Meaning of "The Way Life's Meant to Be" by Electric Light Orchestra

"The Way Life's Meant to Be" by Electric Light Orchestra delves into the emotional journey of someone who feels displaced and disconnected from their surroundings. The opening lines suggest that the narrator has traveled a long way to reach their current destination, leaving someone behind, perhaps a loved one, on an avenue. This separation sets the tone of longing that permeates the lyrics.

The narrator stands in the "strangest land," feeling like a stranger among the people who inhabit it. The sense of disorientation is evident as they confess to not knowing what to say or do in this unfamiliar place. They observe the strangers around them, realizing that the only stranger is themselves, highlighting their sense of isolation.

The lyrics also evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia for the past. The narrator reflects on how recently they were taken away from their previous home and left standing alone, gazing in wonder. It is suggested that the place they now find themselves is a mere shadow of what it once was, symbolized by the vague reference to the "ground at my feet," which may represent the familiar street they used to walk on.

A sense of disillusionment is conveyed as the narrator realizes the changes that have taken place in their absence. The place that was once home has undergone a transformation, and the narrator feels a deep sense of shame. They question whether this is truly the way life is meant to be, suggesting a dissatisfaction with the current state of things.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of time and its irreversible nature. The line "too late, too late to cry" implies a missed opportunity or a point of no return. The people around the narrator assert that it is too late for them and everyone else, suggesting a sense of resignation and a perception that it is too late to change or go back.

The final verses express a desire to be transported back in time to the year 1981, specifically to see a loved one's face instead of being in their current location. This longing heightens the narrator's realization of the value of the person they left behind and their discontentment with the present circumstances.

Overall, "The Way Life's Meant to Be" conveys a sense of displacement, nostalgia, and longing for a simpler time. It explores themes of alienation, the consequences of change, and questioning the path life has taken.