Welch, Gillian - The Way It Goes Lyrics






Becky Johnson bought the farm
Put a needle in her arm
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

And her brother laid her down
In the cold Kentucky ground
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when she and I were friends

Well, Miranda ran away
Took her cat and left LA
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

She was busted, broke and flat
Had to sell that pussy cat
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when he and I were friends

See the brightest ones of all
Early in October fall
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

While the dark ones go to bed
With good whiskey in their head
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
You tell Musso, I'll tell Frank
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

Did he throw her down a well?
Did she leave him for that swell?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when all of us were friends

When you lay me down to rest
Leave a pistol in my vest
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

Do you miss my gentle touch?
Did I hurt you very much?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way

That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when you and I were friends





Other Lyrics by Artist

Rand Lyrics

Last Posts

Welch, Gillian The Way It Goes Comments
  1. T.... W....

    Song rings true

  2. R.... C....

    BRENDAN MANGAN! It's joe curry,could you knock in,I can't tune me guitars the way me dad did,please see this message.doesnt this sound a bit like doc wat sons tune,........

  3. O.... O....

    love the music but can't say much for the obvious Baphomet pose on the album cover, nice nod to Satan. not.

    O.... O....

    doesn't strike you this is a nod to the duality of human practice? darkness on our shoulder. binary of choice. etc. i mean... jeez.

    O.... O....

    @Tommy Wilson that may beher intent but it is The Bophomet pose. undeniable. and the bophomet is a hiorned goat and used by satanists for hundreds of years sometimes with whimiscal little explanations like the duality of maan. there are thousands of ways to illustrate the duality of man, why chose baphomet?

  4. m.... ....

    Sublime 😊👍.Amo a Gillian Welch ❤

  5. A.... A....

    Was Dylan talking about Gillian when he sang about his flat chested junkie whore?

  6. J.... D....

    I think of this music as Americana. It may be folk, but it is too good for country!
    And I really love the album art. So striking! Is it taken from something, or is it from a school of art?

  7. A.... M....

    It's truly amazing how David Rawlins can make that ol Martin guitar come to life.
    I know this is a ridiculous question, but how much is that Martin appraised for? Isn't it a 35D? somebody help me out please

    A.... M....

    1935 Epiphone Olympic archtop with a carved top and plywood mahogany back and sides

  8. K.... S....

    I can't think of a better song writer than Gillian Welch. And what a voice.... I saw Gillian and Dave perform in Australia some years ago - mesmerising.

  9. f.... g....

    glad i found this after randomly hearing on radio. banger

  10. S.... J....

    Gillian please oh please keep it up, don’t stop, thank God for people like you.

  11. T.... ....

    Fuck "country"! This is America through and thru!!!!

  12. A.... D....

    WOW!!!!! Thank you for posting this.

  13. �.... ....

    大好き

  14. R.... T....

    Her voice has that Appalachian sting. Stings you right in the heart.

  15. R.... R....

    This woman's music makes me bawl whenever I hear it. She's a witch! I love her.

  16. j.... b....

    I can only listen to this now and again - cos of how it makes me feel

    j.... b....

    Cons Mean you Do

  17. H.... H....

    Ağrı patnos country music

  18. D.... W....

    I love this album so much. It's one I rarely play. Something so special, I can't abuse it.

  19. I.... F....

    Beautiful ever adore Gillian thank you

  20. N.... R....

    Had to sell that pussy cat! Genius!

  21. B.... S....

    damn fine stuff, great lyrics

  22. B.... ....

    First heard this on Wed 3/10/2018..Bob Harris Country Music Show Radio 2. Awesome song, lovin it.✔

  23. g.... j....

    And THAT'S how you land a euphemism!

  24. J.... A....

    "Everybody's buying little baby clothes"

  25. J.... A....

    "She was busted, broke, and flat. Had to sell that pussy cat."

  26. M.... ....

    Can NOT stop listening to this!!

  27. J.... P....

    Heard Gillian on Boston Public Radio and here I am, that’s the way it goes

  28. A.... K....

    Why are all her best songs so fucking depressing?

  29. D.... D....

    as good as it gets...

  30. J.... H....

    A 120 people went to the wrong place wtf. Shes an angel

  31. J.... 2....

    Gracias ✌

  32. S.... H....

    Fuckiin great song...if you dont like it i'll shoot you in the fuckin face

  33. w.... m....

    Had to sale that pussy cat...that’s hard times!

