You’ve heard that riff. It’s snappy. It feels like a sunny day in 1986. Honestly, if you grew up near a radio or spent any time watching The Color of Money, it's in the way that you use it is a phrase—and a melody—that’s probably burned into your brain. But here’s the thing: most people just think of it as a catchy car commercial song or a relic of the mid-80s "slick" production era.
They’re wrong.
The track is actually a masterclass in how a legendary blues guitarist reinvented himself without losing his soul. Eric Clapton wasn't exactly in a "blues" headspace in 1986. He was working with Robbie Robertson (of The Band fame) and dealing with the massive pressure of soundtracking a Martin Scorsese film. This wasn't just another album filler; it was a pivot point.
The Story Behind the Song
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. In 1986, Eric Clapton released the album August. It was a weird time for him. He was leaning heavily into the "Phil Collins sound"—lots of gated reverb on the drums, heavy synthesizers, and those bright, piercing horn sections.
"It's In The Way That You Use It" was co-written by Robbie Robertson. If you know Robertson’s work, you know he’s obsessed with the intersection of Americana and film. He was the music supervisor for The Color of Money, the sequel to The Hustler starring Paul Newman and a very young Tom Cruise.
The song wasn't just a vibe. It was a literal commentary on the movie’s theme: the art of the hustle.
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In the film, Newman’s character, "Fast Eddie" Felson, is teaching Cruise’s Vincent Lauria that talent is nothing without the right application. It’s about the "use" of the gift. Clapton and Robertson took that concept—essentially a lesson in pool-sharking and ego—and turned it into a pop-rock anthem. It’s kinda brilliant when you think about it. The lyrics aren’t just about romantic relationships or generic life advice; they are a direct nod to the psychology of the game.
Why the Riff Works
Technically, the song is a bit of a departure for Clapton. Usually, he’s the king of the "Slowhand" blues lick, but here, the guitar work is rhythmic and almost mechanical in its precision.
He uses a Fender Stratocaster (likely his famous "Blackie" or an early signature model) with a heavy amount of chorus and compression. This was the 80s, after all. You couldn't just play a dry blues lick. You had to make it shine.
The hook—that descending line—is incredibly simple. That’s why it works. Most songwriters try to overcomplicate the "meaning" of a song, but Clapton and Robertson knew that for a movie about precision and cool, the music had to be tight. No wasted notes. Every single strum serves the groove. It’s ironic, really. A song titled it's in the way that you use it is a perfect example of how to use a simple three-chord structure to dominate the Billboard Mainstream Rock tracks (where it hit number one).
The Color of Money Connection
We have to talk about Scorsese. He doesn't pick music by accident.
When you watch the montage in The Color of Money where Vincent (Cruise) is cleaning up at the pool table, the song acts as a metronome for his arrogance. Scorsese needed something that felt modern but had pedigree. Clapton provided that.
It’s interesting to note that the song actually appeared in the movie before it was even released on Clapton’s album. This created a weird sort of "pre-hype" that we didn't see much back then. People went to the theater, heard this killer track, and then had to wait to buy the record.
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Release Year: 1986
- Key Scene: The pool hall hustle montage
- The Result: A Top 40 hit that defined a decade of "yuppie" cinema
But there's a deeper layer. Clapton was struggling with sobriety and his own legacy during this period. Working with Robertson—someone who understood the weight of being a "guitar god" in a changing world—was catalytic. Robertson didn't want Clapton to just play the blues; he wanted him to be a pop star who could still rip.
The Production Controversy
A lot of purists hate this era of Clapton’s career. They call it "the gin and tonic years" or the "corporate rock" phase. Honestly? I think that’s a bit harsh.
Yes, the production on it's in the way that you use it is very "1986." The drums are loud. The synths are sparkly. But listen to the solo.
Clapton’s phrasing is still there. He’s playing with a level of restraint that most 80s shredders couldn't dream of. He isn't trying to outplay Van Halen. He’s trying to serve the song.
The track was produced by Tom Dowd, a legendary figure who worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Dowd knew how to balance Clapton’s natural blues tendencies with the commercial demands of the 1980s. The result is a song that sounds expensive. It sounds like a sleek European car driving down a highway at night.
