The Way
Assisted Living Lyrics

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You decide everything with your eyes.
I drink sometimes just to get by and it doesn't seem right, but it keeps me in line. You would keep your self locked up inside, I can't find the key so I don't try.
It's that way because I know it's the way you want it. And it's that way because I know it's the way you like it.
If we would just try to divide ourselves, then might find the reasons why we fight. But we just run around in circles. Watch T.V. just for the commercials sometimes.
It's that way because I know it's the way you want it. And its that way because I know it's the way you like it.
Watching T.V. while thinking about it. I am not so sure if I should tell you about this. I can't expect you to accept why I've kept you. Must you always be so sure.
You borrow my sorrow. Keep it in your head and save it for tomorrow. No one knows just why.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Assisted Living's song "The Way" convey a sense of resignation and complacency in a relationship where one person has taken control and the other has given up trying to change things. The first two lines express the power dynamic in the relationship, where one person's decisions are based solely on their own wants and needs, leaving the other person feeling powerless and resorting to alcohol to cope. The third and fourth lines suggest that this situation feels wrong to them, but they continue to go along with it out of a sense of obligation.

The chorus "It's that way because I know it's the way you want it. And it's that way because I know it's the way you like it" frames the rest of the lyrics as a resignation to the status quo. The singer acknowledges that they could try to change the situation but instead chooses to go along with what they believe their partner wants. The song suggests that they have given up on themselves and the relationship and have settled for a lesser version of happiness.

The third verse brings up the idea of running in circles, watching TV, and not confronting the issues in the relationship. The last few lines of the song suggest that the partner has taken on the singer's burdens and is holding onto them for some reason, whether out of emotional attachment or a desire to control the situation. Overall, the song paints a picture of a relationship that has lost its spark and the singer feels stuck in, unable or unwilling to change it for the better.

Line by Line Meaning

You decide everything with your eyes.
Your visual sense is the primary decision-making tool you use.

I drink sometimes just to get by and it doesn't seem right, but it keeps me in line.
I use alcohol as a coping mechanism to endure life's struggles even though I'm aware it's not ideal, it helps me function as expected.

You would keep your self locked up inside, I can't find the key so I don't try.
You conceal your true self from the world, and I don't attempt to discover the reasons for it because I don't possess the means to unlock your vulnerability.

It's that way because I know it's the way you want it. And it's that way because I know it's the way you like it.
Your behavior and preferences are determined by specific reasons, and I'm aware of them, so I act accordingly.

If we would just try to divide ourselves, then might find the reasons why we fight. But we just run around in circles. Watch T.V. just for the commercials sometimes.
If we separated ourselves from our problems, we would realize the sources of our conflicts. However, we don't do that, and we distract ourselves by pointless activities such as watching television for the sole purpose of the advertisements.

Watching T.V. while thinking about it. I am not so sure if I should tell you about this. I can't expect you to accept why I've kept you. Must you always be so sure.
As I watch T.V., I entertain the idea of telling you something, but I hesitate because I doubt your tolerance towards my explanation. Moreover, you appear overly confident in your beliefs.

You borrow my sorrow. Keep it in your head and save it for tomorrow. No one knows just why.
You possess my mourning, and you store it for later. We don't comprehend the reasons behind it.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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