Introduction
Written by French composer Michel Legrand and first released in 1969, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” has become an iconic song that has been covered and celebrated by countless artists. In this article, we will explore the meaning and legacy of this timeless classic, examining the lyrics, interpretations, emotional impact, songwriting process, musicality, and different versions of the song.
Analyzing the Meaning Behind “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
The lyrics to “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” are filled with longing and sentimentality, with the narrator asking a lover what they will be doing for the rest of their life. The question is posed in various ways throughout the song, such as “Will you still be here with me?” and “What will I do the rest of my days?” It is unclear who the narrator is addressing in the song, but it could be interpreted as either a romantic partner or a close friend.
The lyrics also contain many references to time, with the narrator pondering how much time they have left together and how much time they have left in life. This adds a sense of urgency to the song, as if the narrator is trying to make the most of the time they have left. The chorus of the song sums up the sentiment perfectly, with the lyrics “What are you doing the rest of your life?/ North and south and east and west of your life?”
Exploring the Emotional Impact of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
The song’s emotive power comes from its combination of melancholy and hope. The lyrics express a deep longing for companionship and a fear of being alone, while at the same time conveying a sense of optimism about the future. This dichotomy of emotions is further emphasized by the song’s instrumentation, which includes strings, horns, and piano, all of which lend a sense of grandeur and beauty to the track.
The song also speaks to the universal desire for connection and belonging. It captures the feeling of wanting to spend time with someone special and to build a life together. For some listeners, the song might also evoke a sense of nostalgia, as it reminds them of past relationships or lost loved ones.
Examining the Songwriting Process of Michel Legrand for “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
Michel Legrand was born in 1932 in France and began playing the piano at a young age. He went on to become one of the most successful composers and musicians of his era, writing music for films such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Yentl. He also wrote the music for “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”, which was featured in the 1969 film The Happy Ending.
Legrand’s songwriting process was unique in that he often wrote music without lyrics, instead creating musical compositions that evoked certain emotions. He then asked lyricists to create words that matched the mood of the music. This was the case with “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”, which was written by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman.
A Look at the Musicality of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
The song begins with an intro that sets the tone for the entire track. This intro is followed by a verse that builds in intensity as it progresses, with the strings and horns providing a lush backdrop for the vocals. The chorus of the song features a more upbeat melody, with the strings and horns providing a soaring accompaniment.
The arrangement of the song is simple yet effective, with the instruments building upon each other to create a powerful and emotive soundscape. The instrumentation also serves to highlight the sentiment of the lyrics, with the strings and horns providing a sense of grandeur and beauty.
Comparing Different Versions of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
Since its release, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” has been covered by a variety of artists, including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Frank Sinatra. Each artist brings their own interpretation to the song, creating unique renditions that pay homage to the original while adding their own flavor.
Notable performances include Streisand’s version, which was featured in her 1971 album Barbra Joan Streisand, and Dion’s version, which was featured on her 1993 album The Colour of My Love. Both of these versions feature slower tempos and more subdued arrangements than the original, allowing the singers to emphasize the emotion of the lyrics.
Celebrating the Legacy of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
“What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” has become an enduring classic, with its melancholic yet hopeful message resonating with listeners around the world. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Big Chill, Grey’s Anatomy, and Little Miss Sunshine. It has also been recorded by countless artists and has become a staple of karaoke bars and wedding receptions.
The song is also a testament to Michel Legrand’s talent as a composer and arranger. His ability to create powerful and emotive music that speaks to the human experience is unmatched, and “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” stands as a testament to his brilliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” is a timeless classic that speaks to the universal desire for connection and belonging. Its emotive power comes from its combination of melancholy and hope, and its instrumentation serves to highlight the sentiment of the lyrics. Michel Legrand’s songwriting process was unique in that he often wrote music without lyrics, and his ability to create powerful and emotive music is unparalleled. The song has been covered by countless artists and has become a staple of karaoke bars and wedding receptions, proving its lasting legacy.
This article has explored the meaning and legacy of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”, examining the lyrics, interpretations, emotional impact, songwriting process, musicality, and different versions of the song. It has shown that the song is a timeless classic that speaks to the human condition, and its legacy will continue to endure for years to come.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)