Either Way

The song paints a picture of a couple stuck in a cycle of indifference. They go through the motions, but there’s no real connection or emotion anymore. It's a raw look at how relationships can fade, leaving people feeling empty and lost. Stapleton captures that moment when you realize love is gone, and you’re left with tough choices.

Verse 1

We pass in the hall
On our way to separate rooms
The only time we ever talk
Is when the monthly bills are due

In this verse, Stapleton sets the scene of a disconnected relationship. The imagery of passing in the hall suggests they’re not really together anymore; there’s a physical presence but no emotional connection. Talking only about bills shows how their communication has been reduced to practical matters. It highlights the emptiness they feel.

Chorus

We can just go on like this
Say the word, we'll call it quits
Baby, you can go or you can stay
But I won't love you either way

The chorus is powerful because it lays out the stark choices they face. There’s a sense of resignation here. Stapleton's voice carries the weight of someone who's tired of fighting for love. He’s made up his mind that it doesn’t matter if the other person stays or goes; his love is gone. This feeling of acceptance is bittersweet.

Verse 2

It's been so long since I've felt
Anything inside these walls
You can't hate and you can't hurt
When you don't feel at all

In this verse, Stapleton reflects on emotional numbness. He talks about not feeling anything anymore, which is a heavy place to be. The walls symbolize their home, which should be filled with warmth and love but instead feels cold and empty. It’s sad to think that when you stop feeling, you lose the capacity to hate or hurt too. It’s a defense mechanism that ultimately isolates him.

Chorus

We can just go on like this
Say the word, we'll call it quits
Baby, you can go or you can stay
But I won't love you either way

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the message. It’s like he’s trying to convince himself as much as the other person. The options are clear, but they’re also painful. He’s accepted that love isn’t there anymore, and that realization is both freeing and heartbreaking.

Bridge

I used to cry and stay up nights
And wonder what went wrong
And it's been hard
But hearts can only do that for so long

Here, Stapleton dives into the past. He recalls the nights filled with tears and confusion. It shows how much he cared at one point, which makes the current numbness hit harder. The line about hearts only being able to endure so much highlights human limits. Eventually, you have to protect yourself, even if it means losing love.

Outro

We can just go on like this
Say the word, we'll call it quits
Baby, you can go or you can stay
But I won't love you either way

The outro mirrors the chorus, emphasizing the finality of his decision. It’s a strong conclusion, leaving listeners with that feeling of acceptance. There’s no going back; the love is gone, and he’s okay with it. It’s a tough but necessary step in moving on.

Closing Thoughts

"Either Way" is a heart-wrenching exploration of love that’s lost its spark. Stapleton’s lyrics capture the feeling of emptiness and the tough choices people face when a relationship fades. It’s relatable, raw, and speaks to anyone who’s ever felt the weight of a love that’s no longer there. The simplicity of the words makes the emotion hit even harder.