Released: 1997
“How’s It Going to Be” by Third Eye Blind dives into the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that comes with the end of a relationship. It’s a raw look at wondering about the future, the fear of becoming strangers, and the longing to hold onto what’s familiar even as it slips away.
The opening lines, “I’m only pretty sure that I can’t take anymore. Before you take a swing, I wonder what are we fightin’ for?” set the stage for a relationship in turmoil. It speaks to the moment right before a breakup, where every action feels loaded with tension and the fights seem pointless. The protagonist is at their breaking point, questioning the very foundation of their relationship.
As we move into the chorus, “How’s it going to be, when you don’t know me? How’s it going to be, when you’re sure I’m not there?” the song taps into the fear of losing the intimacy and connection that once existed. It’s about the dread of transitioning from lovers to strangers, highlighting the emotional void that will be left in the absence of the other person.
The second verse paints a picture of nostalgia and loss, “Where we used to laugh, there’s a shouting match, sharp as a thumbnail scratch.” This imagery captures the decline from happy moments to painful arguments, signifying the deterioration of their relationship. The mention of the empty hammock serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and loneliness that accompanies the end of shared moments.
The bridge brings a moment of introspection and yearning with “The soft dive of oblivion. I want to taste the salt of your skin.” Here, the oblivion represents a desire to escape the pain of the breakup and return to the intimacy they once shared. It’s about wanting to hold on to the physical connection as a way to avoid facing the reality of their separation.
In conclusion, “How’s It Going to Be” navigates the complexities of ending a relationship with heartbreaking clarity. Through its introspective lyrics, the song explores the emotional landscape of breakups, the fear of losing connection, and the longing for what was once familiar. Third Eye Blind perfectly captures the universal uncertainty and pain that comes with saying goodbye to someone who was once an integral part of one’s life.
