It Doesn't Have to Be That Way

Jim Croce

About It Doesn't Have to Be That Way

"It Doesn't Have to Be That Way" is a song written and recorded by Jim Croce for his 1973 album Life and Times. Originally released early that year as the B-side of the "One Less Set of Footsteps" single, it was reissued that December as the third and final single from the album as well as Croce's second posthumously-released single. It reached a peak of #64 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending five weeks on the chart. Because of its Christmas setting and the wintery images associated with its lyrics, the song is often played during the holiday season.  


Year:
1998
88 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Snowy nights and Christmas lights
Icy window panes
Make me wish that we could be
Together again
And the windy winter avenues
Just don't seem the same
And the Christmas carols sound like blues
But the choir is not to blame

But it doesn't have to be that way
What we had should have never have ended
I'll be dropping by today
'Cause we could easily get it together tonight
It's only right

Crowded stores, the corner Santa Claus
Tinseled afternoons
And the sidewalk bands that play their songs
Slightly out of tune
On the windy winter avenues
There walks a lonely man
And if I told you who he is
Well, I think you'd understand

But it doesn't have to be that way
What we had should have never have ended
I'll be dropping by today
'Cause we could easily get it together tonight
It's only right

But it doesn't have to be that way
What we had should have never have ended
I'll be dropping by today
'Cause we could easily get it together tonight
It's only right

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Jim Croce

James Joseph "Jim" Croce (/ˈkroʊtʃi/; January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and 11 singles. His singles "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle" were both number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. more »

10 fans

Written by: James Croce

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Artist Background
Jim Croce was an American singer-songwriter who achieved commercial success during the 1970s with his folk and rock music. - He was known for his powerful storytelling in his lyrics and his gentle and distinctive voice. - He passed away tragically in a plane crash at the age of 30 at the peak of his career.
Song Creation
The song 'It Doesn't Have to Be That Way' is found on Croce's fifth and final studio album, which is "Life and Times." - The album was released in 1973, the same year as his death. - Croce usually wrote songs based on personal experiences and observations from his life.
Song Theme
'It Doesn't Have to Be That Way' has seasonal undertones as it tells the story of a man who is contemplating a breakup around Christmas time. - The song successfully conveys the sadness and difficulty of distance and impending separation, but as the title suggests, it also expresses hope that things could be different.
Reception and Impact
'It Doesn't Have to Be That Way' was not released as a single but has become a fan favorite over the years. - The song showcases Croce's ability to evoke emotions and paint vivid pictures with his lyrics, solidifying his legacy as a masterful songwriter.
Legacy
Despite his short career, with a discography of only five albums, Jim Croce left a lasting impact on the music world. - His songs, including 'It Doesn't Have to Be That Way,' continue to captivate audiences around the world decades after his passing. - Croce has posthumously received various awards, and his music keeps resonating with new generations.

Discuss the It Doesn't Have to Be That Way Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "It Doesn't Have to Be That Way Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15490870/Jim+Croce/It+Doesn%27t+Have+to+Be+That+Way>.

    Missing lyrics by Jim Croce?

    Know any other songs by Jim Croce? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    It Doesn't Have to Be That Way

    502.3K
    2,385     51

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #64


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Complete the lyrics: "The sun goes down, the... ".
    A stars come up
    B guitar gets loud
    C bars come out
    D stars come out

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Jim Croce tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!