The Way It Is

by Bruce Hornsby
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Lyrics

(Em7)Stand in’ in line, mark in’ time, to (D)wait in’ for the (C)wel fare lit dime (D)more, ’cause you they can’t buy a (C)job.

I The (Am7)man in the silk suit (Em7)hur ries by.

As he (D)catch es the poor old (C)la dies’ eyes,

just for fun he bout says, be fore you “Get a job.” He said: Son,

That’s just the way it is.

Some things will (C)nev er change.

That’s just the (C)way it is.

Ah, but (C)don’t you be lieve them.

Said, (Em7)“Hey, lit tle boy, you can’t go to (D)give those where the (C)oth ers lit go (D)more, ’cause it don’t look like they (C)do.”

’Cause said, (Am7)“Hey, old the man, an (Em7)how can you stand to (D)think it sees at that (C)way?

Did you

real ly line on bout the be fore you made the bar.

He said: Son,

That’s just the way it is.

Some things will (C)nev er change.

That’s just the (C)way it is.

Ah, but (C)don’t you be lieve them.

Said,

Well, they

The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby

31 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “The Way It Is

What key is "The Way It Is" in?
"The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby is in the key of G with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "The Way It Is" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "The Way It Is" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "The Way It Is"?
This arrangement of "The Way It Is" uses 6 chords: Am7, C, D, Em7, Fmaj7, G.
How long does it take to learn "The Way It Is" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Bruce Hornsby can I play here?
Try "Mandolin Rain", "MANDOLIN RAIN", "LOOK OUT ANY WINDOW". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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