How It Is

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a bleak picture of societal pressures and systemic injustices, framing them as an inescapable reality. Verse one details the compromises people make to survive within a "corporate pyramid," suggesting a loss of integrity and familial connection as a consequence of ambition. The narrator acknowledges the temptation to "sell out your brother" and criticizes those who engage in the "company crawl," implying that such actions forfeit genuine affection, like a "daughter's kiss." Verse two broadens the scope to systemic societal ills, referencing "oil spill[s]" and violence against women, alongside "racism." The narrator notes the media's eagerness to sensationalize these issues, contrasting it with the "million colours prayin' / For real justice." This highlights a disconnect between superficial awareness and the deep-seated desire for genuine change. The third verse offers a stark survivalist perspective, advising to "keep on keepin' on" and "defend yourself against the worries." However, it warns that the "fight is fixed" and "paranoia saves lives," suggesting that vigilance and a distrustful outlook are necessary to simply "exist" in a world where the odds are stacked against the individual. The repeated phrase "that's how it is" becomes a mantra of resignation. The relentless repetition of "that's how it is" in the outro hammers home the central theme of fatalism. It underscores a sense of powerlessness against overwhelming societal structures and personal struggles, leaving the listener with a profound feeling of grim acceptance. The lyrics suggest that acknowledging this harsh reality is the only way to navigate it, however unsatisfying that may be.