How It Is
Embrace, Empathy, and Dance: Unveiling the Message in Okkervil River's 'How It Is'
Lyrics
You can't let yourself be selfish
You must avoid being selfish.
You can't let yourself be sold
Resist being easily influenced or swayed by external forces.
You gotta let your brother in from out the cold
Show compassion by welcoming your brother who is in need.
Oh oh oh
Expresses an emotional or impactful moment, possibly a realization.
Oh oh oh
Repetition for emphasis on the emotional weight of the statement.
You can't let your heart get tired
Guard against emotional exhaustion or fatigue.
You can't let your head get told
Be cautious not to be easily swayed by external opinions or authority.
You gotta let the outcast back into the fold
Embrace those who are marginalized or excluded back into the community.
Oh oh oh
Reiteration of emotional impact or importance.
Oh oh oh
Continued emphasis on the emotional resonance of the message.
You know that's how it is now
Stating a fact about the current state of affairs or reality.
You know that's how it is now
Reaffirming the previous statement about the present situation.
You gotta do the Hully Gully now
Encouragement to engage in carefree or joyful dancing (Hully Gully).
You gotta do the Mashed Potato
Further encouragement for lively dancing (Mashed Potato).
You gotta hit the hissing floor and lose control
Suggesting letting loose and enjoying life without inhibitions.
Oh oh oh
Reiteration of the emotional intensity of the moment.
Oh oh oh
Repetition for added emphasis.
You can't think you know the answers
Caution against assuming you have all the answers.
Oh, just because you've grown
Warns against overconfidence due to age or experience.
You've got to take your sister's problem as your own
Encouragement to empathize with and address your sister's problems.
Oh oh oh
Reiteration of emotional impact or importance.
Oh oh oh
Repetition for added emphasis.
You know that's how it is now
Reaffirms the previous statements about the current reality.
You know you know I'm right now
Asserts the correctness of the speaker's perspective.
That's how it is
Reiteration of the established reality or situation.
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