About the song
In 1969, Peggy Lee released a song that would become a timeless reflection on the human experience— “Is That All There Is?” With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this track stands as a testament to Lee’s artistry and ability to capture the complexities of life in a few profound verses.
Peggy Lee, a jazz and pop music icon known for her sultry voice and emotive delivery, found herself at the forefront of cultural change in the late 1960s. As society grappled with shifting norms and existential questioning, Lee’s song struck a chord by articulating a universal sentiment: the disillusionment that can accompany life’s greatest moments.
The song opens with Lee recounting pivotal moments from her life—seeing her first circus as a child, experiencing love’s passionate embrace, and facing the flames of a devastating fire. Each episode is narrated with a detached yet introspective tone, punctuated by the recurring refrain, “Is that all there is?” This refrain encapsulates a profound sense of disillusionment and existential questioning, inviting listeners to ponder the meaning behind life’s grand events.
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Is That All There Is?” is crafted with a sparse yet evocative arrangement that complements Lee’s nuanced vocal performance. The melancholic orchestration and Lee’s deliberate pacing enhance the song’s contemplative mood, making it a departure from her earlier, more upbeat hits.
Beyond its musical and lyrical sophistication, “Is That All There Is?” became a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences who found themselves grappling with the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world. Its introspective narrative invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences, prompting contemplation on the nature of fulfillment and the passage of time.
Upon its release, the song garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning Peggy Lee a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. More than five decades later, “Is That All There Is?” endures as a poignant reminder of the human condition, its relevance undiminished by the passage of time.
In conclusion, Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” stands as a testament to her artistry and cultural insight. Through its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, the song transcends its era to become a timeless meditation on life’s uncertainties and the quest for meaning. As listeners continue to engage with its profound message, the song remains an enduring masterpiece in the annals of popular music.
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Lyrics
I remember when I was a little girl
Our house caught on fire
I’ll never forget the look on my father’s face as he
Gathered me up in his arms and
Faced through the burning building out on the pavement
And I stood there
Shivering in my pajamas and
WAtched the whole world go up in flames
And when it was all over
I said to myself
Is that all there is to a fire?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is my friends
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is
And when I was twelve years old
My daddy took me to the circus
The greatest show on Earth
There were clowns and elephants, dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink
Tights flew high above our heads
And as I sat there watching
I had the feeling that something was missing
I don’t know what, but
When it was over
I said to myself
Is that all there is to the circus?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is my friends
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is
And then I fell in love
With the most wonderful boy in the world
We’d take long walks by the river or
Just sit for hours gazing into each other’s eyes
We were so very much in love
Then one day
He went away
And I thought I’d die, but I didn’t
And when I didn’t
I said to myself
Is that all there is to love?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is, my friends
Then let’s keep
I know what you must be saying to yourselves
If that’s the way she feels about it
Why doesn’t she just end it all?
Oh, no, not me
I’m not ready for that final disappointment
Because I know
Just as well as I’m standing here talking to you
That when that final moment comes
And I’m breathing my last breat
I’ll be saying to myself
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is my friend
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is