The Haunting Truth: A Deep Dive into “Been Better” by Mitchell John Thompson and Thomas Walter Jordan
Navigating the cityscapes of our hearts and minds, the poignant lyrics of “Been Better” blend urban ennui with an acute sense of emotional loss. Songwriters Mitchell John Thompson and Thomas Walter Jordan, under the notable banner of Warner Chappell Music, Inc., capture the intoxicating blend of pain, nostalgia, and desperate escapism. Their words paint a haunting picture: the allure of neon lights and alcohol, juxtaposed against the stark realization that sometimes our best moments are locked firmly in the past.
“I’ve been doing laps ’round this city / Drinking ’til I’ve drunk one too many / Convincing all my friends out here with me / That I’ve never been better.” These lines serve as the anthem of a protagonist caught in a loop. There’s an unsettling juxtaposition of forced revelry, represented by the alcohol-induced laps around the city, with the empty assertion that things have “never been better.” The repetition of the phrase adds to the unsettling feel – as if the character is desperately trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
The song’s style is imbued with raw emotion, with lyrics that bleed vulnerability. It’s a tale of a person trying to fill the void left by a lost love, the never-ending cycle of seeking solace in the unfamiliar – a desperate attempt to find something, anything, that measures up. The admission, “And you’d hate that I’m looking for you in a stranger’s eyes” portrays the universal yearning to find traces of a past lover in new faces. The sentiment strikes a chord with anyone who’s tried to move on but finds pieces of the past in every new encounter.
Then comes the heartrending confession: “Baby, but the truth is nobody / Has ever been better than you.” A simple phrase, but it captures the essence of what the song is about – the irreplaceable nature of true love. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of city life and fleeting encounters, memories of genuine connection remain indelible.
Adding depth to the narrative is the vivid imagery of the polka dot, black and white spotted blanket. This detail not only symbolizes the past relationship but emphasizes its ghost-like presence in the present. The line, “This whole damn house is haunted” ties together the internal and external landscapes of pain and longing. The house isn’t just a structure but a metaphor for the mind, echoing with memories and what-ifs.
“Been Better” also masterfully showcases the façade that many put on when dealing with pain. “If you walked in here tonight / If you looked me in the eye / I would say I’m doing fine / That I’m alright, but that’s a lie.” Such honest introspection speaks to the masks we wear, hiding our brokenness even from those who might have been the cause.
In conclusion, Thompson and Jordan have gifted listeners a masterclass in lyrical storytelling with “Been Better.” It’s a song that delves deep into the psyche of those left behind, trying to move forward but constantly pulled back by memories and “what might have been.” It’s about the endless laps we all run, trying to find our way back to ourselves, even when the past, as seductive and haunting as it is, has slipped from our grasp. Simply put, while our protagonist may convince himself that he’s “never been better,” the raw truth is, sometimes the best moments are irreplaceable. And maybe, just maybe, that’s alright.
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