Cusp Song of the Day: That’s the Way of the World

First in a series. Cusp Song of the Day spotlights a song from the book, providing chart history and background on its context in the story.

From Chapter 1: "That’s the Way of the World" by Earth, Wind and Fire. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. It was hard to limit tunes from EWF in the book; same with songs from Stevie Wonder and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. I never get tired of them, and many of those I love the most date to the early to mid '70s.

"That’s the Way of the World" makes its Cusp appearance on July 4, 1975 (a "special day"). It plays on a transistor radio during fireworks at Rye Playland, where Karen, the main character, works at a summer job. The lyrics set a tone: the world isn't a perfect place; it can turn a child's heart cold. But sorrowful days will fade if you stay young at heart and use your life to make a difference.

The single was released June 18, 1975 and reached number 12 on Billboard's pop chart.

Spoiler alert: another EWF song provides the soundtrack to the final scene in Cusp's sequel, which spans 1976-78.Yes, I have a lot to say about the '70s!