Released in 1966, “Watch What Happens” by Michel Legrand is one of the great jazz standards of all time. The song has been covered by countless artists, from Barbra Streisand to Ella Fitzgerald, reflecting its timeless charm and appeal. But what do the lyrics of “Watch What Happens” mean? Let’s take a closer look.
The song opens with the lines “Watch what happens when you smile/ Nothing can go wrong for a while.” Here, the narrator is encouraging the listener to take a step back and observe the positive effect that a simple smile can have. A smile can be a powerful tool to bring people together and can help to turn a bad situation into a good one. It is a reminder that even the smallest things can have a big impact.
The chorus of the song is “Then watch what happens, watch what happens/ When you're around/ Watch what happens, watch what happens/ When you're around.” Here, the narrator is suggesting that when someone is around, they can help to make things better. They can bring a sense of hope and optimism to a difficult situation, and they can lift the spirits of everyone around them. It is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the lives of those around us.
The second verse continues this theme with the lines “Watch what happens when you care/ Nothing can hurt you when you're there.” Here, the narrator is emphasizing the importance of caring for one another. Caring for others can be a powerful way to bring people together and to create a sense of community. It is a reminder that when we show compassion and kindness to those around us, we can make the world a better place.
The third verse of the song is “Watch what happens when you love/ Beauty comes from the skies above.” Here, the narrator is suggesting that love is a powerful force that can bring beauty and joy into our lives. Love can bring us closer to one another and can help us to see the beauty in the world around us. It is a reminder that when we open our hearts to love, we can find joy and happiness in our lives.
The bridge of the song is “Watch what happens when you try/ All your dreams will come alive.” Here, the narrator is encouraging the listener to take a chance and to never give up on their dreams. With effort and determination, anything is possible and we can achieve our goals. It is a reminder that if we never give up, we can make our dreams come true.
The final verse of the song is “Watch what happens when you live/ Life can be so much to give.” Here, the narrator is suggesting that when we truly live life to the fullest, we can find joy and fulfillment. We can find beauty and meaning in the everyday moments of our lives, and we can make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It is a reminder that life can be an incredible journey if we take the time to appreciate it.
The song ends with the lines “Watch what happens, watch what happens/ When you're around.” Here, the narrator is emphasizing the importance of having people in our lives who support us and bring out the best in us. It is a reminder that the people around us can make all the difference, and that we should never take them for granted.
Conclusion
The lyrics of “Watch What Happens” by Michel Legrand are a reminder of the power of a simple smile, the importance of caring for one another, and the beauty of living life to the fullest. It is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the lives of those around us, and that we should never take the people in our lives for granted. So, watch what happens when you smile, care, love, and try, and never forget that life can be a beautiful journey.
