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Way It Is Lyrics
Standing in line, marking time
Waiting for the welfare dime
'Cause they can't buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor old ladies' eyes
Just for fun he says, "get a job"
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them
Said, hey little boy you can't go where the others go
'Cause you don't look like they do
Said, hey old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules?
He said, "Son
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them"
Oh yeah
(That's just the way it is)
(That's just the way it is) well, they passed a law in '64
To give those who ain't got a little more
But it only goes so far
Because the law don't change another's mind
When all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar, no, no
That's just the way it is
And some things will never change
That's just the way it is
That's just the way it is, it is, it is, it is
Waiting for the welfare dime
'Cause they can't buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor old ladies' eyes
Just for fun he says, "get a job"
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them
'Cause you don't look like they do
Said, hey old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules?
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them"
To give those who ain't got a little more
But it only goes so far
Because the law don't change another's mind
When all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar, no, no
And some things will never change
That's just the way it is
That's just the way it is, it is, it is, it is
Song Info
Submitted by
songmeanings On Feb 06, 2012
More Bruce Hornsby & the Range
Across the River
Fire on the Cross
Look Out Any Window
The Valley Road
I Will Walk With You
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Seems to be about racial discrimination as well as other systemic discrimination built in to the system.
There is nothing complex in the lyrics, but somehow this song captures at least two sentiments perfectly : 1) The victims disadvantage. 2) The onlookers emotion which to me conveys heartbreak, tragedy, empathy and deep frustration.
I think that is what makes this song truly timeless, important and beautiful. It carries the hallmark of real craftsmanship; to evoke so much with such gentle words.