The Way It Is

"The Way It Is" is a hit song by Bruce Hornsby and the Range from their 1986 album The Way It Is. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. Written by Bruce Hornsby, it made explicit reference to the American Civil Rights Movement.

In 1996, "The Way It Is" was sampled in Tupac Shakur's hit song "Changes," which was released in 1998.

In the 1990s and 2000s, "The Way It Is" has been used as the theme music for Sean Hannity's popular syndicated radio talk show, although the song's message may be at odds with some elements of American conservatism (cf. "My City Was Gone"). The tune is used as the theme tune to the BBC 1 daytime program City Hospital.