Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
A reflective and soulful song that explores themes of nostalgia and memory.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: nostalgic, reflective
Traditions: soul
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 5/10 is within the normal pop-mix band. There is variation between verse and chorus, but it's the kind of variation most listeners encounter routinely.
Sudden changes: none. Transitions are musically signaled — nothing will surprise you if you're only half-listening.
Texture: smooth.
Predictability is medium — conventional structure overall, with one or two moments that deviate from what you'd expect.
Vocal style: soft vocals.
Where this sits in Bill Withers's catalog
We have 20 songs from Bill Withers in the library. Of those, 7 are rated Safe, 12 Moderate, and 1 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 5/10 sits below the artist average of 5.8, making it the #20 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
Other tracks from Menagerie
We have 3 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans safe in sensory profile.
- Take Good Care of Yourself — safe DR 5
- Stories — moderate DR 6
1973 context
Released in 1973. We have 297 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.4/10. This track is quieter / less dynamic than the year average. Explore more from the 1970s.
Explore by mood and tradition
Why this rating
We rate this song Safe because its dynamic range stays within our low-variance band, there are no unsignaled changes, and the texture and vocal style are both in the low-fatigue range. Our methodology uses an AND rule for Safe — a song has to clear every dimension to earn the rating.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-17. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Memories Are That Way"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Memories Are That Way" by Bill Withers?
"Memories Are That Way" by Bill Withers rates as Low-Intensity. Dynamic range 5/10, no sudden changes, smooth texture. Our Low-Intensity rating means no single dimension triggers the higher-intensity thresholds.
How loud is "Memories Are That Way" — what is its dynamic range?
"Memories Are That Way" has a dynamic range of 5/10. Within normal pop-mix variation. Movement between verse and chorus but nothing dramatic.
Does "Memories Are That Way" have sudden or surprising changes?
No. "Memories Are That Way" has no sudden unsignaled changes. Every transition is musically telegraphed.
What is "Memories Are That Way" best for?
In our library "Memories Are That Way" is recommended for: deep listening, relaxation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Memories Are That Way" released?
"Memories Are That Way" is from 1973, on the album "Menagerie". It appears in our 1970s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Memories Are That Way"?
We tag "Memories Are That Way" as nostalgic, reflective. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Memories Are That Way"?
The vocal style is soft vocals.
Should I listen to "Memories Are That Way"?
If you want gentle, low-arousal music, "Memories Are That Way" is a solid pick — Low-Intensity across every sensory dimension.
Songs with the same DNA
smooth texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
What this song means to people
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