Meaning of So It Goes by Billy Joel

The Billy Joel song, "So It Goes," is a poignant exploration of the intricate emotions and vulnerabilities that arise in the realm of love and relationships. The overall theme of the song revolves around the complexities of human connections and the delicate balance between guarding oneself and opening up to another person. Joel beautifully captures the intricate dance between trust, fear, and self-preservation that often accompanies romantic relationships.One standout lyric in the song is, "In every heart, there is a room, a sanctuary safe and strong, to heal the wounds from lovers past until a new one comes along." This lyric speaks to the human tendency to carry emotional baggage from previous relationships. It highlights the importance of creating personal safe spaces within our hearts to heal and grow after being hurt, before opening ourselves up to love again. The theme that emerges from this lyric is the significance of self-care and emotional resilience in navigating the complexities of love.Another important lyric in the song is, "And still, I feel I said too much, my silence is my self-defense." This lyric delves into the fear and hesitation that can hinder vulnerability in relationships. It suggests that past experiences may cause individuals to hold back, fearing that their openness might lead to disappointment or heartache. The theme that arises from this lyric is the delicate balance between expressing oneself honestly and protecting one's heart.The chorus of the song also contains powerful lyrics that contribute to the overall theme. "And this is why my eyes are closed, it's just as well for all I've seen. And so it goes, and so it goes, and you're the only one who knows." These lines touch upon the idea of guardedness and the necessity of trust within intimate connections. The closed eyes symbolize the reluctance to see or acknowledge past hurts, while "and so it goes" emphasizes the inevitability of vulnerability. The theme that emerges is the importance of nurturing a deep connection built upon trust, where one feels safe enough to share their innermost selves.The final lyric worth exploring is, "But you can make decisions too, and you can have this heart to break." This line speaks to the vulnerability and surrender involved in giving someone the power to hurt us. It suggests that while we may choose to love someone, they also possess the ability to break our hearts. The theme that arises here is the realization that love requires both courage and acceptance of the potential for heartbreak.In conclusion, Billy Joel's "So It Goes" intricately weaves together a tapestry of emotions, vulnerabilities, and self-preservation in the context of love and relationships. Through various standout lyrics, the song explores themes such as self-care, the balance between openness and self-protection, trust, and surrender. Joel's poetic lyrics allow listeners to deeply reflect on the complexities and intricacies of human connections, ultimately urging us to navigate the delicate dance of love with awareness, resilience, and a willingness to both give and receive.