Joe Simon, It Be’s That Way Sometimes | Throwback Vibez

In the 203^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “It Be’s That Way Sometimes” by Joe Simon.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 203rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “It Be’s That Way Sometimes” performed by Joe Simon.

Of course, Joe Simon (1936 – 2021), of course! He continues singing in “It Be’s That Way Sometimes”, “And have you ever hear something funny / It was so funny, but you just couldn’t laugh?” Yes… I think… Regardless, the Grammy-winning soul singer makes his point loud and clear with the title of the third track from his 1975 album, Get Down. The album is most renowned for Simon’s only top 10 hit, the irresistible opener, “Get Down, Get Down”, but “It Be’s That Way Sometimes” is a bolder, more challenging listen (in the best way possible). “Sometimes” was written by Phillip Mitchell (Prince Phillip Mitchell, b. 1944) and produced by Simon and Raeford Gerald.

Oh, my! “It Be’s That Way Sometimes” commences enigmatically, in a boisterous, unsettling fashion. The first time I heard it, I asked, Why does it sound like this?  The answer is simple. “Sometimes” segues from Get Down’s second track, “Fire Burning”. Out of context, the beginning sounds wild.  Soon enough, a futuristic, rhythmic, spacey vibe is established that remains adventurous and left of center. It blends electronic instruments and orchestral sounds, specifically, French Horns. The musical accompaniment cooks, eventually landing closer to Earth. The sound palette is striking, featuring instrumentation that includes keyboards, organ, guitar, bass, drums, brass, and strings.

Psychedelic and progressive soul is firmly planted in “It Be’s That Way Sometimes.” That is part of its charm.  Joe Simon doesn’t sing traditionally initially. Instead, he delivers a unique, personality-filled spoken word performance during the first verse. His alluring talk-sung performance, coupled with a colorful, thrilling instrumental, continues to make “Sometimes” among the most captivating songs in his catalog.

“And after dinner, she said, ‘I’m gonna have to leave you now.’

I said, ‘Do you mean to tell me I just spent 15 or 16 dollars

And you gonna leave me, and ain’t gonna do nothing?’

Do you know what that dirty woman said?

Put her hand on her hip, looked at me, and said:

‘I knew all the time what you had on your mind

But Joe Simon, it be’s that way sometimes.’”

Perhaps it’s confusing and unexpected, but eventually, Simon begins singing soulfully (in the second verse), and everything locks in. His commanding, dramatic, expressive, gritty, nuanced, and powerful performance stands out and speaks volumes about the consummate, versatile musician he was.  The melodies, once things lock in, are stunning and tuneful.  The chorus is the crème de la crème; you won’t forget it upon hearing it.

“Oh, it be’s that way sometimes

Hey, It be’s that way sometimes.”  

All told, Mr. Simon delivers some utterly gorgeous, progressive soul music. He has many hits that earn much more attention than “It Be’s That Way Sometimes” could ever hope to, but this song is special. Fun fact: “Magic Stick”, the Grammy-nominated rap song by Lil’ Kim featuring 50 Cent sampled “It Be’s That Way Sometimes.”

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Joe Simon » Get Down » Ace » 1975

Joe Simon, It Be’s That Way Sometimes: Throwback Vibez No. 203 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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