A continuing series of sounds bought when they came out and I am still not sure now about this one . . . . I like the lyrics and I bought it because as a frustrated piano player I wish I could have played like this . . . . . . . . . "Get A Job!" still relevant! listen again . . . . . . 

On this day in music history: December 13, 1986 - “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby And The Range hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also topping the Adult Contemporary chart for 2 weeks on December 6, 1986. Written by Bruce Hornsby, it is the biggest hit for the pop/rock band from Williamsburg, VA. Having worked and struggled as a professional songwriter for several years, Hornsby shops around a four song demo that includes “The Way It Is”. His attorney plays it for several labels, with RCA Records showing the most interest in the demo and offering a record contract. Issued as the second single from their debut album, the songs lyrics touch upon the widening divide between the rich and poor in 80’s era America, and other social injustices such as segregation and taking a proactive stance against them. The songs’ thought provoking tone and jazzy keyboard driven vibe touches a nerve and become an instant airplay favorite, after its release in August of 1986. Entering the Hot 100 at #86 on September 20, 1986, it climbs to the top of the chart twelve weeks later. The success of “The Way It Is” drives sales of the sales of the album (of the same name) to 3x Platinum status in the US. The chart topping success of “The Way It Is” leads to the band winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987. “The Way It Is” also becomes the basis of the posthumous hit “Changes” by the late rapper 2Pac in 1998 and also by E-40 two years before on his single “Things’ll Never Change”.

Should I be embarrassed I bought this when it came out . . . . . .aw what the heck

You decide . . . . . . . .