If you’re a fan of 90s alternative rock, you’re probably familiar with the song “How’s It Going To Be” by Third Eye Blind. Originally released in 1997, this song quickly became a hit and remains a beloved classic to this day. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of “How’s It Going To Be” and explore what makes them so memorable.
The Opening Lines
The song begins with the following lines:
“I’m only pretty sure that I can’t take anymore
Before you take a swing, let me tell you what’s ailing me.”
These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song. The narrator is clearly going through some kind of struggle and is on the brink of breaking point. However, he’s also determined to stand up for himself and tell his story.
The Chorus
The chorus of “How’s It Going To Be” is one of the most memorable parts of the song. It goes:
“How’s it going to be when you don’t know me anymore?
How’s it going to be when you’re sure I’m not there?
How’s it going to be when there’s no one there to talk to?
Between you and me, ’cause I don’t care.”
This chorus is both melancholic and defiant. The narrator is resigned to the fact that the relationship is over, but he’s also refusing to let it break him completely. He’s reclaiming his power and insisting that he doesn’t need the other person to be happy.
The Second Verse
The second verse of the song expands on the narrator’s feelings of isolation:
“And it’s taking me apart
I don’t want to feel like this
I’m lost without you
But I can’t help myself
How does it feel
To know that I love you baby?
How does it feel?
Here, the narrator is admitting that he’s struggling without the other person. He still loves them, but he’s also angry and frustrated with the situation.
The Bridge
The bridge of “How’s It Going To Be” is a brief but powerful moment in the song. It goes:
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry
I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry”
These lines are repeated over and over, conveying the narrator’s desperation and remorse. He’s apologizing for whatever went wrong in the relationship, but he’s also acknowledging that it might be too late to fix things.
The Final Chorus
The final chorus of “How’s It Going To Be” is a reprise of the earlier chorus, but with a few key changes:
“How’s it going to be when you’re not around?
How’s it going to be when you’re not around?
How’s it going to be when you’re not around?
I’m keeping my feet on the ground.”
Here, the narrator is accepting that the other person is truly gone and that he needs to move on. However, he’s also maintaining his sense of self and refusing to let the breakup define him.
Conclusion
“How’s It Going To Be” is a powerful song that captures the universal experience of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics are raw and honest, and they resonate with anyone who has ever gone through a difficult breakup. While the song is undoubtedly sad, it’s also hopeful and empowering. By the end of the song, the narrator has come to terms with his situation and is ready to move forward. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the strength to persevere.