  34. S.... ....

    I love this song

  35. J.... 2....

    Buenísimo!!!✌

  36. A.... J....

    Becky Johnson bought the farm
    Put a needle in her arm
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    And her brother laid her down
    In the cold Kentucky ground
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when she and I were friends

    Well, Miranda ran away
    Took her cat and left LA
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    She was busted, broke and flat
    Had to sell that pussy cat
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when he and I were friends

    See the brightest ones of all
    Early in October fall
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    While the dark ones go to bed
    With good whiskey in their head
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
    You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Did he throw her down a well?
    Did she leave him for that swell?
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when all of us were friends

    When you lay me down to rest
    Leave a pistol in my vest
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Do you miss my gentle touch?
    Did I hurt you very much?
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when you and I were friends

  37. j.... f....

    I'd love to hear them do this with Rhiannon Giddens

  38. B.... B....

    Gillian and Dave, they layin' down the real thing

  39. f.... ....

    The cover of this album creeps me out. I think shes into the occult, like the rest of the music industry. Sad, given how great of a writer, musician and performer they both are....

    f.... ....

    "I think shes into the occult" Yes she is. The (oc)cult of exceptionally talent musicians of her generation. It's one club you cannot join.

  40. E.... S....

    God bless you Gillian Welch for your talent and bringing tears to my old eyes

  41. d.... d....

    Baphomet

  42. M.... T....

    I can't understand people who don't at least like this. Go back to the mall that spawned you..

  43. D.... B....

    Subtleties of women who have trespassed the laws of good society to have a child?

  44. E.... G....

    So was Miranda transgender or a crossdresser? Also I think the part about baby clothes is saying we're either buying clothes for the baby being born or buying clothes for the person for their funeral. It's life...

  45. E.... B....

    Great song! Beautiful singing and guitar and great touching stories about people in tragically unfortunate circumstances! I’m so glad my Dad got me into this! :)

  46. K.... C....

    A beautiful,but very depressing song..great acoustic guitar playing through out.I wonder who that is playing it so sweet!

  47. H.... D....

    Very beautiful !

  48. L.... O....

    Amazing stuff

  49. M.... E....

    i'm a fan of Rawlings playing.

  50. H.... S....

    Bert and i

  51. G.... G....

    I love this song!

  52. k.... ....

    Just started listening to her and I love her sound. Kind of like a more upbeat Lera Lynn.

    k.... ....

    Christmas Eve and the rest of

  53. p.... r....

    That Indian woman doesn't look like a woman 👀

  54. R.... ....

    This cover art is exquisite.

  55. J.... L....

    awesome.

  56. E.... F....

    Peace young sister...

  57. J.... K....

    American Existentialism

  58. V.... G....

    whour whour whour

    V.... G....

    Carroll Collins scribble ur script Gunnarumy

  59. A.... M....

    This is what we do.

  60. C.... C....

    People, if you get a chance to see these two perform live, you will definitely be glad you were there! I was lucky to see them in a rather small venue, and meet them afterwards. They are both very down to earth and friendly. They held the fully packed venue in the palm of their hands. People singing along, a totally great energy that left everyone smiling! Personally, I am amazed that they can sing about murder, rape, etc, and transform the sad situation into a song that you find yourself singing along, or dancing despite the lyrics. Their music is magical, and I think healing in a deep way.

  61. f.... v....

    THE BEST GILLIAN &DAVID !!!!!

  62. E.... E....

    this is not metal. But , I saw the artwork and then the split-second I knew that it was John Dyer baizley baroness. That dude has a style all his own.

  63. B.... J....

    As Neil Young sings Needle and the Damage Done it brings me here two sad American epidemic. All we have to do is think Nancy Reagan for her just say no because we all know that works. God bless all the Junkies crackheads alcoholics pill poppers Overeaters over religious just over and over and over. We need to take a look at the laws in Europe especially in the country where drugs are legal and the crime rate and Drug dependency rate went down 50% in one year. This policy of prison for all addicts is insane and a money maker for you know whose friend. I hope we can come to some conclusion at least let the heroine end so it's not mixed with fentanyl and killing all of our fellow Americans. What happened to the medicine man and the guy who came around in his cart with his elixirs. Before the DEA got involved our country had no issues with drug dependency like it does now we always big things to the DEA

  64. C.... M....

    The best.

  65. T.... W....

    baphomet ...too bad.....

  66. l.... l....

    I truely hope I'm not the only soul listening to this beautiful music ? Maybe that's the way it goes . Anyway
    If I am alone in appreciating
    this experience it's shaking my fiber and shedding my water
    Thankyou

    l.... l....

    larry le roux i love this song too. I mean it... its grub me..

  67. V.... ....

    thanks spotify

  68. l.... l....

    The darker the better ,these two hillbilly s have played music with words so poetic to chill the heart and start a blaze in the soul . Thanks Justin for the intro

    l.... l....

    larry le roux those two hippies are my favorite folk pickers thats ever been

    l.... l....

    I'm not so sure about the "hillbilly" part, since one of them is from New York and the other from Rhode Island, and they met at an arts college in Boston, but I guess the thing about great music is that none of that matters and it surpasses even the people who created it. Cheers.

