Better Days Lyrics

Better Days by Zach Bryan featuring John Mayer

• Artist: Zach Bryan
• Album: The Great American Bar Scene
• Track Number: 13
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Producers: Zach Bryan, John Mayer, DEYO, Monsune
• Label: Belting Bronco Records, Warner Records

Annotations and Meaning

Zach Bryan's "Better Days" (with John Mayer) is a deep study of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. The song combines contemplative words with melodious instrumentation, resulting in a compelling anthem for conquering life's obstacles. Bryan encourages listeners to remain positive and patient, promising them that good times will return. The picture of touching skin and better days continually coming back emphasizes cyclical renewal and the value of human connections. In the second verse, the image of life as a boat moving in waves represents the ups and downs that everyone goes through. The idea of hearing laughter and blunders on the radio shows nostalgic thoughts about previous relationships. Bryan's admission of not being loved well as a child adds a dimension of vulnerability and personal history to his current yearning for more stable times. The chorus, sung by Bryan and Mayer, highlights the continual process of self-discovery and the value of endurance. The phrase "there's a fire burnin' in the back forty" refers to a continuous desire or passion. The chorus also emphasizes the exhaustion of feeling lost and the resolve to discover better days. The third stanza begins with advise offered to Bryan regarding rough times, followed by romantic imagery of a blue guitar, a city bar, and a streetlight kiss. These sentences convey a desire for understanding and affection. The knowledge that working hard can occasionally result in burnout reflects the anguish of unmet expectations. The chorus is repeated to emphasize the core themes of resilience and the desire for better days. An instrumental break allows the listener to absorb the song's emotional weight before to the final chorus, which underlines the importance of remaining true to oneself in the face of external pressures.

Lyrical Analysis

The words to Better Days are full of emotional depth and beautiful imagery. The first verse's invitation to listen to the sounds and find solace in human connection establishes a comfortable and optimistic tone. The refrain "better days always come back again" appears repeatedly throughout the song. In the second verse, the metaphor of life's waves depicts the erratic essence of existence. Bryan's current mental state is contextualized by his nostalgic musings on prior relationships and personal challenges. The confession of childhood neglect adds a dimension of sensitivity, heightening the hope for brighter days. The chorus's powerful message of self-discovery and persistence reinforces the song's major theme. The fire in the back forty represents an unwavering desire or drive, but the effort to comprehend oneself emphasizes the universal quest for identity and purpose. The third verse's love imagery and guidance on harsh times add to the narrative's richness. The blue guitar, city bar, and streetlight kiss elicit feelings of longing and nostalgia, but the admission of being burned by striving too hard portrays the sorrow of disappointment. Better Days is a powerful hymn for anyone experiencing life's trials, with its repeating chorus and final instrumental break reinforcing the message of optimism and resilience.

Technical information

Zach Bryan, John Mayer, DEYO, and Monsune developed Better Days, which combines country, Americana, and Red Dirt influences. The instrumentation features guitars, pedal steel guitar, bass, drums, and piano, resulting in a rich, layered sound that matches the song's reflective lyrics. Bryan and Mayer's emotional vocals and passionate delivery in Better Days create a moving reflection on resilience and hope. Their participation adds depth and authenticity to the song, resulting in a riveting study of personal and shared experiences.