The lyrics “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” are among the most recognizable and popular song lyrics in the world. Originally written for the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, with Doris Day’s version becoming the most popular. Read on to learn more about the origins and meaning behind the song.
Origins of "Que Sera, Sera"
The song “Que Sera, Sera” was written by the songwriting team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, who were behind a number of popular songs in the 1950s and 1960s. The song was written specifically for the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much, which starred Doris Day and James Stewart. The song was intended to be sung by Day in the film, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song that year.
Meaning Behind "Whatever Will Be, Will Be"
The lyrics to “Que Sera, Sera” focus on the idea of accepting the future and whatever it may bring. The song is a reminder to not worry about the future, as it is out of our control. The chorus of the song features the lyrics “Whatever will be, will be,” which serves as a reminder that worrying about the future is futile, as it will unfold regardless of our attempts to control it.
The lyrics to “Que Sera, Sera” have become iconic in the decades since their release, and they have been covered by numerous artists over the years. While the song may have been written for a specific film, its message is timeless and applicable to anyone who is looking to find peace in accepting the future.
Once in a while, a song captures a timeless sentiment like few others can. This is definitely the case with “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)”, a popular song sung by Doris Day in the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film “The Man Who Knew Too Much”. The song was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and tells of a mindset of acceptance and optimism about the future, despite uncertainty and change.
The lyrics of this song helps to shape its powerful message – a message of embracing life’s twists and turns, that whatever will be, will be. It’s become a sing-along favorite for generations, promoting the idea of a life without worrying about what will be, simply focusing on what is.
The first verse of the song goes: “When I was just a little girl / I asked my mother, what will I be / Will I be handsome? 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”.
These few lines have become universally associated with the idea of rolling with the punches, taking life’s highs and lows in stride, and trusting that what will be, will be.
The song continues in the chorus, with lyrics that emphasize the idea of acceptance and trust: “When I grow up I will be sure / of what I’ll be, I’ll be careful not to choose, / but know this much is true… / Que sera, sera / Whatever will be, will be / The future’s not ours to see/ Que sera, sera / What will be, will be”. The idea of not struggling against change, but instead trusting the path life will take, is echoed throughout the song.
A classic tune for many decades now, “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)” has stood the test of time. It’s a reminder to us all to take life as it comes, and trust that something great is coming – whether we know it or not.
