Story Behind The Song
Released in late 1987, “It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way” became the signature song of The Blow Monkeys and remains one of the defining British pop singles of the decade. Featured on the album She Was Only a Grocer’s Daughter, the song combined the band’s sophisticated blend of pop, soul and jazz influences with an elegant, seasonal atmosphere. Although often associated with Christmas because of its winter-themed music video and December release, its lyrics deal with relationships rather than the festive season itself.
Written by frontman Dr. Robert, the song is a heartfelt reflection on love, misunderstanding and reconciliation. Its message suggests that conflict and heartbreak need not be inevitable, offering hope that damaged relationships can still be repaired. Smooth vocals, tasteful keyboards, subtle brass flourishes and polished production combine to create a warm, timeless sound that perfectly complements the song’s emotional sincerity.
The success of “It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way” helped establish The Blow Monkeys as one of Britain’s most distinctive pop bands. While they enjoyed further success with singles such as “Digging Your Scene” and “Choice?”, this remains the recording most closely associated with the group. Today, it is widely regarded as a late-1980s classic, admired for its sophisticated songwriting, understated arrangement and enduring appeal. It continues to receive regular airplay every winter, introducing new listeners to the band’s unique and stylish sound.
The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK charts on 14th February 1987.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way (4:04) (Dr. Robert) Produced By Michael Baker |
| B-Side | Ask For More (1:16) (Dr. Robert) Produced By Michael Baker |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 31st January 1987 – 14th March 1987 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way (Single Version) (4:04)
It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way (Long) (6:07)
It Doesn’t Have To Dub That Way (6:27)
It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way (Instrumental Version) (4:43)
This Is The Way It Has To Be (6:05)
See ALL releases of ‘I Doesn’t Have To Be This Way’ on Discogs.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
It doesn’t have to be this way
Just counting the hours
‘Cause when your bed is made
Then, baby, it’s too late, yeah
There’s no hope for a hungry child
Whose joker is wild
They take all hope away
By the end of the day
Well, I just about had enough of the sunshine
Hey!
(Hey!)
What did I hear you say?
You know
It doesn’t have to be that way!
You!
(You!)
When you walk out the door
(You walk out the door)
You gotta ask for more
(You gotta ask for more)
You gotta ask for more
It doesn’t have to hurt that way
Just counting the pain
You’ve only got yourselves to blame
For playing the game
There’s no hope for a hungry child
(No wonder!)
Whose joker is wild
And they take all hope away
(No wonder!)
And I just can’t see the sense
And my mind’s a haze
(No wonder!)
Ooh, and I just about had enough of the sunshine
Hey!
(Hey!)
What did I hear you say?
You know
It doesn’t have to be that way!
You!
(You!)
When you walk out the door, baby
(You walk out the door)
You gotta ask for more
(You gotta ask for more)
From society
Take a tip from me now, yeah
Do you want it?
Do you want it?
Don’t you know that I got it, baby?
(If you want)
Do you want it?
Don’t you know I got it, baby?
Do you want it?
Do you want it?
Ooh, and I just about had enough of the sunshine
Hey!
(Hey!)
What did I hear you say?
(What did I hear you say?)
You know
It doesn’t have to be that way!
You!
When you walk out the door
(When you walk out that door)
Ooh, you better ask for more
Baby, baby, baby
Hey!
(Hey!)
What did I hear you say?
You know
It doesn’t have to be that way
You!
When you walk out the door, baby
You gotta ask for more
(You gotta ask for more)
You gotta ask for more
I said hey, oh-oh
(Hey!)
What did I hear you say?
You know
It doesn’t have to be that way
You!
When you walk out the door, baby
(You walk out the door)
You gotta ask for more
(You gotta ask for more)
You gotta ask for more
For more
Written By Dr. Robert
PROMO ADVERT
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