Breaking Down the Lyrics
It's in the way that you use it / It comes and it goes / It's in the way that you use it / Boy, don't you know.
Simple? Yes. Repetitive? Sure.
But it hits on a universal truth that applies to more than just pool or music. It’s about agency. The song suggests that the "tools" we have (talent, money, love) are neutral. They only take on value based on the "way that you use" them. For a man like Clapton, who had spent years using his "tools" in ways that were often self-destructive, these lyrics feel like a bit of a self-admonishment.
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It’s about intentionality.
Legacy and Pop Culture
The song didn't just stay in the 80s. It’s become a shorthand for "competence" in media.
Whenever a movie wants to show a character who is suddenly getting their act together or performing a task with high-level skill, this track (or something that sounds just like it) pops up. It’s the ultimate "competence porn" anthem.
And let’s be real: the title has become a bit of a cliché. You’ve probably heard people say "it’s in the way that you use it" regarding everything from software tools to kitchen knives. That’s the power of a Robertson/Clapton collab. They took a common sentiment and turned it into a permanent part of the English lexicon.
It’s also worth noting the chart performance. While it hit #1 on the Rock charts, it didn't quite reach those heights on the Hot 100. Why? Probably because it was too "rock" for the synth-pop crowd and too "pop" for the rock crowd. It sat in that middle ground that Scorsese loves—the place where "cool" lives.
Real Talk: Is it Clapton’s Best?
Look, it’s no "Layla." It’s not "Crossroads."
If you’re looking for raw, bleeding-heart blues, this isn't the track for you. But if you want to understand the evolution of a legend, you have to look at this song. It shows a man who survived the 70s and was learning how to navigate a world that was moving toward MTV and slicker-than-slick production.
Clapton’s ability to remain relevant in 1986, while his peers were often relegated to the "oldies" bin, is largely due to tracks like this. He proved he could play the game. He proved he knew the "way to use" the industry to stay on top.
How to Apply the Philosophy Today
There’s actually a practical takeaway here. We live in an era where everyone has the same tools. You have the same smartphone as a billionaire. You have the same access to AI as a Fortune 500 company.
The differentiator is no longer what you have; it’s the "way that you use it."
Clapton had a guitar. Thousands of people had that same guitar. But his specific touch—the way he vibratoed a note, the way he chose when not to play—that’s what made it a hit.
In your own work, whether you’re a coder, a writer, or a pool player, the lesson holds up.
- Focus on the application: Don't just collect skills; learn how to deploy them at the right moment.
- Simplicity is a weapon: You don't need a 10-minute solo to make a point. Sometimes, a four-note hook is more powerful.
- Adapt to the environment: Clapton didn't fight the 80s; he used the 80s to his advantage.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Fans and Creatives
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this era or apply this "minimalist-but-effective" mindset, here’s how to do it.
1. Study the Robbie Robertson Production Style
Check out Robertson’s self-titled 1987 album. You’ll hear a lot of the same atmospheric, moody rock that defines it's in the way that you use it. It helps you understand that "slick" doesn't have to mean "soulless."
2. Watch The Color of Money Again
Don't just watch it for the story. Watch it for the rhythm. Notice how the music kicks in exactly when Cruise’s character gains confidence. It’s a lesson in how audio and visual elements can amplify a single theme.
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3. Practice the "Clapton Constraint"
The next time you’re working on a project, try to do it with 50% fewer "parts." If you’re a designer, use fewer colors. If you’re a writer, use shorter sentences. See if you can make the "use" of those few elements more impactful than a cluttered mess.
4. Explore the August Album
Don't just stop at the hit. Listen to "Tearing Us Apart" (the duet with Tina Turner). It gives you a broader context of what Clapton was trying to achieve during this mid-80s rebirth. It was all about energy, polish, and power.
The song is a reminder that talent is just a starting point. The real magic happens in the execution. Whether you're at a pool table or in a boardroom, the mantra remains the same. It's not about the gear; it's about the touch.