Meaning of “That’s Just the Way It Is” by Phil Collins

That’s Just the Way It Is by Phil Collins

What is the meaning of the song That’s Just the Way It Is by Phil Collins?

That’s Just the Way It Is is a song performed by English singer and songwriter Phil Collins. The song is a single which came out in 1990 from Collins’ fourth solo studio album …But Seriously. According to Collins, That’s Just Way It Is is an anti-war song about the Northern Ireland conflict (The Troubles), the ethno-nationalist conflict that took place in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. The Northern Ireland Conflict claimed the lives of over three thousand people and left tens of thousands injured.

Facts about “That’s Just the Way It Is” by Phil Collins

• The song was written solely by Phil Collins, with production handled by Collins and his longtime collaborator producer Hugh Padgham.
• The song was recorded in 1989 and came out on 28 July 1990 as a single from Collins best-selling album …But Seriously.
• American singer David Crosby provided backing vocals for the song. At certain points of the song, Crosby also sings duets with Collins.
• Collins played both the drums and keyboard on the song.
• Being one of Collins most popular songs, “That’s Just the Way It Is” is often performed during Collins’ concerts. When performing the song live, Collins would often talk about war and its evilness before proceeding with the song.
• The song was not released as a single in the United States.
• In Europe, where the song was released as a single, it performed moderately well on a number of charts. For example, it peaked at the 26th spot in the UK Singles Chart.
• Leland Sklar played bass on the song whereas Daryl Stuermer played the guitars.
• “That’s Just the Way It Is” is one of the most prominent songs written about the Northern Ireland Conflict (The Troubles).