It Is What It Isn’t (Arcadia 87 Remix)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with an unwanted reality, urging themselves and perhaps another to accept it and move forward. The opening lines, "It is what it isn't it what you want, accept it and move on," establish a tone of resignation mixed with a command to action. This isn't about wishing for a different outcome, but about acknowledging the present situation and finding the strength to progress. The central tension lies in the push and pull between wanting to escape and the necessity of facing what is. The repeated phrase "I wanna run away, run away, run away" highlights a desire for escape, but it's immediately countered by the imperative to "accept it and move on." This internal conflict suggests a struggle with a situation that is disappointing or painful, yet unavoidable. The most striking element is the cyclical nature of the lyrics, particularly the repetition of "It is what it isn't." This phrase itself is a paradox, emphasizing the gap between perception or desire and reality. The pre-chorus, "I already told ya I don't want to know ya / I been here before ya," reinforces a sense of weary familiarity with this type of situation, suggesting a pattern of disappointment or betrayal that the narrator has learned to anticipate. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their directness and the raw emotional honesty conveyed through simple, declarative statements. The contrast between the desire to "run away" and the command to "move on" creates a palpable sense of internal struggle. The repeated, almost mantra-like phrases, especially during the drops, underscore the feeling of being stuck in a loop, yet simultaneously pushing for release and acceptance.