"Such Is Life" is an original ballad composed by Harold Mabern, the Memphis-born pianist whose career spanned over five decades of post-bop and soul jazz. The composition is characterized by a stoic, bittersweet quality and soulful melodic lines, reflecting the lyrical side of Mabern's writing that balanced his more percussive, blues-driven pieces. Mabern first recorded it on his 1969 Prestige Records album Rakin' and Scrapin' with a quintet featuring Blue Mitchell on trumpet and George Coleman on tenor saxophone, where it stood apart from the session's funkier material as a poignant, introspective ballad. The tune showcases Mabern's harmonic sophistication within a ballad framework, with expressive piano flourishes that add depth to its mournful elegance. Mabern has noted writing lyrics for the piece, drawing inspiration from bassist Bill Lee, underscoring the personal connections woven into his compositional process. His musical outlook was shaped by Memphis roots and mentors including Phineas Newborn Jr. and Chicago pianists Billy Wallace and Chris Anderson. "Such Is Life" remains primarily associated with Mabern's own performances rather than being widely adopted as a jam session standard. A later version featuring vocalist Alexis Cole brought the song's lyrical dimension to the foreground, adding a cool jazz vocal quality distinct from the original instrumental hard bop setting.
