The Pixies Que Sera Sera

The Pixies' "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)": A Deep Dive into a Seemingly Simple Song

The Pixies' 1989 song, "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)," isn't your typical cover. While borrowing the title and melody from Doris Day's iconic 1956 hit, the Pixies transform the seemingly naive optimism of the original into something altogether darker, more ambiguous, and profoundly unsettling. This seemingly simple song, cloaked in familiar musicality, reveals layers of meaning upon closer examination, showcasing the band's signature blend of jarring dynamics, lyrical ambiguity, and masterful subversion of expectations. This article will delve into the song's history, its musical structure, lyrical analysis, and its lasting impact on both the Pixies' legacy and the broader landscape of alternative rock.

From Doris Day to the Pixies: A Historical Context

Doris Day's "Que Sera, Sera" was a cheerful, almost childlike expression of acceptance and fate. Its breezy melody and reassuring lyrics became a cultural touchstone, embodying a passive acceptance of whatever life throws one's way. The Pixies, however, were known for their jarring juxtapositions and unsettling lyrics. They took this familiar tune and completely recontextualized it, turning the saccharine sweetness into something far more complex and unsettling. This was typical of their approach; they often took seemingly innocuous source material and warped it into something entirely new and often disturbing. The choice to cover such a well-known and seemingly straightforward song speaks volumes about the Pixies' subversive intentions.

A Musical Deconstruction: Dynamics and Dissonance

The genius of the Pixies' "Que Sera, Sera" lies not only in its lyrical content but also in its masterful manipulation of musical dynamics. The song opens with a quiet, almost delicate instrumental passage, establishing a sense of unease that contrasts sharply with the upbeat melody of the original. Black Francis's (Charles Thompson IV) signature hushed vocals, barely audible at times, contribute to this unsettling atmosphere. The quiet verses are then punctuated by sudden bursts of loud, distorted guitars and crashing cymbals, mimicking the unpredictable nature of life itself. This constant shift between quiet and loud, known as the "dynamic shift," is a hallmark of the Pixies' sound and is crucial to understanding the emotional impact of the song.

The use of dissonance is also noteworthy. While the main melody remains relatively faithful to the original, the harmonies and instrumental arrangements are anything but predictable. Unexpected chords, jarring transitions, and dissonant instrumental parts create a sense of tension and unease that undercuts the seemingly cheerful melody. This dissonance mirrors the anxieties and uncertainties implicit in accepting fate passively, particularly in the context of Black Francis's often ambiguous and unsettling lyrics.

Lyrical Analysis: Subversion and Ambiguity

The lyrics of the Pixies' "Que Sera, Sera" maintain the original's structure but drastically alter their meaning through subtle changes and the overlay of Black Francis's distinctive vocal delivery. While the title and core melody remain, the delivery is far from the innocent optimism of Doris Day. Black Francis's almost whispered vocals create a sense of detached observation, as if he's recounting a story that holds little personal significance. This detachment further amplifies the unsettling feeling that pervades the song.

The ambiguity inherent in the lyrics is key to understanding their impact. Phrases like "whatever will be, will be" are not presented as comforting assurances, but rather as statements of resignation or even a chilling acceptance of the inevitable. The lyrics lack the naive hopefulness of the original; instead, they suggest a sense of fatalism, a feeling of powerlessness in the face of an indifferent universe.

The song’s underlying themes are complex and open to interpretation. Some suggest it’s a commentary on the uncertainties of life and the acceptance of the unknown, while others see a darker undercurrent, possibly relating to themes of death, despair, or the inevitability of fate. The ambiguity, however, is precisely what makes the song so enduring and allows for diverse interpretations.

The Lasting Impact: Influence and Legacy

"Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" stands as a testament to the Pixies' unique ability to deconstruct and reinterpret familiar cultural touchstones. Their subversion of this beloved classic showcases their artistic audacity and their profound understanding of the power of musical and lyrical juxtaposition. The song's enduring influence on alternative rock and indie music is undeniable. Many bands have adopted the Pixies' signature dynamic shifts and unsettling melodies, demonstrating the lasting impact of their innovative approach to songwriting.

The song's enduring popularity also highlights the power of ambiguity in artistic expression. By refusing to offer easy answers or straightforward messages, the Pixies created a song that continues to resonate with listeners decades later. Its open-endedness allows each listener to project their own experiences and interpretations onto the lyrics, ensuring its continued relevance across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the significance of the Pixies covering "Que Sera, Sera"?

A: The Pixies' cover is significant because it transforms a cheerful, optimistic song into something much darker and more ambiguous. It showcases their ability to subvert expectations and create something entirely new from familiar material, highlighting their unique blend of jarring dynamics and unsettling lyrics.

Q: How does the Pixies' version differ musically from the original?

A: The Pixies' version utilizes their signature "quiet/loud" dynamic shifts, creating a stark contrast between soft, almost whispery verses and loud, distorted choruses. They also incorporate dissonance and unexpected chord changes, creating an overall sense of unease that's absent in the original's cheerful melody.

Q: What are the possible interpretations of the lyrics?

A: The lyrics are open to interpretation, but generally, they convey a sense of acceptance, even fatalism, in the face of life's uncertainties. Some see it as a commentary on the unpredictability of life, while others interpret it as a darker reflection on death, despair, or the inevitability of fate.

Q: What is the song's legacy in music?

A: The song's legacy lies in its influence on alternative rock and indie music. The Pixies' masterful use of dynamics and their ability to subvert expectations have inspired countless bands, demonstrating the lasting impact of their innovative approach to songwriting.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Subversion

The Pixies' "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" transcends a simple cover song. It's a masterful deconstruction of a cultural icon, a testament to the band's innovative use of musical dynamics and lyrical ambiguity, and a compelling exploration of themes of fate, acceptance, and the uncertainties of life. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to simultaneously evoke feelings of unease and fascination, making it a unique and powerful piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. It stands as a prime example of the Pixies' unique contribution to the landscape of alternative rock and a lasting reminder of their ability to transform the familiar into something truly unsettling, yet undeniably captivating.