That's The Way Love Is
Johnnie Taylor & Mavis Staples Lyrics

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Monday's so good
Tuesday's so cruel
One day you're so happy now
The next day you're in tears

So you take it while you find it
Or leave it like it is
That's the way it's always been

That's the way love is

Wednesday's alright
But Thursday's all wrong
One day you're all with it, baby
The next day it's all gone

So you take it while you find it
Or you can leave it like it is
That's the way it's always been
That's the way love is

Friday you'll beg her
Saturday she'll plead
One day she says' she loves you
The next she might be

So you take it while you find it
Or you can leave it like it is
That's the way it's always been
That's the way love is

It seems no fair sometimes
But that's the way love is
It makes you want to cry
But that's the way love is

I know you don't know
What I'm talking about, baby
'Cause I don't believe

You ever been in love
But that's the way love is

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnnie Taylor & Mavis Staples's song "That's The Way Love Is" are a poignant commentary on the unpredictable nature of love. The song explores the highs and lows that come with falling in love, from the initial joy to the crushing sadness that can follow. The lyrics suggest that love is something that cannot be tamed or controlled; it is a force that simply must be accepted for what it is, even when it seems unfair or painful.

The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer lamenting the unpredictability of love. They describe how one day can be filled with happiness and the next can bring tears. Despite this, the singer emphasizes that this is just how love is and that we must either take it as it comes or leave it alone. The second verse reinforces this message, with the singer noting how one day can bring elation and the next can bring despair. Again, the message is clear: love is something that must be accepted for what it is, no matter how difficult that might be.

The third verse drives this point home, with the singer describing the cyclical nature of love. They describe how one day their partner might beg for their love and the next they might withdraw completely. The chorus returns to the message that despite its challenges, love is something that we must accept on its own terms. The final lines of the song offer a cynical view of the listener's ability to understand, suggesting that they may never truly know or understand love.

Overall, "That's The Way Love Is" is a powerful commentary on the emotional complexity of romantic love. It highlights the unpredictability and pain that can come with falling in love, while also exploring the sense of acceptance and resignation that often follows.

Line by Line Meaning

Monday's so good
The beginning of the week brings excitement, energy, and optimism in a relationship.

Tuesday's so cruel
The initial euphoria and happiness from Monday fades away, and problems, conflicts, and misunderstandings arise.

One day you're so happy now
Love can be unpredictable, and feelings can change quickly and drastically, from joy to sorrow, from hope to despair.

The next day you're in tears
Love can be intense, emotional, and painful, and it can make people cry and suffer.

So you take it while you find it
One should enjoy and appreciate love while it lasts, without trying to control or manipulate it.

Or leave it like it is
Alternatively, one can let love go if it doesn't fulfill one's needs or desires, without regret or resentment.

That's the way it's always been
Love has been characterized by ups and downs, joys and sorrows, since the dawn of humanity.

Wednesday's alright
After the turbulence of Tuesday, there is some stability, routine, and predictability in a relationship.

But Thursday's all wrong
However, there can still be challenges, conflicts, or doubts, that can shake or undermine a relationship.

One day you're all with it, baby
The emotional rollercoaster of love can make one feel fully committed, devoted, and passionate about a relationship.

The next day it's all gone
However, the same rollercoaster can also make one feel detached, indifferent, or disillusioned about a relationship.

Friday you'll beg her
Towards the end of the week, one may feel more desperate, lonely, or needy, and try to reconcile with the partner.

Saturday she'll plead
However, the partner may also feel fed up, tired, or distant, and resist or reject the attempts at reconciliation.

It seems no fair sometimes
Love can feel unjust, arbitrary, or painful, and it can lead to conflicts, disappointments, or resentments.

But that's the way love is
Nevertheless, love is not rational, logical, or fair, but rather an irrational, magical, and mysterious force that affects people's lives and emotions.

It makes you want to cry
Love can be overwhelming, intense, and emotional, and it can trigger strong feelings of joy, sorrow, or passion.

I know you don't know
The singer assumes that the listener has not experienced the same kind of love he is describing in the song.

What I'm talking about, baby
The singer is convinced that his experience of love is unique, deep, and meaningful, and he wants to share it with the listener.

'Cause I don't believe
The singer doubts that the listener has the same depth of feeling, insight, or capacity for love that he has.

You ever been in love
The singer challenges the listener's claim to know what love is, and implies that his experience is superior or more authentic.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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