Nicole Atkins - The Way It Is
I first discovered New Jersey and Brooklyn native Nicole Atkins when she was on a dating show on WLIW - 21, a division of PBS. On the show, Nicole was paired with a fellow musician whose name I can’t remember. They did some exercises, went for a walk, and had dinner. Over dinner, Nicole revealed that she was into music and that the name of her band is Nicole Atkins and The Sea. The name intrigued me, which is how I remembered it a couple of years later, allowing me to see what Nicole was up to. Unfortunately, Nicole and the guy she was paired with wasn’t a match.
Years after my initial exposure to Nicole and looking her up again, I was pleased to find that she had gained some success. Her music appeared on television commercials and she performed in a number of late night shows on television, including The David Letterman Show. When I listened to her music, which I couldn’t when I first heard of her since she didn’t have much material at the time, I fell in love instantly and was able to see how she became so popular.
What makes Nicole’s music so special is her resounding voice, which has a natural, traditional sound to it, her introspective lyrics, and the way she weaves it all together seamlessly. One of my favorite songs from her is The Way It Is, coming from her album Neptune City. The song is about loving someone despite the fact that they aren’t good for you. It’s a theme covered countless times in music, but Nicole Atkins does it so well that it sounds novel. Enjoy.
Don’t tell me
My love’s not the one that I want
That he’s not the one that I need
I’d rather
Find out for myself
You’re the one
Who shakes at the touch of my hand
But can’t decide where he should stand
If I was smart
I’d never call you, call you
Ever again
Oh, in my ears
My blood is just roaring
When he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted
I suppose that’s just the way it is
Just think this could be
The last time I hold you, hold you
Ever again
Oh, I don’t think I’ll ever sleep till morning
Cause he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted
Oh, and in my ears
My blood is just roaring
Cause he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted
I suppose that’s just the way it is
-moises
