, My
Shirley Bassey's song "That's Life" is a powerful statement about the ups and downs of life. The lyrics poignantly illustrate the fleeting nature of success and the inevitability of failure. The opening line "That's life, that's what all the people say" sets up the theme of the song - that life can be cruel and unforgiving, but we must persevere.
The song takes us on a journey of self-discovery, as the singer reflects on their experiences and challenges. The lyrics "I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, A poet, a pawn and a king" suggest that the singer has gone through a range of experiences, both good and bad. The singer has been "up and down and over and out," but they keep getting back up and "pick[ing] myself up and get[ting] back in the race." This resilience and determination are inspiring and demonstrate that everyone can overcome the challenges they face in life.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, with the singer proclaiming that "if there's nothing shakin' come this here July, I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die." This line suggests that even the strongest among us can be overwhelmed by life's challenges. However, the singer's refusal to give up is a testament to the human spirit, and we are reminded that we can get through anything if we stay strong and keep moving forward.
Overall, Shirley Bassey's "That's Life" is a powerful and inspiring song that speaks to the universal struggles we all face in life. Its message of resilience and determination is just as relevant today as it was when the song was first released.
Line by Line Meaning
That's life, that's what all the people say.
Life is unpredictable and full of ups and downs, and everyone experiences it differently.
You're riding high in April, Shot down in May
Life can be full of highs and lows, and success can quickly turn to failure.
But I know I'm gonna change that tune, When I'm back on top, back on top in June.
Despite setbacks, the singer is confident that they will bounce back and achieve success again in the future.
I said that's life, and as funny as it may seem Some people get their kicks, Stompin' on a dream
Life can be unfair, and some people take pleasure in crushing others' aspirations and dreams.
But I don't let it, let it get me down, 'Cause this fine ol' world it keeps spinning around
The artist doesn't let negativity bring them down, and they recognize that life goes on despite setbacks.
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, A poet, a pawn and a king.
The singer has experienced many different roles in life, from lowly pauper to powerful king.
I've been up and down and over and out And I know one thing: Each time I find myself, flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race.
The singer has experienced many setbacks but has learned to keep moving forward and not give up.
I tell ya, I can't deny it, I thought of quitting baby, But my heart just ain't gonna buy it.
The artist has considered giving up, but their inner drive and determination won't allow it.
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try, I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
The artist believes that life is worth persevering through, and if they didn't, they would simply leave it all behind and start anew.
That's life and I can't deny it Many times I thought of cutting out But my heart won't buy it
Life can be challenging, but the artist won't give up because they know that it's worth it in the end.
But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die My, My
If life doesn't improve by a certain point, the singer is jokingly saying they would give up, but ultimately they are committed to persevering through life's challenges.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dean Kay, Kelly L. Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dikkensmozambikkens633
That's life (that's life), that's what all the people say
You're ridin' high in April, shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin' on dreams
But I don't let it, let it get me down
'cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' 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 and 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 tell you I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
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 and I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin' flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life), that's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cuttin' out but my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothin' shakin' come this here July
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
@sabaha2010
Such a great version!
@sas9023055
When Shirley recorded this song, she certainly had her good friend Frank Sinatra in her thoughts....
@barbaraacosta1322
Perfect performance 💕💕💕💕
@chalkychoochoo2304
Shirley never ceases to impress me! Such confidence in the delivery. Another great video by sas too!
@emmajones4944
Can't listen to this enough... REPLAY
@sas9023055
Happy Birthday Dame Shirley! I join all of your world wide fans to wish you a wonderful Birthday, and a most prosperous 2013. Your Diamond Anniversary in Show Business (60) years, is truely an amazing feat for any artist! We all are impatiently awaiting for you to record your next CD....hope hope hope, and maybe you will decide to tour the world to celebrate with all your fans...Regards, Scot
@Bennn920
Omg been looking for this ever since I heard on a Natwest advert
@sas9023055
Thank you very much NoShy! There is just something inspiring about working with Shirley's music and pictures...Regards, Scot
@skygazer6898
FaBuLoUs, FaNtAsTic ShIrLeY BaSSeY
@MuratMORSUMBUL
Nice.