About the song
Willie Nelson, a name synonymous with the very fabric of American music, has always been more than just a country singer. Over his decades-long career, he’s woven a tapestry of songs that transcend genres, blending country, folk, jazz, and blues into a unique style that feels as timeless as it is personal. With his 2021 release of That’s Life, Nelson once again proves his chameleonic ability to interpret songs outside the country realm, offering his take on a classic from the Great American Songbook. Originally made famous by Frank Sinatra, the track carries the weight of mid-century sophistication and introspection, but in Nelson’s hands, it takes on an entirely new hue—soulful, grounded, and steeped in wisdom.
From the first note, That’s Life is an invitation to reflect. The song’s lyrics, a meditation on resilience through life’s inevitable ups and downs, resonate deeply when delivered by Nelson, whose voice carries the weathered warmth of experience. There’s something inherently believable about the way he sings, “Each time I find myself flat on my face, I just pick myself up and get back in the race.” For Nelson, now in his late eighties, these words feel less like a philosophical musing and more like a hard-earned truth. He’s lived through the heartbreaks, triumphs, and setbacks that give the song its emotional heft, and you can hear every one of those moments in his delivery.
What makes Nelson’s version of That’s Life so compelling is his ability to infuse the Sinatra standard with his own artistic sensibilities. While Sinatra’s rendition is all about polish and big-band grandeur, Nelson’s is quieter, more reflective, with a jazzy, laid-back arrangement that complements his conversational singing style. The choice to strip down the song allows the lyrics to shine, letting the listener focus on their universal message. Accompanied by a lush but restrained backing of piano, brass, and soft percussion, Nelson creates a sonic landscape that feels intimate yet expansive, as if you’re sitting with him on a quiet evening, sharing stories and reflecting on life’s unpredictability.
It’s worth noting that That’s Life is part of Nelson’s ongoing exploration of Sinatra’s songbook, following his 2018 album My Way. The two artists may seem worlds apart on the surface, but Nelson has often spoken of his admiration for Sinatra, who he credits as a major influence on his phrasing and approach to storytelling. Listening to Nelson interpret Sinatra’s songs is like watching a master craftsman pay homage to another—it’s both a tribute and a reinterpretation, showcasing the universality of great music.
In That’s Life, Nelson not only captures the essence of the original but also brings his own perspective, turning the song into a celebration of resilience that feels deeply personal. It’s not merely a cover—it’s a conversation between two musical giants, separated by genre but united by their shared ability to connect with audiences on a profoundly human level. For fans of Nelson, Sinatra, or simply great music, That’s Life is a poignant reminder that life’s highs and lows are best met with grace, grit, and a song in your heart.
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Lyrics
“That’s life”, that’s what all the people say
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 JuneI said, that’s life, and as fun as it may seem
Some people get a big old kick out of stomping on a dream
But I don’t let it, I don’t let it get me down
‘Cause this old world just keeps spinning aroundI been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself lying flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race‘Cause that’s life and I can’t deny it
I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain’t gon’ buy it
And if I didn’t think it was worth a single try
I’d just jump on a big bird and then I’d flyI been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself lying flat on my face
I just pick myself up and I get back in the race‘Cause that’s life and I just can’t deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out, but my heart just ain’t gon’ buy it
And if nothing’s shaking around here come July
I’ll just roll myself up in a big ball and die
