A Meditative Echo: The Enduring Wisdom of “That’s The Way It Is”
Ah, some songs, like old friends, arrive in our lives with an unassuming quietness, only to settle deep into the fabric of our memory, becoming almost inseparable from certain poignant moments. Daniel Lanois’s “That’s The Way It Is” is one such piece, a timeless, ethereal lament that recently found a fresh, profound resonance with a new generation while simultaneously stirring the contemplative souls of those who’ve walked a little further down life’s path. While it wasn’t a chart-topper in the conventional sense upon its original creation, its inclusion in the critically acclaimed 2018 video game, Red Dead Redemption 2, propelled it into the consciousness of millions, becoming arguably one of the most beloved and emotionally resonant pieces of its soundtrack. This wasn’t a typical pop hit climbing the Billboard Hot 100; rather, it achieved a different kind of chart success, dominating discussions and playlists within the gaming community and beyond, often cited as the most powerful musical moment in the entire game. Its enduring appeal, however, lies far beyond its recent digital fame; it’s rooted in the profound human experiences it so tenderly articulates.
The story behind “That’s The Way It Is” is a testament to the organic, almost serendipitous nature of creation that so often characterizes Lanois’s work. Co-written with Rocco DeLuca, the song existed prior to its inclusion in Red Dead Redemption 2. It was a piece that had, as Lanois himself describes, “something in it that resonated with the game.” When the folks at Rockstar Games heard a demo, they “fell in love with it,” ultimately choosing to use Lanois’s very own demo recording for the final product, a rare and telling endorsement of its raw, immediate power. This wasn’t a commission from scratch; it was a deeply felt composition that found its perfect narrative home.
The meaning of “That’s The Way It Is” is as vast and open as the landscapes Lanois’s music often evokes. At its core, it is a song about acceptance, surrender, and the melancholic beauty of life’s inherent impermanence. The lyrics, sparse yet profoundly impactful, speak to the journey we all undertake: “The many miles we walked, the many things we learned, the building of a shrine, only just to burn.” It’s a recognition of the transient nature of effort, of love, of even our own existence. “May the wind be at your back, good fortune touch your hand, may the cards lay out a straight, all from your command” — these lines, delivered with Lanois‘s signature hushed reverence, are a gentle blessing, a quiet hope amidst the unfolding narrative of life. And then, the repeated refrain: “That’s the way it is.” It’s not a shrug of resignation, but a profound acknowledgment, a quiet wisdom gleaned from experience. It suggests that while we may strive, plan, and build, there are forces beyond our control, and a certain peace is found in embracing that reality.
For many older listeners, this sentiment resonates deeply. We’ve seen cycles of joy and sorrow, of beginnings and endings. We’ve built our own shrines, literal and metaphorical, and watched some of them fade or transform. The notion of a “blue heron leaves a northern sky, trusts the journey to new heights” speaks to the courage of adaptation, the inherent faith in the unknown. And the line, “What’s the meaning of the scar if we don’t learn how to heal?” is a direct address to the inevitable wounds of life, urging us not just to endure them, but to derive understanding and growth from them. It’s a song that holds a mirror to the soul, reflecting back the lessons learned, the quiet moments of introspection, and the ultimate truth that life, in all its unpredictable glory and pain, simply is. It encourages a reflective pause, a moment to breathe and accept the flow of things, much like watching a river move inevitably to the sea.
While Lanois is perhaps best known for his unparalleled work as a producer, shaping the sound of iconic albums by artists like U2 (The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby), Bob Dylan (Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind), and Peter Gabriel (So, Us), his own solo material has always possessed a unique, atmospheric charm. “That’s The Way It Is” beautifully showcases his prowess not just as a sonic architect, but as a compelling songwriter and vocalist. The track itself is a masterclass in subtlety – Lanois‘s hushed vocals, accompanied by the gentle strum of a guitar and the understated, almost ambient instrumentation, create a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s a sonic embrace, a warm blanket of sound that invites contemplation rather than demands attention. For those of us who appreciate the nuanced beauty of music that whispers rather than shouts, this song is a treasured gem, a reminder that sometimes, the most profound statements are made with the quietest of voices. It’s the kind of song you put on when the day is done, the house is quiet, and you simply want to reflect on the long, winding road you’ve traveled.