Way Life's Meant to Be
Electric Light Orchestra
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Well, I came a long way to be here today And I left you so long on this avenue And here I stand in the strangest land Not knowing what to say or do As I gaze around at these strangers in town I guess the only stranger is me And I wonder, yes I wonder Is this the way life's meant to be Although it's only a day since I was taken away And left standing here looking in wonder The ground at my feet, maybe it's just the old street But everything that I know lies under And when I see what they've done to this place that was home Shame is all that I feel And I wonder, yes I wonder, is this The way life's meant to be Too late, too late to cry The people say Too late for you, too late for me You've come so far, now you know everything My friend Just look and see the wonders of our world As I wander around this wreck of a town Where people never speak aloud With its ivory towers and its plastic flowers I wish I was back in 1981 Just to see your face instead of this place Now I know what you mean to me And I wonder, yes, I wonder, is this The way life's meant to be.
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Written by: Jeff Lynne
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Genre Classification"The Way Life's Meant to Be" is a song by the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). The song can be classified under the broad genres of art rock, progressive rock, and pop rock.
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Album AppearanceIt is from the band's eighth studio album, "Time", which was released in July 1981. The album is known for its strong concept elements, exploring themes of time travel and technology's influence on society.
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SongwriterThe song was song was written by the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Jeff Lynne. Lynne is renowned for his distinctive fusion of rock and classical music elements in his compositions.
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Storyline"The Way Life's Meant to Be" tells a story about a man who time travels to the future and struggles to adapt to the changes he encounters. This storyline is part of the larger narrative concept of the "Time" album.
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Not a SingleUnlike some other songs from the "Time" album, "The Way Life's Meant to Be" was not released as a single. The album's singles included "Hold On Tight," "Twilight," and "Ticket to the Moon."
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Critical ReceptionAlthough not released as a single, "The Way Life's Meant to Be" has been praised by critics and fans for its thoughtful and emotive lyrics, as well as its unique sound which combines rock with orchestral arrangements.
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Live PerformancesOne of the interesting facts about the song is that it is not performed live as often as some of ELO's other songs. However, it has been included in setlists for their tours, often leaving a positive impression on concert-goers with its poignant lyrics and powerful melodies.
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Song LengthThe song runs for approximately 4 minutes and 38 seconds, fitting in with the relatively longer duration of songs that are characteristic of ELO's progressive rock genre.
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Intriguing InstrumentationThis song, like many by Electric Light Orchestra, features a unique blend of instruments not normally found in traditional rock music, including extensive use of synthesizers and string sections.
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Album Success"The Way Life's Meant To Be" contributed to the overall success of the "Time" album which was a hit, reaching no. 1 in the UK Albums Chart and no. 16 in the US Billboard 200.
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