how it goes

Song Meaning

The narrator is caught in a cycle of repeated disappointment, questioning the nature of a relationship that feels perpetually uncertain. The chorus hammers home the feeling of being drawn back in, only to face the same ambiguity: "You had me falling again, falling again." This isn't a fresh start, but a familiar pattern, leaving the narrator to wonder if love is even on the table, as the status of the connection "depends." The core tension lies in the narrator's internal struggle with trust, both in others and in themselves. They acknowledge their own self-doubt, stating, "I don't trust myself, so why would I put trust in you?" This personal insecurity is amplified by external observations of betrayal, like seeing "lil' niggas switch on they mans." The lyrics suggest a deep-seated fear that if others can betray their closest ties, then the narrator's own vulnerability makes them an easy target for deceit, especially when dealing with someone who keeps their struggles hidden: "you ain't let me or no one know." The writing crafts a sense of weary resignation through its repetition and blunt language. The phrase "that's just how it goes" acts as a refrain of acceptance for this painful reality. The narrator uses stark, almost confrontational imagery to express their distrust, questioning loyalty by asking, "what makes you think I'll trust a hoe?" This bluntness highlights the emotional armor they've built, a defense mechanism against the constant threat of being let down or, worse, being replaced or deceived, as hinted by the possibility of a partner falling for their friend. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw, unfiltered portrayal of emotional exhaustion and guardedness. The narrator isn't seeking grand romantic gestures; they're grappling with the fundamental difficulty of forming genuine connections in an environment where loyalty seems scarce. The repeated questioning of "Are we in love?" and the acknowledgment of being "alone in the end" underscore a profound sense of isolation, making the struggle to "let you go" a poignant reflection of the human desire for connection, even when faced with overwhelming evidence of its fragility.