"The Thing Is" is a song by Gilbert O'Sullivan, a singer-songwriter from Ireland. The song follows a conversational style narrative where the protagonist shares various encounters and thoughts. In the first verse, the protagonist is approached by a man on the street who claims to know them. However, the protagonist doesn't recognize the man, emphasizing the disconnect between them. The second verse describes the protagonist driving their car and thinking they see a big bear, but it turns out to be a false perception. This showcases the protagonist's tendency to misinterpret things or be deceived by appearances. The mention of Hong Kong and Suzi Wong in the lyrics refers to the 1960s film "The World of Suzie Wong," set in Hong Kong. The protagonist admits to having seen the film but remains indifferent towards it, indicating a nonchalant attitude. In the third verse, the protagonist is sitting back when someone comes on the radio and greets them. The protagonist responds but reveals that they don't own a radio. However, they mention having a sister and brother in Crewe, suggesting a sense of familial connection despite not having a radio. The song concludes with the protagonist acknowledging that they don't have much else to offer at the moment but invites the listener to enjoy the music they provide. The final lines imply that there are both recent and previous songs by the artist, encouraging the listener to explore more of O'Sullivan's repertoire. Overall, the song "The Thing Is" captures the protagonist's experiences of encountering unfamiliar people, misperceptions, and the absence of certain possessions in their daily life. As with many of Gilbert O'Sullivan's songs, the lyrics contain a touch of whimsy and a conversational tone.
