The song "C'est La Vie" by UB40 tells the story of a woman who witnesses and experiences various forms of injustice and suffering in the world. The lyrics depict her encounters with heart-wrenching situations, showcasing the harsh realities that often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. In the first verse, the woman tells the protagonist that she witnessed a desperate lady selling her own baby for a meager amount of money. Despite the shocking nature of this act, people dismiss the woman as crazy because they are blinded by their own ignorance and fail to see the underlying issues at hand. The woman further reveals that she has observed countless instances of horror and suffering, which are usually ignored or concealed by society. These horrifying events occur on a daily basis and are often presented through the medium of television, suggesting that they have become normalized and almost entertainment-like. The song's chorus reflects the woman's plea for attention and understanding. She emphasizes the destructive nature of human behavior, with brothers killing brothers and people being subjugated to a vulnerable state. The mention of biting sugar coated bullets signifies individuals masking their pain and distress, perhaps to conform to societal expectations. In the second verse, the woman shares her personal tragedy of losing her husband. His body was found on a desolate wasteland, a victim of violence and war. Soldiers took him away for the purpose of torturing him, leaving the woman devastated and alone. She mourns his loss and embarks on a journey across the sea to find her brother, hoping he can assist her in retrieving her kidnapped baby without any cost. Throughout the song, the phrase "C'est La Vie" is prominently repeated, which is a French phrase meaning "That's life" or "Such is life." This phrase expresses a resigned acceptance of the harsh realities and injustices faced by the woman and many others in society. Overall, "C'est La Vie" serves as a poignant commentary on the various forms of suffering and injustice that exist in the world. The song highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and collective action to address these issues and bring about positive change.
