It Is What It Is

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a powerful anthem of self-determination and resilience against external judgment. The opening lines establish a clear directive: "You can see what you want to / You can be who want to." This sets a tone of personal agency, emphasizing the freedom to perceive and act as one chooses, with the crucial caveat to "never give up." The verses then confront the harsh reality of prejudice, noting that judgment can stem from race ("blacker," "browner") or perceived social archetypes ("mother hipster," "Urban coloniser"), highlighting a feeling of perpetual inadequacy in the eyes of others. This external pressure forms the core conflict, a constant battle against being "never enough." The chorus introduces a paradoxical but potent idea: radical change as a catalyst for vitality. The repeated phrase "Sometimes you need to break your life / To feel alive" suggests that stagnation can be more damaging than disruption. It implies that shedding old skins or confronting difficult truths is necessary for genuine awakening, a theme reinforced by "kill your life to come alive." This isn't literal destruction, but rather a shedding of the old self to embrace a more authentic existence, a concept furthered by the need to "change it up to move it on." The bridge offers a moment of profound acceptance and spiritual grounding with the insistent repetition of "It is what is." This phrase acts as an anchor, a recognition of reality that allows for forward momentum. It’s paired with the expansive imagery of "The bigger bigger spirit flows," suggesting an internal, universal force that fosters growth and self-reconnection. This larger spirit, the lyrics imply, is what ultimately allows one to "reunite you with your own," finding peace and strength within oneself despite external chaos. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their direct, almost defiant embrace of selfhood and transformation. By juxtaposing the sting of external criticism with the internal imperative to persist and evolve, the song crafts a compelling narrative of overcoming. The repeated emphasis on "Sometimes" in the chorus and outro acknowledges that these moments of radical change aren't constant but are crucial turning points, making the message feel earned and deeply resonant for the listener.