Fastball - The Way (1998) HQ

It certainly appeared as though it was going to be smooth sailing for pop rock in the 21st Century when this song became a major hit in 1998. Power pop had not sounded this good in over 20 years.

The original idea for "The Way" was based on an actual event in July 1997, the song was modified and made into a romance and a mystery, one without any apparent resolution. The nuts and bolts are much more detailed than that, but I feel getting into the event of '97 or an explanation of what aspects of it were changed and what the song ultimately evolved into as a result will literally take all the heart and soul right out of it.

The story is modern mythic; the stuff that legends are created from. One can not have a 'concept of wonder' if the 'wonder' is explained. Thus, I feel the lyrics and my visual interpretation, which essentially conforms to the lyrics, do much more justice to this song without adding any detailed write-up.

The single was released from the Fastball album All the Pain Money Can Buy in February 1998. It peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in April 1998 and remained there for seven weeks. The song also reached #1 in Canada and at #21 in the UK.