Así Es La Vida (That’s Life)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Así Es La Vida (That’s Life)" from David Lee Roth's 1986 album Sonrisa Salvaje. This track, a Spanish cover of Frank Sinatra’s classic, is a wild ride, dripping with Roth’s larger-than-life energy and a Vegas-style swagger, complete with female backing vocals and a horn section. Critics have noted its over-the-top delivery, with one review describing it as sounding like “a Frank Sinatra past his prime, butchering Spanish,” yet it’s this audacious charm that makes it a cult favorite. El Portal del Metal calls it a perfect closer for the album, embodying Roth’s unapologetic, tongue-in-cheek style. The song’s quirky appeal lies in its rough-around-the-edges Spanish lyrics, which Roth tackled with the help of a tutor, though some claim he learned pronunciation from his mansion staff, adding to the album’s surreal, almost parodic vibe.

The story behind "Así Es La Vida" ties to the bold experiment of Sonrisa Salvaje, the Spanish version of Roth’s solo debut Eat ‘Em and Smile. Bassist Billy Sheehan, inspired by a magazine article noting that half of Mexico’s population was between 18 and 27, pitched the idea to tap into the Latin market. Roth, never one to shy away from a challenge, re-recorded all vocals in Spanish, despite not speaking the language fluently. The result was a linguistic rollercoaster—hilarious to some, cringe-worthy to others. No Fun Magazine highlights lines like “Fresita y super ratón” as gloriously nonsensical, suggesting the album grows on you with each listen, transforming from chaotic to endearing. However, the album flopped commercially, with Spanish-speaking audiences dubbing it “gringo Spanish,” and it was shelved until a 2007 CD reissue brought it back to light.

Roth’s performance on "Así Es La Vida" showcases his knack for blending showmanship with hard rock. A 2016 Ultimate Classic Rock piece recalls Roth’s confidence in his universal appeal, quoting him saying, “You don’t need to speak English to understand what I’m singing about.” This track, with its lounge-rock fusion, reflects his love for theatricality, a trait honed during his Van Halen days. Fans on Discogs praise the album’s instrumental prowess, crediting Steve Vai’s searing guitar and Sheehan’s thunderous bass, which remain identical to the English version. For Zoo Freaks, this song is a testament to Roth’s fearless, if flawed, ambition—a hard rock romp that dares to be different.

David Lee Roth, born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, kicked off his musical journey in the early 1970s. Growing up in a family that valued performance—his father was an ophthalmologist with a flair for drama—Roth was drawn to music and theater early on. He moved to Pasadena, California, as a teen and began singing in local bands, including Red Ball Jet. His big break came when he joined forces with brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, forming Mammoth, which later became Van Halen. Roth’s charismatic stage presence and acrobatic antics helped the band land a deal with Warner Bros., and their 1978 debut album skyrocketed them to fame. After parting ways with Van Halen in 1985, Roth launched his solo career with the EP Crazy from the Heat, showcasing his eclectic taste with lounge covers, setting the stage for Eat ‘Em and Smile and its Spanish twin, Sonrisa Salvaje.

Stay connected with Diamond Dave through his official website, where you can find tour updates and merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for his latest musings and throwbacks. Fans can dive deeper at Van Halen Links, a fan site with forums and news, or join the David Lee Roth Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks. For more on Sonrisa Salvaje, check out Heavy Harmonies for discography details. Keep it wild, Zoo Crew!