Meaning of "Way of the World" by Cheap Trick

The lyrics of "Way of the World" capture the bittersweet feelings of looking back on a past relationship or unrequited love. The narrator recalls moments where they felt unseen or unnoticed by the person they desired, yet they held onto hope and persistence. Despite feeling like a mere pawn or invisible, the narrator reflects on how their life has been changed by this individual, even if the relationship is now over. The repetition of "I've been runnin', I've been hidin', it's the way of the world" conveys a sense of resilience and acceptance of life's ups and downs. The overarching theme of the song is about coming to terms with the past, acknowledging that things may not have worked out as planned but recognizing that life goes on regardless.