Better

Cody Fry's song "Better" delves into the complex emotions that arise when one is confronted with the possibility of a profound and transformative love. The lyrics reveal a narrator who is caught in a whirlwind of conflicting feelings, oscillating between love and hate, fear and hope. The opening lines, "You were all I ever wanted / All I ever thought I'd need," set the stage for a relationship that holds immense potential but is fraught with uncertainty and doubt. The narrator's decision to break things off before they even began suggests a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and the unknown.

The recurring theme of being "terrified that you'll love me better / Than anyone else" highlights the narrator's internal struggle. This fear of being loved deeply and genuinely is juxtaposed with the fear of being hurt or deceived, as seen in the lines, "Are you here to save my life? / Or the devil in disguise?" The metaphor of the devil in disguise underscores the anxiety that true love might come with hidden dangers or betrayals. The narrator's paralysis, caused by the intensity of the other person's gaze, symbolizes the overwhelming power of love to both heal and harm.

Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with the idea of letting someone in, despite the risks involved. The imagery of trying to keep the person on the outside but feeling them "underneath my skin" speaks to the inevitability of love's intrusion into one's life. The dimming lights further emphasize the sense of losing control and being enveloped by the emotions that come with deep connection. Ultimately, "Better" captures the essence of the human experience of love—its ability to terrify and transform, to paralyze and liberate.