The Way It Is
BRUCE HORNSBY THE RANGE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
That's just the way it is
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
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
But don't you believe them
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 another's mind
When all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
But don't you believe them
Bruce Hornsby & the Range's song "The Way It Is" is a timeless anthem that speaks to the systemic issues of poverty, discrimination, and social inequality that have created and perpetuated the cycle of poverty in America. The opening verse paints a vivid picture of working-class Americans standing in line to receive welfare, highlighting the harsh reality that some people are unable to find jobs despite their best efforts. The man in the silk suit who hurries by represents the wealthy and powerful who often ignore the struggles of the less fortunate, while the old ladies represent the vulnerable and marginalized members of society who are often ignored and dismissed. The line "just for fun, he says 'get a job'" highlights the prevailing and unfair belief by some that poverty is the result of personal laziness or a lack of effort.
The second verse challenges the notion that some people are better than others based on their physical appearance, social status, or age. The "hey little boy" and "hey old man" are examples of how society imposes limiting labels and expectations on people based solely on their age or appearance, without regard for their talents or potential. The conversation between the young boy and the old man highlights the generational gap and the need for empathy and compassion when addressing complex social issues.
The final verse references the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and how it aimed to address the racial and economic disparities that existed in the United States. Despite this progress, discrimination still exists, and some employers continue to favor certain races or ethnicities over others. The "color bar" refers to the practice of racial segregation, which was prevalent in the United States until the mid-twentieth century. The verse highlights the reality that laws alone cannot solve the deeply ingrained issues of discrimination and social inequality.
Overall, "The Way It Is" is a poignant reminder that despite progress, our society still has a long way to go in addressing poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Its timeless message continues to resonate with audiences today and serves as a call to action for social justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing in line marking time--
People are waiting in a line, doing nothing but passing the time, waiting for government assistance or a break in their unfortunate situation.
Waiting for the welfare dime
People are relying on meager welfare payments to get by, as they can't get a job.
'Cause they can't buy a job
The poor can't just buy their way into a job, even if they have the skills and desire to work.
The man in the silk suit hurries by
A well-off, privileged man rushes past those in need, ignoring them or looking down on them.
As he catches the poor old ladies' eyes
The man doesn't acknowledge the elderly and vulnerable, but rather likely takes pleasure in ignoring them.
Just for fun he says "Get a job"
The man taunts the poor for sport and amusement, saying something entirely unhelpful and callous.
That's just the way it is
The situation is the way it is - there seems to be no real way to change it.
Some things will never change
There are some circumstances that will remain the same, regardless of anyone's efforts to change them.
But don't you believe them
Do not fall for the idea that the situation cannot improve or that the current order of things is unchangeable.
They say hey little boy you can't go
The establishment and those in power may attempt to gatekeep and prevent innocent, vulnerable people from pursuing certain opportunities.
Where the others go
The establishment may close ranks to exclude the outsiders, the poor, the minorities - in essence, all those who are different and disadvantaged.
'Cause you don't look like they do
People may discriminate on looks, race, or other arbitrary criteria, depriving the underprivileged of opportunities they deserve.
Said hey old man how can you stand
A younger, more open-minded person may question the established wisdom of an elder who speaks for the existing order.
To think that way
The questioner may find a mindset they were just told to be questionable or unjust.
Did you really think about it
The younger person challenges the elder's deeper thoughts and possible biases, encouraging reflection.
Before you made the rules
The questioner doubts the legitimacy and fairness of the rules in question, which could be have been made without proper reflection and analysis.
He said, Son
The elder, responding to the serious challenge, opts for a paternalistic, condescending approach callously dismissing the younger person's concerns as silly or unimportant.
Well they passed a law in '64
A civil rights law was passed in the United States in 1964, aiming to give more rights to minorities and create a more equal society.
To give those who ain't got a little more
The law was supposed to help those who are disadvantaged and discriminated against, and give them an equal chance.
But it only goes so far
The law, while a good start, cannot fix all the deep-seated problems of racism and inequality ingrained in society so fast.
Because the law another's mind
People's biases and bigotry may prevent them from implementing the law fairly, and not use the law to actively fight racism and discrimination.
When all it sees at the hiring time
Employers, when hiring, may overlook merits of candidates and judge them solely based on the color of their skin or other irrelevant characteristics.
Is the line on the color bar
The color bar symbolizes the lines society draws based on race, where all members of one race are expected to behave the same and be treated the same way, irrespective of their talents or abilities.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRUCE HORNSBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind