Peggy Lee :: Is That All There Is?
Albert Camus famously claimed that “there is only one truly philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” While he answers this question or “problem” by suggesting that we rebel against the Absurd and find ways to infuse our godless existence with meaning, I find the approach suggested in Is That All There Is? a bit less daunting.
The song, written by Stoller & Lieber (of Yakety Yak and Hound Dog fame) is based on the story Disillusionment by Thomas Mann. In this story, Mann writes that disillusionment is “not a miscarriage in small unimportant matters, but the great and general disappointment which everything, all of life, has in store.”
Is That All There Is? takes Mann’s concept of disillusionment, and, with the help of Peggy Lee’s emotionally detached vocals, describes several momentous life events: witnessing a fire, going to a circus, and losing a love. In each case she experiences some feeling, but not as much as she expected. She also, in each instance, ultimately asks the same question: is that all there is?
Is that all there is to a fire? A circus? A love? Really? This is what all the fuss is about?
If that’s all we can expect from life’s supposedly spectacular events, then break out the booze and keep dancing, because behind every event is immanent metaphysical hollowness. Depressing as this all sounds, Lee conveys the sentiment with a content, if not cheerful, resignation. I mean, once you acknowledge that life maybe isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, you can sit back and at least enjoy the pleasant moments.
So to answer Camus’ question directly, why don’t we just kill ourselves?
Because we’re not ready for that final disappointment.
Is That All There Is? (6.1MB MP3)
Peggy Lee (homepage)
vj said on friday, august 15th, 2008
joshua said on friday, august 15th, 2008
Yeah Barb, this is really thoughtful post. Crazy big ideas addressed in a mere 250 words. Very nice!
vj said on saturday, august 16th, 2008
Also, I think Homer Simpson references this song in an episode….and in the end, that’s all there is.
hiram said on sunday, august 17th, 2008
Homer sings it when he runs a day care, if I remember correctly. Lisa asks Bart why he never sings them torch songs, but will the day care kids. I watch too much Simpsons, unless I’m wrong, then I don’t watch enough.
Great post, barbara. Thanks for the song.
barbara said on monday, august 18th, 2008
I’ll have to check out that Simpsons episode. For those who are interested in further exploration of this topic, you should read “The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D’oh! of Homer.” One of my philosophy professors in college, David Vessey, contributes a chapter on the ethics of Ned Flanders.
Kelly said on wednesday, august 20th, 2008
ugh, life. it’s for the birds. now hand me some tap shoes.
hiram said on sunday, august 24th, 2008
I’m seconding “The D’oh of Homer” as a great book. It’s been awhile since I’ve read it… I may have to go pick it up at the library today.
Wow…Talk about perfect timing. This post really hit home with me today! Thanks Barbara!!