The Way It Is

“The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby was released in 1986 and gained instant popularity. The song makes references to the Civil Rights Movement. Although this is another old song, many of you may have heard it before or at least parts of it in Tupac Shakur’s song “Changes,” which was released in 1996. The music from the song has also been used by Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson in the song “Can’t Say Goodbye” released in 2008. Also in 2007, the song was used in a song called “Alright” by Emily King.

The Way It Is

by Bruce Hornsby

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 ladies' eyes
Just for fun he says "get a job"

chorus
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

They say 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

chorus
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

solo

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

chorus

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


solo - until fade