A Better Man
Clint Black Lyrics
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Don't know if I should say anything at all
One day we're rollin' in the clover
Next thing, you know, we take the fall
Still, I think about the years since I first met you
And the way it might have been without you here
I don't know if words from me can still upset you
I know I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before, now I think I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
Guess, I always knew I couldn't hold you
But I'd never be the one to set you free
Just like some old nursery rhyme your Mama told you
You still believe in some old, 'Meant to be'
Still, I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before, now I think I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
Yes, I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before, now I know I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Yes, I'm leavin' here a better man
In Clint Black's song "A Better Man", the singer reflects on the end of a relationship and grapples with what to say in the aftermath. He acknowledges that despite the pain of the breakup, he's grown and learned from the experience of being with his partner. The chorus emphasizes this point, with the singer repeatedly singing, "I'm leavin' here a better man for knowin' you this way / Things I couldn't do before, now I think I can." While he may not have been able to keep this person in his life, he's grateful for the time they had together and how it's helped him grow into a more capable and mature person.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of fate and meant-to-be love. The lines "Guess, I always knew I couldn't hold you / But I'd never be the one to set you free / Just like some old nursery rhyme your Mama told you / You still believe in some old, 'Meant to be'" suggest that the singer recognized that the relationship might not have been sustainable, but he still held on to the hope that they were meant to be together. Ultimately, though, the breakup has led him to a place of acceptance and growth.
Overall, "A Better Man" is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship and the ways in which heartbreak can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you say when it's over?
I am not sure if I should speak now or remain silent when our relationship ends?
Don't know if I should say anything at all
I am conflicted about whether to express my feelings or hold them in.
One day we're rollin' in the clover
At one point in this relationship, everything was going incredibly well, and we were happy.
Next thing, you know, we take the fall
Suddenly, something went wrong, and our relationship fell apart.
Still, I think about the years since I first met you
Although we are no longer together, I still reflect on the time we spent together.
And the way it might have been without you here
I wonder how my life would have turned out if we had never met.
I don't know if words from me can still upset you
I am uncertain if anything I say now could still hurt or affect you.
But I've just gotta make this memory stand clear
Even so, I feel the need to express my thoughts and speak my mind to clear up any memories and emotions for myself.
I know I'm leavin' here a better man
Despite everything, I feel that I have become a better person and grown from our relationship.
For knowin' you this way
I am grateful for having known you and learning from our experiences together.
Things I couldn't do before, now I think I can
I have learned and grown from our relationship in ways that have made me a better person and capable of more than before.
And I'm leavin' here a better man
In the end, I am leaving this relationship and moving on as a better person than when we first started.
Guess I always knew I couldn't hold you
Deep down, I always knew that our relationship was not meant to last forever.
But I'd never be the one to set you free
Even though I knew we were not right for each other, I was not the one who ended things.
Just like some old nursery rhyme your Mama told you
Like an old tale passed down from generations, you still believe that some things are just 'meant to be.'
You still believe in some old, 'Meant to be'
You hold onto the idea that certain things are destined to be a certain way, despite what has happened between us.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Clint Patrick Black, James Hayden Nicholas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NitoDa DonGamo
What do you say when it's over?
I don't know if I should say anything at all
One day we're rollin' in the clover
Next thing, you know, we take the fall
Still, I think about the years since I first met you
And the way it might have been without you here
I don't know if words from me can still upset you
But I've just gotta make this memory stand clear
I know I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before now I think I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
I guess, I always knew I couldn't hold you
But I'd never be the one to set you free
Just like some old nursery rhyme your Mama told you
You still believe in some old, 'Meant to be'
Still, I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before now I think I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
Yes, I'm leavin' here a better man
For knowin' you this way
Things I couldn't do before now I know I can
And I'm leavin' here a better man
(Ooo ooo ooo)
Yes, I'm leavin' here a better man
Kathy Dyer
Clint has one of the finest voices I have ever heard. He has the character and manliness to go with his talent.
Stacey Chutskoff
Yess!
Usher
Thanks for your support ❤️
Bethany Kitts
Clint's a man's man for sure
Chandler Gaming
This is a man's song go listen to your romance songs
Mike Cox
Clint Black is not only a superb songwriter and lyricist, he is a role model to emulate. I have never heard even a rumor of scandal regarding his professional or personal life, and he serves as an example for being a loving husband and father. Congratulations Clint and thank you! Your music and character will live on.
stonegateaccent
He's aesome but he did father a child from a one-night stand with the mother. His daughter, Chelsea Bain, is a singer, like her Dad.
jack frick
@Dan Steding - Mr Cow Music
That is awesome!!!
Dan Steding - Mr Cow Music
Our son opened for Clint about 10 years ago and said he’s a wonderful/ down to earth guy who was “as interested in me and my career” as he was in his own!
Stacey Chutskoff
Yess! Cheers