that's how it goes

The song captures the complex feelings that come with love and heartache. It reflects on how someone can deeply care for another while also feeling inadequate. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability, highlighting the push and pull of wanting to be with someone yet feeling like you don’t measure up. It’s a mix of hope and resignation, painting love as something beautiful but also painful.

Verse 1

The blood in your veins (blood in your veins)
Must be colored gold (must be colored gold)
I take your pain (yes, I'll take your pain)
And you leave me a dead rose (but I still got hope)

In this verse, Asal talks about the other person’s value, suggesting they’re special, like they have "gold" in their veins. The imagery of "dead rose" hints at past pain or disappointment in the relationship, yet there's a spark of hope remaining. It shows the willingness to bear someone else's burdens, even when it feels heavy. The contrast of beauty and decay sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead.

Chorus

I won't run away
The beauty's in grey
Hiding in something that is lost
And if you were to stay
You'd lose your way
That's the way it goes (goes, goes, goes, goes)

Here, the chorus emphasizes commitment despite the struggles. The phrase "beauty's in grey" suggests that love isn't always bright and happy; there are darker moments too. It acknowledges that staying in a tough situation might lead to confusion or loss. The repetition of "that's the way it goes" adds a resigned acceptance of how love can be complicated.

Verse 2

Lover, I done sang your name
So much my breath smells like you
Lately the sky ain't been blue
It's steady raining
You've got the angels crying over you

In this verse, Asal expresses deep affection, almost to the point of obsession with the loved one, as shown by how much they sing their name. The imagery of a gloomy sky and "steady raining" reflects the sadness and heaviness in their heart. The mention of "angels crying" adds a layer of sorrow, suggesting that others might feel the weight of this love and loss too.

Chorus

Lover, I done sang your name
So much my breath smells like you
Lately the sky ain't been blue
It's steady raining
You've got the angels crying over you

This chorus repeats, reinforcing the emotional weight of longing. It highlights how the singer's identity is intertwined with their love. The use of rain again emphasizes the sadness and turmoil, making it clear that this love is not just joyful but also filled with heartache.

Bridge

Through your pretty eyes (your pretty eyes)
I bet the world looks so pretty
Do you look at me with pity? (Pit)
Or you don't realize
Bet it's all picture perfect
Yet I still don't seem worth it
And you still don't see nun
And I'm still not enough

In the bridge, the singer reflects on how the other person might see the world as beautiful while feeling overlooked. The line about pity shows insecurity, questioning if they’re viewed with sympathy rather than love. It’s a moment of raw honesty, revealing deep feelings of inadequacy. The contrast between perfection and feeling unworthy adds to the emotional depth of the song.

Chorus

But I still won't give up
I want you to stay stone here, love
You know why I stay stoned?
'Cause I say more when my brains don't respond
I'll be dark so she glows
That's how it goes

This chorus shifts slightly, showing determination despite the pain. The singer expresses a desire for the other person to stay close, hinting at a connection that’s too strong to break. The line about being "stoned" suggests a way to cope with feelings and communicate deeper emotions. It hints at the idea of being a contrast to the other person, being "dark" so that they can shine, which is a beautiful yet bittersweet image.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "That's How It Goes" beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of love. It mixes feelings of devotion and heartache, showing how complicated relationships can be. Asal’s lyrics are relatable, allowing listeners to connect with the struggles of feeling both deeply in love and deeply insecure. The song reminds us that love is often a mix of joy and pain, and that’s just how it goes.