In 2004, Ciara released her debut studio album, Goodies. It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and garnered two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2006, Ciara released her second studio album, The Evolution, which reached number one in the U.S. and was certified platinum.
Ciara's third studio album, Fantasy Ride (2009) was less successful than her first two albums. However, it produced the international top-ten single "Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake)", which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The following year, Ciara released her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct, which included the R&B top-five single "Ride (feat. Ludacris)", but was met with low sales, continuing a downward trend in her commercial performance. Ciara signed a new record deal with Epic Records in 2011. In 2013, she released her fifth studio album, Ciara, which spawned the R&B top-ten single "Body Party". Her sixth album, Jackie (2015), included the singles "I Bet" and "Dance like We're Making Love". Her seventh album, Beauty Marks (2019), included the hit single "Level Up". Ciara's awards include three BET Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MOBO Awards and one Grammy Award. As of 2019, Ciara's worldwide sales total over 45 million.
In 2006, Ciara made her film debut in All You've Got, and later appeared in the films Mama, I Want to Sing! (2012) and That's My Boy (2012). In 2013, she had a recurring role in the US TV series, The Game. In 2016, Ciara signed a signed a modeling contract with IMG. That year, she became a Global Brand Ambassador for the cosmetics giant Revlon and she married quarterback Russell Wilson.
Better Thangs
Ciara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lately, I been living my life
I don't pay the hate no mind
Doing better things with my time, yeah
Elevated to a new height (height)
Never do the same thing twice (twice)
Putting all the lames on ice, yeah
I been sippin' on this drink
I ain't got no complaints
Cici in her own lane, eventually they come around
You can say I'm living the dream
Only winners on my team (uh-uh)
You ain't gotta check up on me
I got everything that I need
(I'm on)
Better things, better things
All new everything, better things, better things, yeah
Better things, better things
Ain't got time for petty things
I'm on better things, yeah
No, it ain't worth my time (no)
Stop calling my line
You don't even cross my mind
Now I'm on to better things
No, it ain't worth my time (no)
Stop calling my line
You don't even cross my mind
Now I'm on to better things
I got grace
Put a nigga right in his place
Ain't got nothing else to say
'Cause I know karma comes around
So I pray, never waste mental space
Or my energy on the things I can't control
Like, yeah, now, yeah, now, yeah, now
Never let my problem weigh down
And I got love from all directions
Turn away from all bad presence
Out of sight, out of mind
You won't ever ruin my vibe (vibe)
I keep raisin' my price, immune to the evil eye
On better things
Better things, better things
All new everything, better things, better things, yeah
Better things, better things
Ain't got time for petty things
I'm on better things, yeah
When you level up, they don't like that
See a fake friend what I call that
Say they still love you but its all cap
Don't even trip I just fall back
I been busy loving me
Protecting all my energy
I don't need your company
All I need is loyalty
I been sippin' on this drink (drink)
I ain't got no complaints ('plaints)
Cici in her own lane, eventually they come around
You can say I'm living the dream
Only winners on my team (uh-uh)
You ain't gotta check up on me
I got everything that I need (I'm on better things)
Better things, better things
All new everything
Better things, better things, yeah (everything new now, baby)
Better things, better things
Ain't got time for petty things
I'm on better things (oh-whoa)
Better things, better things
All new everything, better things, better things, yeah
Better things, better things
Ain't got time for petty things
I'm on better things, yeah (ah, oh-oh)
Better things, better things
All new everything, better things, better things, yeah
Better things, better things
Ain't got time for petty things
I'm on better things
The song "Better Things" by Ciara is an uplifting anthem about reaching new heights, letting go of negativity, and focusing on the positive things in life. In the opening lines, Ciara declares that she has been living her life and ignoring the hate that she receives. She then asserts that she is spending her time doing better things and has elevated to a new height. In the chorus, she repeatedly affirms that she is on to better things and only has time for positive pursuits.
The second verse focuses on the importance of self-love and protecting one's energy. Ciara states that she is loving herself and protecting her energy, and that she only needs loyalty in her life. She again highlights her success in the chorus, announcing that everything is new now and that she is on better things.
Overall, the song is a declaration of self-confidence and a call to focus on positive energy, to let go of negative influences, and to pursue one's dreams. Its upbeat, catchy melody and lyrics make it a feel-good tune that inspires listeners to aim for better things in their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately, I been living my life
Recently, I've been focused on myself and my own happiness
I don't pay the hate no mind
I don't let the negativity from others affect me
Doing better things with my time, yeah
I'm dedicating my time to positive and productive pursuits
Elevated to a new height (height)
I've reached a new level of success and accomplishment
Never do the same thing twice (twice)
I'm always striving to improve and try new things
Putting all the lames on ice, yeah
I'm distancing myself from negative and unproductive people
I been sippin' on this drink
I've been enjoying myself and taking time to relax
I ain't got no complaints
I'm content with my life and grateful for what I have
Cici in her own lane, eventually they come around
I'm focused on my own path and success, and others will come to recognize and respect that
You can say I'm living the dream
I'm living a fulfilling and successful life
Only winners on my team (uh-uh)
I surround myself with positive and successful people
You ain't gotta check up on me
I'm doing just fine and don't need anyone's validation
I got everything that I need
I'm content with the things I have in my life
No, it ain't worth my time (no)
I don't waste time on people or things that aren't worth it
Stop calling my line
I don't want to hear from negative or unproductive people
You don't even cross my mind
I'm not thinking about those who bring me down
Now I'm on to better things
I'm moving on to more positive and productive pursuits
I got grace
I handle situations with poise and maturity
Put a nigga right in his place
I stand up for myself and don't let others bring me down
Ain't got nothing else to say
I don't waste time on arguments or negativity
I know karma comes around
I believe in the concept of karma and treating others with kindness and respect
So I pray, never waste mental space
I focus my thoughts and energy on positive things
Or my energy on the things I can't control
I don't stress over things that are outside of my control
Like, yeah, now, yeah, now, yeah, now
I don't let things hold me back or stress me out
Never let my problem weigh down
I don't let problems or setbacks bring me down
And I got love from all directions
I receive love and support from all angles
Turn away from all bad presence
I distance myself from negative or unproductive people
Out of sight, out of mind
If something or someone isn't in my life, I don't dwell on it or them
You won't ever ruin my vibe (vibe)
I don't let anyone bring me down or ruin my positive attitude
I keep raisin' my price, immune to the evil eye
I continue to improve and succeed, and I don't let others bring me bad luck or negativity
When you level up, they don't like that
People may resent or be jealous of your success and progress
See a fake friend what I call that
I see through fake friends and don't associate with them
Say they still love you but its all cap
Some people may claim to care for you, but their actions show otherwise
Don't even trip I just fall back
I don't stress over or dwell on negative people or situations
I been busy loving me
I focus on self-care and self-love
Protecting all my energy
I don't let toxic people or situations drain my energy
I don't need your company
I don't rely on others for my own happiness or success
All I need is loyalty
I value loyalty and support from those around me
Better things, better things
I'm focused on positive and productive things in my life
All new everything
I'm embracing new experiences and opportunities
Ain't got time for petty things
I don't waste time on trivial or unimportant matters
I'm on better things
I'm moving forward and focusing on positive things in my life
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ayanna Nkeka Kai Abebi Christie, Ciara Princess Harris, Claudell Maurice Monsanto, Kasey Michael Phillips, Kevin Germaine Jr. Yancey, Summer Walker, Theron Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind