The Only Way

Tricky's song 'The Only Way' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and pain that accompanies separation and loss. The lyrics poignantly capture the repetitive cycle of heartache experienced every time a loved one departs. The recurring lines, 'Every time you go away, I feel the pain, I feel the same,' emphasize the relentless and unchanging nature of this sorrow. The metaphor of rain is used to symbolize the constant and pervasive sadness that engulfs the narrator whenever they are reminded of the person they miss.

The song also explores the paradoxical desire for the person to return, despite the pain they cause. The plea, 'Be my friend, come back again,' highlights the complexity of human relationships where love and hurt are intertwined. This duality is further emphasized by the lines, 'Every time I make you cry, it's like I die,' suggesting that the narrator is acutely aware of the pain they inflict, yet feels powerless to change the situation. The repeated assertion, 'This is the only way,' suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance that this painful cycle is inevitable.

Tricky's use of the term 'alien' to describe himself adds another layer to the song, indicating a feeling of being out of place or disconnected from the world. This alienation could be a result of the emotional numbness he experiences, as described in the lines, 'I can't feel, it's like I'm dead.' The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce the sense of inescapable despair and longing, making 'The Only Way' a powerful exploration of the complexities of love, loss, and emotional isolation.