As Good As It Gets Lyrics

About “As Good As It Gets”

As Good As It Gets is a collaboration between Katie Gavin and Mitski, featured on Gavin’s album What A Relief. Released on October 25, 2024, the song explores the nuances of long-term relationships, confronting the idea that love may not always offer the emotional highs we expect. With a grounded and realistic perspective, the lyrics question whether stability and consistency in love are enough, even without the intense emotions often associated with passion. The refrain, “I think this is as good as it gets,” captures both a comforting acceptance and a subtle disappointment in the day-to-day realities of intimacy.

• Album: What A Relief
• Release Date: October 25, 2024
• Producer: Tony Berg
• Label: Saddest Factory Records & Dead Oceans
• Genres: Pop, Indie Pop
• Featuring: Mitski
• Written by: Katie Gavin

Song Meanings Explained.

As Good As It Gets is a reflective song about the complexities of love and relationships. Katie Gavin and Mitski deliver a nuanced narrative of two people coming to terms with the imperfections of love, accepting that even in healthy relationships, the excitement may fade and what remains is something more subtle and steady.

[Verse 1: Katie Gavin]

In the first verse, Katie expresses disappointment, both in herself and her relationship. She highlights the reality that even when things seem fine, there's a persistent sense of incompleteness. The lyrics "You only understand me / Eighty percent of our days" emphasize the idea that perfect understanding is unattainable, and that moments of emotional disconnect are natural.

[Chorus: Katie Gavin & Mitski]

The chorus is the emotional centerpiece of the song, where both artists sing, "I think this is as good as it gets." This line underscores the acceptance of the current state of their relationship, where stability replaces the intensity they once craved. The plea, "Pray to God that you think that it is enough," adds a layer of vulnerability, as they hope their partner feels the same contentment despite the absence of fiery passion.

[Verse 2: Mitski]

In the second verse, Mitski offers a contrasting perspective, expressing a desire for the imperfections in their relationship. She finds beauty in the mundane, painting a picture of domestic life where disappointments are an expected part of growing old together. This imagery of folding laundry and fixing a hose suggests that love in its simplest form can still be fulfilling.

[Chorus: Katie Gavin]

The chorus repeats, reinforcing the theme of acceptance. As the line is reiterated, it builds a sense of resigned comfort, where the singer acknowledges that this may indeed be the best their relationship can offer, and perhaps that's enough.

Song Theme.

The central theme of As Good As It Gets revolves around the acceptance of love’s imperfections. It explores the tension between the idealized, passionate love often depicted in media, and the real-life experience of long-term relationships, which can be more grounded and less intense. The song suggests that love, even when not thrilling, can still be valuable and worth holding onto.

Technical Analysis.

As Good As It Gets blends indie pop with a soft, introspective tone, making use of minimalistic production that complements the contemplative nature of the lyrics. The duet between Katie Gavin and Mitski adds emotional depth, their voices weaving together to convey both unity and individual reflection. The structure of the song, with its repetitive yet evolving chorus, mirrors the cyclical nature of the emotions explored in the song text—acceptance, disappointment, and comfort. The simple yet evocative imagery of daily life helps ground the track in a relatable reality, making it a poignant reflection on the complexity of love.