Floyd, Buffx Parrot, Pat Deason and Glen Taylor started the Dicks in Austin in 1980. In 1983, Floyd relocated to San Francisco and, with new members Tim Carroll, Sebastian Fuchs, and Lynn Perko (formerly of all-women band The Wrecks), a second version of The Dicks began recording and playing. The group disbanded in 1986.
Gary Floyd then started the blues-rock band Sister Double Happiness in San Francisco in the late 1980s. After that band ended he formed and primarily played in Europe with The Gary Floyd Band; an overview of this material, Backdoor Preacher Man, is available in the United States. Toward the late 1990s, Floyd played in Black Kali Ma, who released an album on Alternative Tentacles.
In 2004 and 2005, Floyd played a series of reunion concerts with the original Dicks, with the exception of Glen Taylor, who had died in 1997. His role was filled by Brian Magee. At the Austin show, the band was joined in singing Wheelchair Epidemic by David Yow.
Austin's Butthole Surfers wrote a song about The Dicks bandleader called "Gary Floyd." Also, the hardcore band Limp Wrist, on their 2004 song The Ode, paid homage to Floyd and Randy Turner.
A Better Man
Gary Floyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down on my knees
Baby really wants it bad
And I really aim to please
Well, he's just out of boot camp
And now he's got the town tramp
And I know, baby's got to leave here
A better man
Well, my baby wears those flip-flops
And baby's got a flat top
Got the grease on the chin
Feelin' down round the finn
White honey's got the free flow
Roll it out of the elk-bone
And I know, baby's got to leave here
A better man
Everybody wants to put a hand on it
Chalkboard hard, complete with the devil's milk
Film this 'cause it may not happen no more
Don't forget the drops left on the floor
Well, I'm really goin' down
Down in the dirt
Feel the meat on the bone
Pray about it in church
Don't you grow out your flat top
Let me here you say pop
And I know, baby's gotta leave here
A better man
Well, I'm really goin' down
Down in the dirt
Baby really wants it bad
Baby really makes me work
And don't you grow out your flat top
Let me hear you say pop
And I know, baby's gotta leave here
A better man
The lyrics of "A Better Man" by Gary Floyd depict the struggle of a man who has fallen in love with a woman who is not good for him. He is willing to do whatever it takes to please her and keep her, including going down on his knees. The woman, who is referred to as "baby," is with someone who just finished boot camp and is known around town as the "town tramp." Despite this, the man remains hopeful that the woman will leave him and eventually come back to him as a "better man."
The lyrics also mention various descriptions of the woman, such as her wearing flip-flops, having a flat top hairstyle, and having grease on her chin. The reference to "white honey's got the free flow / Roll it out of the elk-bone" is likely a reference to drugs, suggesting that the woman may be involved in some kind of substance abuse.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of desperation and longing for a better life, as represented by the idea of becoming a "better man." This theme is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "baby's gotta leave here / A better man" throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm really goin' down
I am feeling low and defeated
Down on my knees
I am begging for mercy or forgiveness
Baby really wants it bad
My partner desires something deeply
And I really aim to please
I am willing to do whatever it takes to make my partner happy
Well, he's just out of boot camp
My partner is a new recruit in the military
And now he's got the town tramp
My partner is involved with someone promiscuous or unfaithful
And I know, baby's got to leave here
I understand that my partner cannot stay in this situation
A better man
My partner needs to improve themselves and their life
Well, my baby wears those flip-flops
My partner wears casual or comfortable footwear
And baby's got a flat top
My partner has a popular type of hairstyle
Got the grease on the chin
My partner has oil or dirt on their face
Feelin' down round the finn
My partner is feeling sad or discouraged
White honey's got the free flow
My partner is relaxed or carefree
Roll it out of the elk-bone
My partner is using a natural substance for inspiration or pleasure
Everybody wants to put a hand on it
People are attracted to my partner or what they have
Chalkboard hard, complete with the devil's milk
My partner is tough and resilient, but has flaws or temptations
Film this 'cause it may not happen no more
Capture this moment because it may not be repeated
Don't forget the drops left on the floor
Remember the details or remnants of what happened
Feel the meat on the bone
Experience the harsh reality of life
Pray about it in church
Seek guidance or consolation from a higher power
Let me here you say pop
Show enthusiasm or excitement
Baby really makes me work
My partner requires a lot of effort from me
And don't you grow out your flat top
Don't lose your individuality or conform to trends
And I know, baby's gotta leave here
I realize that my partner needs to move on
A better man
Leaving will help my partner improve their life and character
Contributed by Carson S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cindy Riley
Gary Floyd has such a great voice.
Always has.
He's been Mr Music since he was in his Garage Band Friends. My goodness. Am so thankful I was able to learn about good music from him then and his Awesome music Now.
What a gift he has shared.