A song from the point of view of a parent, perhaps intended to be strict, or perhaps the song was intended to reflect how children will oftentimes feel like they’re always being told what to do – “do this, do that”
[Intro]
(Do this, do that, do this, do that)
[Verse 1]
Go and speak
(Do this)
To your niece
(Do that)
Kiss your aunt
(Do this)
On the cheek
(Do that)
Don't talk back
(Do this)
Now run along
(Do that)
It's gone eight
(Do this)
Say goodnight
(Do that)
[Chorus]
That is the way that it's done
That is the way that it's done
That is the way that it's done
Boy and girl, girl and boy
This is how you do it
And who am I to reason why?
(Do this, do that, do this, do that)
[Verse 2]
Wear a shirt
(Do this)
Wear a tie
(Do that)
You look smart
(Do this)
In a suit
(Do that)
Use your fork
(Do this)
On the left
(Do that)
Straighten up
(Do this)
Shoulders back
(Do that)
[Chorus]
That is the way that it's done
That is the way that it's done
That is the way that it's done
Boy and girl, girl and boy
This is how you do it
And who am I to reason why?
[Flugelhorn solo]
That Is the Way was written by Colin Moulding.
That Is the Way was produced by Steve Lillywhite.
XTC released That Is the Way on Fri Aug 17 1979.