Formed in 1991 by working class music manager Jimmy Rabitte, The Commitments performes a unique blend of soul music, described by trumpeter Joey "The Lips" Fagan as "Dublin soul." Featuring Deco Cuffe on lead vocals, Imelda Quirke, Natalie Murphy and Bernie McGloughlin as female backing vocalists, Outspan Foster on lead guitar, Dean Fay on bass, Steven Clifford on keys, Derek Scully and Joey "The Lips" Fagan on trumpet and Billy Mooney on drums, The Commitments were successful in local venues in North Dublin. During the final months of their original run, Mooney left the band and was replaced by former security guard Micko Wallace. The group disbanded in late 1991 after a hectic club show – at which the band were to be joined by Wilson Pickett – and due to internal affairs, just minutes before the band were offered a record deal.
In 2010, the band reformed and are set to perform a number of dates.
The movie was also the breakthrough for singer Andrew Strong.
That's The Way Love Is
The Commitments Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After many tears fall from your eyes
A thousand times you ask yourself why
The one guy you love has departed
You're left alone and broken-hearted
Love just comes and goes
How long it's gonna last nobody knows
CHORUS:
(That's the way love is, sugar, how it is)
That's the way love is, baby
(That's the way love is, sugar, how it is)
That's how it is
I know you're walkin' down a lonesome road
And your heart is carryin' a heavy load
I know you feel like you ain't got a friend (ain't got a friend)
And your whole world's cavin' in (cavin' in)
Ah, but now is the time to be strong (to be strong)
You better forget him now that he's gone (now that he's gone)
Remember...
(chorus)
(instrumental)
Listen to me, little darlin'
The road of love is rough sometimes
But don't let it get the best of you
I've been hurt by love so many times
I know just what you're goin' through
You wish you were never born
You better forget him now that he's gone
(chorus)
Wipe away your tears
Love is here today and gone tomorrow
(That's the way love is, sugar, how it is)
All your joys turn to sorrow
(That's the way love is, sugar, how it is)
One day gladness, and the next day sadness
(That's the way love is, sugar, how it is)
...and fade
The Commitments' song, "That's The Way Love Is," deals with the theme of heartbreak and moving on. The lyrics describe the feeling of being abandoned by a loved one and the pain it causes, as well as the uncertainty of love itself. The first verse acknowledges the sadness and confusion that come after a breakup, and then the chorus provides a simple, yet impactful message: "That's the way love is." The chorus is repeated throughout the song as a reminder that love is unpredictable and sometimes painful.
The second verse provides some encouragement and advice to the heartbroken listener. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of the road ahead but urges the listener to be strong and move on from the past. The instrumental section of the song adds to the emotional tension and allows the listener to reflect on the lyrics before the final verse.
The last verse confirms the message of the chorus, reminding the listener that love is fleeting and can bring both joy and sorrow. The song ends with the repeated chorus and a fade-out, leaving the listener with a bittersweet feeling of acceptance and hope.
Overall, "That's The Way Love Is" is a powerful song that captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. It is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
After many tears fall from your eyes
You have cried so much that you lost count.
A thousand times you ask yourself why
You keep wondering why it had to be this way.
The one guy you love has departed
The man you loved has left you and moved on.
You're left alone and broken-hearted
You feel lonely and devastated.
Love just comes and goes
Love is unpredictable and can end at any moment.
How long it's gonna last nobody knows
No one can predict how long love will last.
That's the way love is, baby
This is how love works, dear.
I know you're walkin' down a lonesome road
You are traveling down a lonely path.
And your heart is carryin' a heavy load
You are carrying a heavy burden of pain and sadness.
I know you feel like you ain't got a friend (ain't got a friend)
You feel like you have no one to turn to or rely on.
And your whole world's cavin' in (cavin' in)
Your world is falling apart.
Ah, but now is the time to be strong (to be strong)
You need to be strong in this difficult time.
You better forget him now that he's gone (now that he's gone)
You need to move on from the person who left you.
That's how it is
That's just the way things are.
Listen to me, little darlin'
Please pay attention to what I am saying.
The road of love is rough sometimes
Love can be difficult and challenging at times.
But don't let it get the best of you
Don't let love bring you down completely.
I've been hurt by love so many times
I, too, have experienced pain from love multiple times.
I know just what you're goin' through
I understand the pain and sadness you are experiencing.
You wish you were never born
The pain is so intense that you wish you never existed.
Wipe away your tears
Dry your tears and try to move on.
Love is here today and gone tomorrow
Love is fleeting and can disappear quickly.
All your joys turn to sorrow
The happiness you felt has turned into sadness.
One day gladness, and the next day sadness
Your emotions can change quickly from happy to sad.
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
William Pryor
I love this version to the song. It is actually performed by Angeline Ball, which played Imelda Quirke in "The Commitments". Found out who exactly sung this version to the song.
dennis gallagher
I cannot believe that I am the first person to say how great this is. Thanks for posting.
strombolitic
It reminds me of "I Heard Through The Grapevine".