How Come
Eagle · Sub Rosa [2003]
In the falling rain
How come we can't do the same
How come
I see the angry scar
But the wound is tame
How come we can't do the same
How come
I hear the church bells laugh
It's a wedding day
How come we don't feel that way
How come
When the clouds step aside
(I don't want to be you)
The sun lets them live
(you don't want to be me)
How come we can't forgive
(neither one should be)
How come
When the clouds step aside
(I don't want to be here)
The sun lets them live
(you don't want to be here)
How come we can't forgive
(there is nobody here)
How come
(there is nobody here)
How come
How Come
How Come is a song by the English band Eagle, appearing on the 2003 album Sub Rosa. The track sits within the band's mid-2000s output, a period in which Eagle continued to develop a sound that blended rock, pop, and alternative influences. The album Sub Rosa is often associated with the band's later phase of recording, where their arrangements leaned toward a polished, radio-friendly production style while retaining the melodic sensibility that characterized their earlier work.
Eagle emerged from the English rock scene in the late 1990s, building a reputation for catchy hooks and emotionally direct songwriting. By the time of Sub Rosa, the band had already released several albums, including Desireless in 1998 and Present/Future in 2001, which helped establish their presence in the UK and international markets. Their catalogue during this era frequently explored themes of personal reflection, relationships, and emotional resilience, qualities that are evident in the broader context of their recordings.
Musically, How Come fits within the band's signature approach of combining accessible melodies with a steady rhythmic foundation. The song's title suggests a questioning tone, a common device in Eagle's songwriting that invites listeners to consider emotional or relational uncertainties. The track's placement on Sub Rosa indicates it was part of a cohesive set of songs designed to reflect the band's evolving sound during that period. The album itself is often noted for its consistent production values and its focus on melodic clarity, traits that Eagle maintained across their discography.
In relation to their other works, How Come shares thematic and stylistic ground with songs such as The Strange and Don't Give Up, both of which also appear on Sub Rosa. These tracks collectively illustrate the band's tendency to balance introspective lyrics with upbeat or mid-tempo arrangements. The song's role in the album's sequence helps frame it as part of a broader narrative of emotional exploration, a hallmark of Eagle's songwriting during the early 2000s.
The public reception of Eagle's work during this period was generally positive, with audiences appreciating the band's ability to craft memorable melodies and relatable themes. While critical attention to individual tracks from Sub Rosa may have been limited compared to their earlier releases, the album was received as a solid continuation of the band's artistic direction. How Come, in particular, is often viewed as a representative example of the band's mid-2000s style, combining emotional depth with a polished, accessible sound.