In the second verse, the speaker acknowledges that they wouldn't know how to respond to kindness or comfort, suggesting a fear of vulnerability or a previous betrayal that has made them cynical. The speaker refuses to explain or justify their choices, which may have to do with a past trauma.
The chorus shows a defiance and resilience to external criticism and name-calling. The speaker states that they will continue to resist and fight back against any attempts to make them settle for less. They suggest that if they do settle, it will be easier for them to move on, indicating that moving on is their goal.
The bridge raises a conflict or contradiction in the speaker's own desires. They ask how they can fight alongside someone who is "on the same side", possibly indicating that the speaker has a desire for closeness or relationship, but is also resistant to it.
Overall, the song seems to be about someone who has been hurt in the past, and has become reluctant to trust or engage in intimacy. They are committed to their own independence and resilience, even in the face of external criticism.
The Way Things Are
Fiona Apple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you gave it to me
I couldn't take the embrace of a real romance
It'd race right through me
I'm much better off the way things are
Much much better off, better by far, by far
It'd roll right past me
And if you chalk it up you'll see I don't really have a choice
So don't even ask me
I'm much better off, the way things are
Much much better off, better by far, by far
So keep on calling me names, keep on, keep on
And I'll keep kicking the crap till it's gone
If you keep on killing, you could get me to settle
And as soon as I settle
I bet I'll be able to move on
How can I fight, when we're on the same side?
How can I fight beside you?
So keep on calling me names, keep on, keep on
And I'll keep kicking the crap till it's gone
If you keep on killing, you could get me to settle
And as soon as I settle
I bet I'll be able to move on
Keep on calling me names, keep on, keep on
I'll keep kicking the crap till it's gone
If you keep on killing, you could get me to settle
And as soon as I settle
I bet I'll be able to move on
Fiona Apple's song "The Way Things Are" paints a picture of a person who has been hurt so much that they are now immune to warmth, kindness, and love. The first stanza reveals that the singer doesn't know how to handle another chance if they were to be given one. They say they "couldn't take the embrace of a real romance" because it would "race right through" them, indicating that they have trouble connecting with people on an emotional level. The singer has become so accustomed to their current state of being that they don't know how to handle anything else. They admit that they don't have a choice and people shouldn't bother asking them.
In the second stanza, the person confesses that they wouldn't know what to say to a gentle voice as it would "roll right past" them. They acknowledge that they don't even have a choice in the matter and don't want to be asked. They are better off the way things are, which repeats as a chorus. The singer also warns others to keep calling them names and killing their spirit because the day they settle is the day they'll be able to move on. The last stanza is a question: how can they fight alongside someone when they're on the same side? They repeat the line about calling them names and killing their spirit, which could get them to settle down and finally move on.
Overall, "The Way Things Are" captures a feeling of exhaustion, resignation, and numbness. It's a song about someone who has been hurt so much that they have lost the ability to feel love, kindness, and tenderness. They have become too aware of the cruel way of the world that they have given up trying to fight back.
Line by Line Meaning
I wouldn't know what to do with another chance
I am not capable of making the most of another opportunity.
If you gave it to me
If offered a second chance, I wouldn't know how to fully utilize it.
I couldn't take the embrace of a real romance
Real love would be too overwhelming for me to handle.
It'd race right through me
I would not be able to handle the intensity of the relationship.
I'm much better off the way things are
I am content with my current situation rather than risking a change.
Much much better off, better by far, by far
I truly believe that my current state is superior to any alternative.
I wouldn't know what to say to a gentle voice
I am not responsive to subtle methods of communication.
It'd roll right past me
I am unable to grasp hinted emotions and messages.
And if you chalk it up you'll see I don't really have a choice
My personality simply makes it impossible for me to respond in a gentle manner.
So don't even ask me
It's pointless to try to get me to change my ways.
So keep on calling me names, keep on, keep on
I will endure your insults and persist in retaliation.
And I'll keep kicking the crap till it's gone
I will continue to fight until the opposing force is defeated.
If you keep on killing, you could get me to settle
If you persist and win enough times, I may eventually give in.
And as soon as I settle
Once the fighting has ceased.
I bet I'll be able to move on
I can only move on after defeating an opponent.
How can I fight, when we're on the same side?
I am unable to reconcile when there is a conflict of interest between us.
How can I fight beside you?
I am not able to fight alongside someone who disagrees with me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind