Meaning of "How's It Going to Be" by Third Eye Blind

The lyrics of "How's It Going to Be" delve into the doubts and uncertainties often present in a deteriorating relationship. The narrator confesses their uncertainty about being able to handle the strains and challenges of the relationship any longer. They question the purpose of their fights and what they will miss if they choose to leave. This highlights the internal struggle between holding on and letting go. The lyrics also touch on the loss of connection and communication within the relationship. The imagery of a shouting match replacing laughter and a silence that cannot be ignored symbolizes the breakdown in their once-strong bond. The absence of familiarity and understanding, as represented by the empty swinging hammock, adds to the sense of loneliness and disconnection. The line "I don't see lightning like last fall when it was always about to hit me" suggests that the narrator is missing the intensity and passion they once experienced with their partner. They wonder how it will feel when their relationship ends, when the other person is no longer there. The fear of the unknown and the pain of realizing there was nothing substantial between them weigh heavily on the narrator's mind. The longing and desire to get back into the relationship, expressed through phrases like "I want to taste the salt on your skin," portrays a desperate attempt to salvage what remains. The repeated question of "how's it going to be?" reflects the narrator's state of confusion and emotional turmoil as they face the inevitable end of their relationship.