Meaning of "It's Gonna Be" by Norah Jones

In "It's Gonna Be," Norah Jones expresses her frustration with society's preoccupation with money and material wealth. She criticizes the shallow conversations that revolve around money and how it takes away from genuine connections and happiness. The line "If all we talk about is money, nothing will be funny, honey" highlights how an obsession with money can drain the joy out of life. Additionally, the song addresses the rise of social media and how everyone has become a critic, passing judgment without valid reasons. Jones refers to the criticism as "making my mascara runny," indicating how it affects her emotionally.

The lyrics also touch on the media's tendency to sensationalize and focus on trivial matters rather than addressing the significant problems our society faces. Jones mentions the movie "Heathers" as a representation of misplaced attention, suggesting that focusing on superficial things like celebrity scandals is absurd when there are more critical issues to address. She also criticizes the media's habit of demonizing individuals for entertainment purposes, stating that "If a princess becomes human, don't stone her on a talk show, you'll ruin." This line emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding, arguing against the public humiliation of individuals for the sake of entertainment.

Ultimately, "It's Gonna Be" calls for change in society and a collective effort to address important issues. Jones refers to the nation as "busted," implying that something is fundamentally broken and needs fixing. She points out that if we don't actively work toward a new situation, we are being lazy. The song suggests that progress requires more than just talking about problems; it requires taking action and working together to bring about change.