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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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.
