Introduction
**The Unchanging Struggles of Humanity: A Deep Dive into Phil Collins’ “That’s Just The Way It Is”**
Phil Collins has long been celebrated for his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners, weaving together heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies. His 1989 song *“That’s Just The Way It Is”*, from the album *…But Seriously*, is no exception. This poignant and introspective piece showcases Collins’ signature blend of rich instrumentation and reflective storytelling, tackling themes of injustice, resignation, and the enduring challenges of human nature.
At its core, *“That’s Just The Way It Is”* is a song about the persistence of conflict and inequality in the world. Collins does not merely observe these struggles from a distance; rather, he presents them in a way that compels the listener to confront the harsh realities of life. The song speaks to historical and social injustices that remain unresolved despite the passage of time—wars that never truly end, divisions that remain unhealed, and the cyclical nature of human suffering. It is a sobering meditation on the weight of history and the difficulty of change.
Musically, *“That’s Just The Way It Is”* carries an air of melancholy, heightened by Collins’ expressive vocal delivery. The arrangement features a delicate yet powerful interplay between piano and drums, elements that have become synonymous with his signature sound. Adding an extra layer of depth is the contribution of renowned musician David Crosby, whose harmonies lend the song a poignant, almost pleading quality. The subtle use of strings and atmospheric synths creates a sense of wistfulness, reinforcing the song’s overarching message: despite the hope for a better world, certain struggles seem destined to persist.
Lyrically, Collins does not offer solutions or easy answers. Instead, he presents a stark truth: injustice exists, and change is often frustratingly slow. Lines such as *“All we can do is just be friends”* suggest a kind of reluctant acceptance, a weary acknowledgment of the limits of human effort in the face of entrenched societal issues. Yet, beneath this resignation, there is an underlying call for awareness—a reminder that, while history may repeat itself, recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.
Released during a time of significant global transformation—the late 1980s, a period marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall and shifting political landscapes—the song resonated with audiences who were grappling with the complexities of change. Decades later, its message remains just as relevant. Conflicts continue, divisions persist, and the struggle for fairness endures. Through *“That’s Just The Way It Is”*, Collins does not merely provide a commentary on the past; he holds up a mirror to the present, urging listeners to reflect on the world around them.
This is the power of Phil Collins’ music—timeless, thought-provoking, and deeply human.