  69. T.... C....

    Love That's the Way it Goes. Wish there was a vid to accompany the tune. First time to hear G. Great, honest and pure music. Love it❤️

    T.... C....

    And she's great live...

  70. s.... k....

    I do not expect the public to exercise the type of judgment that would result in a semblance of quality control. In today's music market (today being a swath covering at least the past 100 years -- but much worse of late), "splitting the uprights" has become task within reach third grader composers.

    I had the misfortune of hearing this pseudo-dirge a few moments ago on NPR. The tune marinates in trite melody (I could predict virtually every chord and melody change -- and if I can do it, then you know the song sits in deep doodoo).

    But what really is foul are the "lyrics". It sounds like a grade school rhyming assignment. "That's the way that it goes...someone tell me when to blow my nose". "Put a gun in her vest (paraphrased -- thank God the recollection is fading) ...and then watched the wet wave crest".

    "Now Bill Joe's back in the tank, You tell Russo I'll tell Frank" . OMG!! How bout "Now Bill Joe's back in the tank,
    his daddy wished that he shot blanks That's the way that it goes".

    Endless loops of trite constructions -- mine are faux (in case you cannot tell!), but try it to the actual lyric. It is quite fun.

    BTW: "little baby clothes?" Compared to what? "Big baby clothes?"

    If you have any interest in an actual "song" about this topic -- try Joni Mitchell's Cold Blue Steel. And there are many more.

    I do not teach music (I do not read music or write poetry, etc). I just find this stuff an appalling reflection of the reality TV crowd now catered to by the media (i.e., entertainment industry).

    Flame away -- I have no interest in your blather (though I hope you can do better with the rhymes).

    s.... k....

    Ever listen to Mumford and Sons? Lyrics make absolutely no sense and yet they seem to convey something when combined with the music.

    You sound like a grumpy guy. I always find it funny when someone spends this much 'ink' flaming something this good. Just say you didn't get it, didn't move you, and move on.

    s.... k....

    ha ha ha ha....... ha ha ha ha ha, okay fren, Gillian Welch is one of the best around, and country music isn't about unique chord changes, but hey don't let the fact that you don't understand the genre get in the way of your impressively pretentious rant. A+

    s.... k....

    What an abject prick.

    s.... k....

    Wow! I'm going to be kind and assume you come from a safe and healthy place. Where people die in car accidents and heart attacks and diabetes. But for some of us it isn't like that. The part about the baby clothes is talking about the children that are left behind. Everyone has so much hope in the beginning but all too often it falls apart. I think you would benefit from really trying to understand what empathy is and kindness. These are the things that are going to help us all. Everyone is at risk, even you. All it would take is medical emergency that bankrupts your family. When you have nothing you have to run, hide or be a slave. Please try to be kinder to the people in your life and on YouTube.

    s.... k....

    I guess you could always rewrite the lyrics and melody, and send your improvements to Gillan and David with an invoice for your trouble. Otherwise just fuck off, hubristic tosser.

  71. M.... B....

    Song of the day 16/12/2016 } These things, they happen.

  72. G.... ....

    love it

  73. D.... ....

    Singing along with this song (specificly, the line "Everybody's buying little baby clothes"), I just gained an insight into how this music works so well. Dave Rawlings is a genius harmonizer because he thinks and tinkers on that front, and often ends up with a non-obvious outlyer note - one that most musicians might not even consider. (The strings he strikes at the outset of "Revelator are an indicator of his interest in the borderline between harmony and dissonance.) When the song is performed, then, those easier-to-get-to notes are available for the rest of us. And if that same guy can also play a complex and continuously inventive guitar line throughout the song - then there's really no need for a band.

    D.... ....

    Perfect words to my long lost ex. miss u. hate u. love u...

    D.... ....

    Dreamwell &the congregation exclaimed AMEN!

    D.... ....

    cool observation

    D.... ....

    they are a 2 person grateful dead, she played bass and drums in college, and he is master of the rest, as DR has said, he created his style FOR gillian, he plays otherwise with other folks. they are prog folk for sure. always alive and intelligent.

    D.... ....

    Some Jimmy page in Dave Rawlings. Nice summery.

  74. S.... R....

    This music is just thrilling!

  75. T.... B....

    "She was busted, broke & flat, had to sell that pussy cat"

    T.... B....

    That's the way that it ends.

  76. L.... ....

    I literally typed in 'Good Folk Albums' on Google. Now I'm here.

    L.... ....

    Late_Bloc_Party same!

    L.... ....

    You got lucky or was it an algorithm? Doesn't matter. It's a beautiful song. Welcome

    L.... ....

    Welcome home son.

  77. T.... T....

    χριστινα, εχει τα λογια..

