Memories Are That Way
Bill Withers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Memories take you back
To the good times
When it's over
And the sad times disappear
Memories are that way, memories are that way

Memories tell you that
All the best times
In your lifetime
Are the times of yesteryear
Memories are that way, memories are that way
Memories are that way

Memories are the words to love songs
Sung throughout the years
Memories of the herds of love songs
Sung through smiles and tears

Memories take you back
To the lean times
In between times




And the times when you knew fear
Memories are that way, memories are that way

Overall Meaning

In this song, Bill Withers speaks about how memories can transport us back in time to relive some of our happiest moments. Memories have the power to take away the pain of sad times and leave us with only happiness to look back on. The song implies that the best times in our lives have already passed us by, and we can only revisit them through our memories. The lyrics are reflective of the idea that time moves on whether we like it or not, and we must appreciate the present while cherishing our happy past memories.


The song also touches on the role of memories in love songs. Withers sings about how memories are the words to love songs and how they have been sung through the years, depicting the happiness and sadness that come with love. The song suggests that memories are to be cherished and used as inspiration whenever we become hopeless or discouraged.


The slow and emotional tone of the song, coupled with Withers's powerful voice, makes the song hauntingly beautiful. The lyrics are spiritually uplifting for those who are struggling with moving on and those who want to reminisce about their role in the story of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Memories take you back
Memories can transport you back in time


To the good times
To the happy and joyful moments


When it's over
When a particular time has elapsed and come to a close


And the sad times disappear
Sad experiences tend to vanish in hindsight


Memories are that way, memories are that way
Memories always have a way of functioning that are unique to them


Memories tell you that
Memories are capable of giving you a message


All the best times
All the wonderful and pleasant moments


In your lifetime
Throughout your existence


Are the times of yesteryear
Best moments tend to refer to the past


Memories are that way, memories are that way
This statement reinforces the idea that memories work in a particular and unique way


Memories are that way
An assertion once again of how memories behave


Memories are the words to love songs
Memories serve as lyrical content for love songs


Sung throughout the years
Songs based on memories are sung for years to come


Memories of the herds of love songs
Countless love songs come from cherished memories


Sung through smiles and tears
No matter the mood, memories fuel the emotions behind love songs


Memories take you back
Another statement on how memories can transport you back to a time and place


To the lean times
To financially challenging moments


In between times
The moments that appear insignificant in hindsight


And the times when you knew fear
Times that brought great apprehension or anxiety


Memories are that way, memories are that way
A final reiteration that memories will always be unique in their manner of functioning




Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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