It was a beautiful idea when it started
It hit so hard, I never thought it through
Leaving the west side of town, way on up riverside rushing down
That's the freest moment a city girl knew

I've got the beauty of the moment, passed so quickly
Now, the tingle and the chill got me confused
So as I buckle down, why knuckle you 'round?
Those free moments feel so fare and few

That's just the way it is, that's just the way it is
An I can't help myself at all, that's just the way it is

I see you crossing the street, come and meet me
Like an image come to mind too long ago, well there's
A smile across your mouth, those eyes are looking south
If I could see them what would they let me know?

That's just the way it is, that's just the way it is
An I can't help myself at all, that's just the way it is

I looked and found them lost and started
I've sown and reeded and plowed the ground once more
I laid my hammer down, wandered this city all around
Ended up on the streets I walked before

That's just the way it is, that's just the way it is
An I can't help myself at all, that's just the way it is
That's just the way it is, that's just the way it is
An I can't help myself at all, that's just the way it is