After a brief stint as an intern with OMG Entertainment, in Greenville, SC, Emily was introduced to producer, Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, A Rocket To The Moon, Aaron Shust), in May of 2008. Hannon’s initial impression was very favorable, and he agreed to help Emily develop her style and ‘find her voice’ as an artist. In the ensuing months, Emily wrote and demoed an astonishing 80 songs. “It’s rare to find an artist as dedicated and as driven as Emily”, says Hannon. “There are plenty of artists who expect to show up and have a career delivered to them on a silver platter”. Emily has greatly enjoyed and benefited from working alongside Hannon. "Dan is the one who pushes me to be the best--always raising the standard. He keeps me focused on the important things, even when it's difficult, and I've grown to appreciate and respect him for it. We make a good team and I am a better artist because of his influence" , says Lynch.
Emily’s much-anticipated self-titled debut album has been recorded, mixed, and mastered, and is slated for a February 15, 2011 release on the newly formed Eldest Only Recordings label.
Balancing her life on the road, Emily co-writes frequently across the States, including collaborations with some of the best and brightest writers in Atlanta, Nashville, and Charleston. Always writing and creating new melodies, Emily has penned over 60 new songs since she finished her debut. Lynch muses that “that kind of discipline is the least I can do, if I’m trying to follow in the footsteps of the greats---Emmy Lou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Patty Griffin, and Alison Krauss”.
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the way
Emily Lynch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got my dime
You think your dollar is worth more than mine
We work like slaves even on Sunday afternoon
But I see you sittin' in the shade
I'm watchin' you
Maybe we could
Break the chain
Go insane
Anything to get through the day
It's all the same we'll never change
It's the good Christian way
It's the natural way
You ain't gonna ransom
Or levy my life, no
Yeah that cash makes you handsome
But it can't make me a wife
You can line your grave with every dirty nickel you're due
I'll be watchin' the parade
They're comin' back for you, comin' back for you
Maybe we could
Get along, get along, get along like they say
Break the chain
Go insane
Anything to get through the day
It's all the same we'll never change
It's the respectable way
Oh it's the natural way
Maybe we could
Get along, get along, get along like they say
Break the chain
Go insane
Anything to get through the day
It's all the same we'll never change no
So take the pain and don't complain
We'll show you the way
It's the American way
Oh it's the sweet-talkin' way
It's the natural way
The Way by Emily Lynch appears to be a commentary on the societal and economic differences that exist and the struggle that many people face trying to make ends meet. The opening lines of the song set the tone by highlighting the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots. The singer acknowledges that the other person may have a mansion, but she only has a dime. The next line suggests that the other person believes their money is worth more than hers, which seems to symbolize the bigger picture of wealth inequality. Furthermore, the “we” in the line “we work like slaves even on Sunday afternoon” alludes to the fact that the working-class works tirelessly, even on their day off, while the wealthy can take leisurely breaks whenever they please.
The chorus of the song encourages people to break the chains that bind them and try to find a better way, whether that be going against the norm or doing something radical like going insane. The verses talk about how the societal constructs of Christianity, purity, and respectability are what keep people from changing their situations. The lines “You can line your grave with every dirty nickel you're due/I'll be watchin' the parade/They're comin' back for you” suggest that at the end of the day, the wealthy cannot take their money with them, and those who have been exploited and remain poor will continue to fight for justice. The song ends with a plea to take the pain and not complain, a nod to the idea that the American way is to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps and never ask for help.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got your mansion
You have your own world with materialistic things and social status.
I got my dime
I have my simple life with small earnings.
You think your dollar is worth more than mine
You believe that money defines a person's value and success.
We work like slaves even on Sunday afternoon
We work tirelessly every day to make ends meet.
But I see you sittin' in the shade
But you seem to be relaxed and enjoying your life of luxury.
Maybe we could Get along, get along, get along like they say
Perhaps we could coexist without rivalry and judgment, as people commonly suggest.
Break the chain Go insane Anything to get through the day
Take daring steps to escape the ordinary life and mundane routine of daily life.
It's all the same we'll never change
Despite the efforts, nothing will ever alter the system and people's preconceptions.
It's the good Christian way It's the natural way
This inequality is attributed to religious and cultural norms and tradition.
You ain't gonna ransom Or levy my life, no
You cannot control or dominate me, regardless of your power or wealth status.
Yeah that cash makes you handsome But it can't make me a wife
Money may make you attractive to some, but it isn't enough to win me over as a companion.
You can line your grave with every dirty nickel you're due
You can accumulate all the wealth you want, but you can't take it with you to the afterlife.
I'll be watchin' the parade They're comin' back for you, comin' back for you
Enjoy your moment of glory and success while you can because it won't last forever, and you will answer for your actions someday.
Take the pain and don't complain We'll show you the way It's the American way Oh, it's the sweet-talkin' way It's the natural way
Endure the hardships without retorting, and we will teach you how to survive in the society of America where success is fickle, and flattering is a common trait.
Writer(s): Anthony M. Scalzo
Contributed by Jordyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.