  78. C.... P....

    Becky Johnson bought the farm
    Put a needle in her arm
    That's the way that it goes
    that's the way.

    And her brother laid her her down
    In the cold Kentucky ground
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when she and I were friends.

    Well, Miranda ran away,
    Took her cat and left LA
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    She was busted, broke and flat,
    Had to sell that pussycat,
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Thought there was a time when he and I were friends

    See the brightest ones of all,
    Early in October fall
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way.

    While the dark ones go to bed
    With good whiskey in their heads
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    C.... P....

    Now Bill Joe's back in the tank,
    You tell Russo I'll tell frank,
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way.

    Did he throw her down a well?
    Did she leave him for that swell?
    That's the way that it goes that's the way.

    That's the way that it goes,
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes,
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when all of us were friends

    When you lay me down to rest,
    Put a pistol in my vest
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way.

    Do you miss my gentle touch?
    Did I hurt you very much?
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way.

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes,
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when you and I were friends.

    C.... P....

    The lyric is "You tell Musso I'll tell Frank". Refers to a Hollywood bar and grill that is now almost 100 years old and had lots of movie types hanging out in the old days.

  79. K.... M....

    Very Ode to Billy Joe

  80. C.... ....

    tremenda!! gillian u're such a beauty! ♥ lov from Argentina.

  81. h.... ....

    me encanta

  82. M.... G....

    Thanks Anto - Daniele for uploading this . I HAVE BOUGHT the Album and will no doubt buy more from this great artist couple.
    You tube provides access to music - ultimately if someone likes it enough - it is right that s/he should BUY a copy - to support the original artist/s. Cheers

  83. E.... W....

    You know its a hit when Phish covers the song and doesn't change a lick.

  84. M.... M....

    [A] AS_AS

  85. J.... N....

    Phish's performance of this song introduced me to this wonderful song.

    J.... N....

    I'd love to hear that. I'm going to look it up. Thanks!

  86. w.... f....

    heard this on Prairie Home. Stark lyrics. Ring of truth. Refreshing and reminds me of "Me and My Uncle"

  87. D.... D....

    Thanks, I had not heard this.

  88. C.... S....

    Becky Johnson bought the farm
    Put a needle in her arm
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    And her brother laid her down
    In the cold Kentucky ground
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when she and I were friends

    Well, Miranda ran away
    Took her cat and left LA
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    She was busted, broke and flat
    Had to sell that pussy cat
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when he and I were friends

    See the brightest ones of all
    Early in October fall
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    While the dark ones go to bed
    With good whiskey in their head
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
    You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Did he throw her down a well?
    Did she leave him for that swell?
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when all of us were friends

    When you lay me down to rest
    Leave a pistol in my vest
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    Do you miss my gentle touch?
    Did I hurt you very much?
    That's the way that it goes
    That's the way

    That's the way that it goes
    Everybody's buying little baby clothes
    That's the way that it ends
    Though there was a time when you and I were friends

    C.... S....

    I believe the line is "You tell Musso, I'll tell Frank" it's in reference to the old watering hole/restaurant on Hollywood Blvd in LA, Musso & Frank's

  89. S.... T....

    another classic by this once in a generation artist

  90. C.... N....

    Great song. Gillian must of got the inspiration from Eyes on the Prize.

    C.... N....

    Good call.

    C.... N....

    + Chris Nauman - Which Eyes on the Prize are we talking about? Sounds like something I'd love

  91. B.... G....

    Addictive

  92. P.... F....

    l love it , its magic song

  93. A.... K....

    is that Sweet Dee Reynolds and Robert De Niro?

    A.... K....

    lmao, you win

    A.... K....

    Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..That's some seriously funny truth

  94. M.... W....

    the best thing for a long while, why is it so rare

  95. P.... G....

    Love this tune, in fact the whole album is a bit of a masterpiece.

    P.... G....

    +Paul Galbally Mark of master album: many listens and many favourite tracks (alternating)

    P.... G....

    +Paul Galbally Agree! This song first, Tennessee next. Then .. the rest. WILL buy more albums by this great couple. I KNOW Gillian is the main voice and write ... however, David harmonises and blends beautifully, with both voice and guitar.

  96. J.... S....

    love this one  love the harmonies  not sure about the line about the baby clothes

    J.... S....

    +Joanne Schrynemakers could be wrong but i think it's a fatalist outlook on life. each verse tells a story about a person who has great troubles and then the line in the chorus about baby clothes speaks to the fact that people are born into the viscous cycle every day.

    J.... S....

    the viscous cycle. Doing laundry? LOL.

  97. t.... t....

    just wonderful

    t.... t....

    yes a wonder

  98. K.... M....

    j'adore

  99. r.... r....

    The first track I heard of hers was Miss Ohio. She rarely disappoints, and when she does she errs right.

    r.... r....

    @Ryan Riehl
    well said