That's Just The Way It Is
Phil Collins · Platinum Collection [2004]
All day long he was fighting for you
And he didn't even know your name
Young men come and young men go
But life goes on, just the same
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Oh why
Is there something I don't know
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is
That's the way it is
They've been waiting for word to come down
They've been waiting for you night and day
They won't wait any longer for you
It may already be too late
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Ph why
Is there something I don't know
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is
That's just the way it is
You see the dying, you feel the pain
What have you got to say
If we agree that we can disagree
We could stop all of this today
It's been your life for as long as you can remember
But you cannot fight no more
You must want to look your son in the eyes
When he asks you what you did it for
Cause all day long he was fighting for you
And he didn't even know your name
Young men come and young men go
But life goes on just the same
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Oh why
Is there something no one told me
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is, there's nothing I can do
That's just the way it is
And he didn't even know your name
Young men come and young men go
But life goes on, just the same
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Oh why
Is there something I don't know
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is
That's the way it is
They've been waiting for word to come down
They've been waiting for you night and day
They won't wait any longer for you
It may already be too late
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Ph why
Is there something I don't know
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is
That's just the way it is
You see the dying, you feel the pain
What have you got to say
If we agree that we can disagree
We could stop all of this today
It's been your life for as long as you can remember
But you cannot fight no more
You must want to look your son in the eyes
When he asks you what you did it for
Cause all day long he was fighting for you
And he didn't even know your name
Young men come and young men go
But life goes on just the same
And I don't know why
Why do we keep holding on
I don't know why
Pretending to be oh so strong
Oh why
Is there something no one told me
Or something very wrong with you and me
Or maybe
That's the way it is, there's nothing I can do
That's just the way it is
That's Just The Way It Is
Phil Collins delivers a polished pop-rock anthem on this track from his 2004 Platinum Collection. The song showcases his signature melodic sensibility and vocal control, characteristic of his work during the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not one of his most commercially dominant singles, it reflects the consistent quality of his studio recordings and live performances. The composition features the driving rhythm and orchestral arrangements typical of his era, complementing his broader discography which includes iconic hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'Another Day in Paradise'. This recording stands as a testament to his enduring appeal as a songwriter and performer.