That's Life (arr. Barbershop Harmony Society): SATB Choral Octavo

The Barbershop Harmony Society's arrangement captures the swagger and sophistication of this Frank Sinatra classic while opening it to four-part voices. The voicing balances singability with harmonic richness, making it accessible for intermediate choirs without sacrificing the tune's urbane character.

Confident and wry, with a touch of that mid-century cool. The arrangement swings without pretension, delivering the world-weary wisdom of the lyric through harmonies that feel both familiar and freshly voiced.

Concert choirs and show choirs looking for repertoire that lands with audiences and gives singers material worth their effort. This works equally well for groups seeking a jazz-inflected standard or programs that need a sophisticated pop selection.

• Shape each phrase with conversational phrasing rather than strict legit tone. The text demands personality and attitude, which your singers should deliver from the first note.
• Pay close attention to the rhythmic precision of syncopated figures. These aren't written casually; they're what give the arrangement its snap and groove.
• Build the climactic moments with slight dynamic expansion rather than forcing volume. The arrangement's architecture does the heavy lifting if you respect its shape.
• Balance transparency between voice parts so the barbershop-style harmony doesn't get muddied. Tight, clear tuning on sustained chords becomes your best asset.

Place this in a pops or jazz-focused concert where it can breathe as a showcase number. It pairs naturally with other standards or pairs well as a closer that leaves audiences smiling and humming.

• Singing syncopated rhythmic figures against steady ensemble pulse
• Tuning barbershop-style chord voicings with close harmony intervals
• Shaping jazz-influenced phrasing with rubato and conversational delivery
• Reading and performing four-part harmony with textural variety across sections