About the song
“Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on popular culture since its release in 1955. Written by the talented songwriting duo Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the song gained iconic status through its association with the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film *The Man Who Knew Too Much*. Doris Day, the song’s most famous interpreter, introduced it to audiences in this film, where it serves as a crucial plot element. Day performs it as a heartfelt plea to her kidnapped son, using it as a means to communicate with him during a tense moment in the story.
The song’s lyrical structure beautifully encapsulates the progression of life, moving through different stages—from childhood and young love to parenthood. Each verse explores the uncertainties of life and the recurring theme of acceptance, encapsulated in the chorus’s repeated refrain: “What will be, will be.” This simple yet profound message resonated deeply with listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Day’s rendition of “Que Sera, Sera” became a significant commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Top 100 and topping the UK Singles Chart. The song earned Day the distinction of having a signature tune that many associate with her career. Its impact was further solidified when it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1956, marking the third Oscar win for Livingston and Evans in this category. In recognition of its significance, the 1956 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012 and ranked at number 48 in the American Film Institute’s survey of top tunes in American cinema.
The phrase “que sera, sera,” while often thought to be Spanish, is actually a blend of English and Romance languages, arising from a mistranslation of the English expression “What will be, will be.” Despite its somewhat incorrect grammatical formation in Spanish, the phrase has become widely recognized as a symbol of cheerful fatalism. It has been adopted into various contexts worldwide, reflecting its broad appeal and the universal nature of its message.
In addition to its success in music, “Que Sera, Sera” has made numerous appearances in film and television, often used to create ironic or poignant contrasts in scenes involving serious or dark themes. It has been featured in movies like *Heathers* and *Mary and Max*, and its memorable melody continues to be covered and referenced by artists around the globe.
Furthermore, the song’s influence extends beyond traditional media. It has been embraced by football fans, who have adapted it into a celebratory chant used to mark their teams’ progress in competitions, particularly in England. This version of the song celebrates sporting victories and the journey to Wembley Stadium, illustrating its adaptability and the way it has been woven into various aspects of cultural life.
Overall, “Que Sera, Sera” remains a testament to the power of music to capture and convey universal emotions, embodying both the simplicity and profundity of accepting life’s unpredictability with grace and optimism.
Video
Lyrics
When I was just a little girl
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
When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows day after day?
Here’s what my sweetheart 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 handsome? Will I be rich?
I tell them tenderly
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