About the song
A timeless combination that evokes feelings of sunshine, optimism, and a gentle acceptance of life’s uncertainties. For those unfamiliar with the golden tones of Ms. Day, she was a true Hollywood legend – a singer, actress, and animal rights activist whose career spanned over five decades. Her charm, wholesomeness, and undeniable vocal talent made her a beloved figure, and Que Sera Sera perfectly encapsulates her essence.
Composed by the songwriting duo of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, Que Sera Sera first appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 film, The Man Who Knew Too Much. The context is rather dramatic – Day’s character, a singer named Marian, sings the lullaby to her kidnapped son as a secret message to help him remember a vital clue. Despite the tense situation, the song itself is a soothing melody with a surprisingly philosophical message.
The lyrics explore the human desire to know the future. The opening verse paints a picture of a young girl asking her mother about what life holds, whether she’ll be beautiful or wealthy. The response, the iconic line “Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” introduces the song’s core theme – acceptance. The future is unseen, and fretting about it won’t change its course.
The song progresses through life’s stages. A young woman in love asks about the future of her relationship, and again, the answer is “Que Sera Sera.” The message is not one of apathy, but rather a gentle nudge towards embracing the present and trusting that life will unfold as it should. The final verse finds the woman, now a mother herself, passing on the same wisdom to her children.
Que Sera Sera‘s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. Day’s warm and inviting vocals deliver the message with sincerity and a touch of whimsy. The melody itself is simple yet elegant, easily lodging itself in the listener’s mind. But perhaps the most important factor is the universality of the theme. Everyone, at some point, grapples with the unknown. Que Sera Sera offers a comforting message, reminding us to focus on the present and trust that the future will hold whatever it holds.
The song transcended its cinematic origins. Day recorded a standalone version that topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Que Sera Sera has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring appeal. From Frank Sinatra to Sly and the Family Stone, the song has found new life in each iteration, proving its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
So, the next time you hear the gentle strains of Que Sera Sera, take a moment to appreciate its timeless message. Embrace the present, trust the flow of life, and perhaps even hum along with the unforgettable voice of Doris Day.
Video
Lyrics
“Que Sera, Sera”
(feat. Jimmy Joyce children’s choir)
I asked my mother, “What will I be?
Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?”
Here’s what she said to me
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Since I am just a boy at school
I asked my teacher, “What should I try?
Should I paint pictures? Should I sing songs?”
This was her wise reply
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my lover, “What lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows day after day?”
Guess what my lover said
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, “What will I be?
Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?”
I tell them, “Wait and see.”
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Que sera, sera