Better Off
Cross Check Lyrics


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I am selfish when I need you
I am the blister inside of the wall in the back of your room

Watch the sea turn away from the shore
And head back out the way that it came
If you were chasing your love you wanted enough
Then it's best just to walk away
Tell yourself your pride is just the same
Trying not to count the days 'til mine gets washed away
Carry your head up along the way

You'll say you had the courage and it got to the hero
Even when they're on your side
Let's watch the middle finger wave 'til it's all gone

I am selfish when I need you
I am the blister inside of the wall in the back of your room
I am the envy of what you're afraid to write
And that's fine

Seems to me like everyone around here is just waiting
I don't wanna move cause it's just enough
I don't wanna blink cause I might miss it
Tell me when it gets to be too much
Carry your head up along the way

You'll say you had the courage and it got to the hero
You tell me but he's on your side
We'll watch the middle fade away 'til it's all gone

I am selfish when I need you
I am the blister inside of the wall in the back of your room
I am the envy of what you're afraid to write
And that's fine

All we need is a place we can be alone
Just with you and with me
And without all this desperate weight that I have
All I want is to just be honest
You're the peace that I just found out I'm into
And I don't see you anymore

I am selfish when I need you
I am the blister inside of the wall in the back of your room
I am the envy of what you're afraid to write
And that's fine

You had the courage and it got to the hero
And everybody's on your side




We'll watch the middle fade away 'til it's all gone
I just want to waste your time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cross Check's song "Better Off" tell a story of a person who is struggling with their own selfishness and their desire for love and acceptance. The first verse speaks to this selfishness, where the singer admits that he is only concerned with himself when he needs the other person. He compares himself to a blister inside of a wall, a painful and hidden wound that only makes itself known when it is causing discomfort.


The second verse talks about the futility of chasing after love that isn't there. The sea turning away from the shore is a metaphor for the way love can sometimes disappear just as quickly as it arrived. The singer advises that it is best to walk away rather than continue to chase after something that will never be returned. The chorus repeats the idea that the singer is selfish, but also envies the other person's ability to write about their emotions with honesty.


The third verse speaks to the desire for a place of peace and honesty, where the weight of desperation doesn't exist. The singer longs to be honest and to find peace with the other person, but ultimately feels that this desire is unattainable. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's selfish nature and the envy they feel for the other person's ability to be honest.


Overall, the lyrics are a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties of being vulnerable with others. The metaphorical language throughout the song adds depth and nuance to the message, highlighting the pain and uncertainty that can accompany the search for love and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

I am selfish when I need you
I prioritize my needs over yours


I am the blister inside of the wall in the back of your room
I am a constant pain you can't ignore


Watch the sea turn away from the shore
Things will eventually drift apart


And head back out the way that it came
It's better to let go if it's not meant to be


If you were chasing your love you wanted enough
If you pursue something you want, but it's been difficult to obtain


Then it's best just to walk away
It's best to cut your losses and move on


Tell yourself your pride is just the same
Keep your dignity intact


Trying not to count the days 'til mine gets washed away
Trying not to let time drag on when it's time to move on


Carry your head up along the way
Keep your head high and push forward


You'll say you had the courage and it got to the hero
You'll want to be remembered for being brave


Even when they're on your side
Even if those around you support you


Let's watch the middle finger wave 'til it's all gone
Expressing frustration and giving up altogether


I am the envy of what you're afraid to write
I represent what you wish you could address in writing


Seems to me like everyone around here is just waiting
Feels like life is in a lull or a standstill


I don't wanna move cause it's just enough
Enjoying the current state of things for the time being


I don't wanna blink cause I might miss it
Worrying that time will pass too quickly and miss out


Tell me when it gets to be too much
Ask me to stop when it's overwhelming


All we need is a place we can be alone
Just the two of us with no outside distractions


Just with you and with me
An intimate setting with just two people


And without all this desperate weight that I have
Without the heavy emotional baggage


All I want is to just be honest
All I desire is to be truthful and sincere


You're the peace that I just found out I'm into
Realizing that being with you brings me comfort


And I don't see you anymore
Not seeing their lover or partner anymore for whatever reason


You had the courage and it got to the hero
Taking a risk and succeeding


And everybody's on your side
Everyone is supportive and rooting for you


We'll watch the middle fade away 'til it's all gone
The negativity will eventually dissipate


I just want to waste your time
I have no real intentions, just want to take up your time without purpose




Contributed by Lucas L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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