Life Is What We Make It

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Life Is What We Make It" by Barry Goudreau, from his 1980 solo album Barry Goudreau, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, track seven on the album, captures the melodic, guitar-driven sound that fans associate with Goudreau’s work. While specific stories about the song’s creation are scarce, its inclusion on the album came at a pivotal moment. Goudreau had written it and several other songs hoping they’d be used for Boston’s third album, but band leader Tom Scholz rejected them. Frustrated, Goudreau channeled his energy into his solo project, bringing along Boston bandmates Brad Delp on vocals, Sib Hashian on drums, and future Boston singer Fran Cosmo. The album, including "Life Is What We Make It," was recorded quickly, giving it a fresh, unpolished vibe that fans still praise for its raw energy. One Amazon reviewer from Australia, who discovered the album decades later, called it a “hidden gem” that sounded like a lost Boston record, with every track, including this one, resonating deeply.

In a 2003 interview with thirdstage.ca, Goudreau reflected on his career and the challenges of working with Scholz, hinting at the tensions that led to his solo album. He didn’t mention "Life Is What We Make It" specifically but noted that the solo record was a way to share music he was proud of, free from Boston’s constraints. The song’s lyrics, like “Life is what we make it / Can’t you see,” echo a seize-the-day attitude, perhaps reflecting Goudreau’s mindset as he struck out on his own. Fans on platforms like Steve Hoffman Music Forums have discussed the album’s Boston-esque sound, with some speculating that "Life Is What We Make It" could’ve fit on a Boston record if Scholz had been more open to collaboration. The album’s modest success, with singles like "Dreams" hitting the charts, helped cement Goudreau’s reputation, even if it also led to his exit from Boston in 1983.

Barry Goudreau’s journey into music began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born on November 29, 1951. His love for the guitar sparked early, inspired by icons like Elvis and Roy Orbison, whom he saw on The Ed Sullivan Show. As he shared on his official website, he was drawn to the guitar over the singer, begging his parents for one. They initially resisted, thinking it was a phase, but borrowed an acoustic from a friend when he was 11. Goudreau took lessons, and by 13, he joined his first band, the Tornadoes. At 15, he teamed up with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, playing nightclubs up to seven nights a week. He met Brad Delp and Fran Sheehan during this time, jamming at Sheehan’s house, though he didn’t make the cut for Delp’s band initially. While studying geology at Boston University, Goudreau crossed paths with Tom Scholz, then at MIT, and joined the early version of Boston. His guitar work helped shape the band’s first two albums, Boston and Don’t Look Back, which sold millions.

Today, Goudreau remains active with his band, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, and connects with fans through his official website. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram for updates on performances and releases. His X account offers glimpses into his current projects and reflections on his career. Fans gather on sites like The Music Museum of New England, which celebrates his contributions, and on Steve Hoffman Music Forums, where collectors discuss his discography. There’s also a Facebook group dedicated to Boston and related artists, where Zoo Freaks might find fellow Goudreau enthusiasts sharing stories and rare tracks.