Is That All There Is?

Peggy Lee

About Is That All There Is?

"Is That All There Is?", a song written by American songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller during the 1960s, became a hit for American singer Peggy Lee and an award winner from her album of the same title in November 1969. The song was originally performed by Georgia Brown in May 1967 for a television special. It was first recorded by disc jockey Dan Daniel in March 1968, but this was an unauthorized recording that, while played on Daniels' own radio show, went unissued at the songwriters' request. The first authorized recording was by Leslie Uggams in August 1968. Then came the hit Peggy Lee version in August 1969, followed by Guy Lombardo in 1969 and Tony Bennett on 22 December 1969. Peggy Lee's version reached number 11 on the U. S. pop singles chart—becoming her first Top 40 pop hit since "Fever" eleven years earlier—and doing even better on the adult contemporary scene, topping that Billboard chart. It won Lee the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and then later was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame.  


Year:
2010
110 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I remember when I was a very 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 raced through the burning building out to the pavement
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 father took me to a circus, the greatest show on earth
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads
And so I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle
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 a 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

Then I fell in love, head over heels in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world
We would 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 dancing

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 in no hurry for that final disappointment
for I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you
when that final moment comes and I'm breathing my first breath, I'll be saying to myself

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002) was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and performer. She wrote music for films, acted, and created conceptual record albums—encompassing poetry, jazz, chamber pop, and art songs. more »

1 fan

Written by: JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Is That All There Is?" was written by renowned songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Famous for their work with artists such as Elvis Presley, this track provided a distinct departure from their usual style.
Unique Genre
Unlike conventional pop songs, "Is That All There Is?" has been described as a "chanson", due to its narrative-driven lyrics and dramatic, almost theatrical presentation.
Music Charts
Upon its release in 1969, "Is That All There Is?" climbed to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1970.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by Thomas Mann's short story "Disillusionment". The lyrics echo the tale's exploration of existential disappointment and disillusionment.
Banned from Airplay
Initially, some radio stations in the United States banned the song due to its perceived negative and depressive message. However, the ban was dismissed as the song gained popularity and acclaim.
Covers and Interpretations
Many artists have covered "Is That All There Is?", including musicians like Chaka Khan, PJ Harvey, and Cristina Monet-Palaci. Each artist brings a unique interpretation to the song, further highlighting its timeless appeal.
Career Revival
Peggy Lee's career had begun to wane by the time "Is That All There Is?" was released. The success of the song revitalized her career, and Lee is now often most associated with this recording.
Pop Culture
The song was notably used in the Martin Scorsese film "After Hours" in 1985 and was also featured in the television show "Mad Men".
Re-release
"Is That All There Is?" was remastered and re-released in 2003 as part of the album "Peggy Lee Sings Leiber and Stoller".
Controversy
In her later years, Peggy Lee was involved in a lawsuit with Disney over royalty rights for songs from the film "The Lady and the Tramp", which she worked on. She chose to sing "Is That All There Is?" in court during her testimony, a moment that further cemented the song as an emblem of disillusionment and disappointment.

Discuss the Is That All There Is? Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Is That All There Is? Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19533136/Peggy+Lee/Is+That+All+There+Is%3F>.

    Missing lyrics by Peggy Lee?

    Know any other songs by Peggy Lee? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Is That All There Is?

    1.7M
    13,774     359

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Styx: "Please believe me, my heart is in your hands. 'Cuz I'll be _______ ___"
    A missing you
    B watching you
    C seeing you
    D losing you

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Peggy Lee tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Is That All There Is?

    »