Grammar question : a song

Question

Hi,

I have another question. I am sure many people know the song "this is the life" by Amy MacDonald. The first time I heard the title, I thought this was a huge English mistake. Since "life" is a general concept, it should be "This is life", or shouldn't it ?
Is there any particular reason "This is the life" is acceptable (perhaps emphasis ?).
I thank you in advance !

Rafaelinrio · Accepted Answer

The thing is usually we say This is life to talk about life in general, however, if you're talking about a specific type of life you have to use the definite article THE.

Many times we say things like: The life they live isn't good....or maybe the life you dream of doesn't exist..and so on.

Probably in the song she is talking about the life she's living.

Avangi · Answer

Boy, this is the life! is an expression dating back before my time (the 30's). Perhaps you know the current expression, "Get a life!" We also say, "He led a good life."

"I can't understand how you lead the life you lead!" (the way you live)

"That's life in the big city!"

"I prefer country life."

"She led the life of a hooker."

So "life" can describe your daily routine. You try one particular way of living, and you don't like it. "This is no life for me."

You try another way of living, and you like it. "Boy, this is the life for me."

People go on vacation, kick back with a beer, or go fishing - no worries - "Boy, this is the life!"

Some of these expressions use "the" and some don't, but they all refer to a style of life, or "a way of life," rather than "life as a general concept."

Nianna · Answer

Thank you ! I didn't know that expression before !

Grammar question : a song

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