Better Days
Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics


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And you asked me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I need some place simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's ten million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
Tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now




'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls express a deep yearning for a better world. The opening lines, "And you asked me what I want this year, and I try to make this kind and clear" suggest that the singer has been asked about their wishes for the upcoming year, and their answer is simple and sincere. They don't desire material possessions like "boxes wrapped in strings and designer love and empty things," but rather hope for a chance for a better future.


The singer goes on to express a desire for simplicity and the importance of the intangible things in life like "faith and trust and peace." They mention the one child who saved the world, likely referring to Jesus Christ, and the millions of others who could also make a positive difference if only people would stop and pray for them.


The repeated lines "So take these words and sing out loud, 'Cause everyone is forgiven now, 'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again" suggest that the singer sees hope for a better world, and that forgiveness and starting anew are the first steps towards creating change. The song ends on a note of optimism, highlighting the potential for a better future that lies within all of us.


Line by Line Meaning

And you asked me what I want this year
Someone asked the singer what they want for the year.


And I try to make this kind and clear
The singer attempted to express themselves kindly and without confusion.


Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
The singer hopes that a possibility exists for a better future.


'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
The artist doesn't require material possessions or superficial love.


And designer love and empty things
The artist doesn't value showy displays of love or empty possessions.


So take these words and sing out loud
The singer asks the listener to embrace their words and sing them aloud.


'Cause everyone is forgiven now
The singer expresses the idea that everyone has been pardoned.


'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
The artist sees the current moment as the opportune moment for the world to start anew.


I need some place simple where we could live
The artist desires a modest place where they can reside.


And something only you can give
The artist covets something unique that only the other person can provide.


And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
The singer desires confidence, reliance, and peace during their lifetime.


And the one poor child who saved this world
The artist alludes to the story of Jesus, who is believed to have saved the world.


And there's ten million more who probably could
The singer implies that additional individuals could make a comparable difference.


If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them
The singer holds the belief that prayer can bring about positive change.


I wish everyone was loved tonight
The singer longs for everyone to feel loved.


And somehow stop this endless fight
The artist desires a way to halt of the ceaseless conflict.


Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
The artist hopes for a potential opportunity to experience a better future.


Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
The singer reiterates their sentiment that the current moment marks a new beginning for the world.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Rzeznik

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

michaell1962

I have a daughter who's been addicted to heroin for the last 10 years. She was a stunningly beautiful green-eyed redhead, sensitive & caring person, but the drugs have turned her into someone I no longer know. Although it seems like there is very little hope of her ever getting clean, please say a prayer for her.

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe she'll find better days

Love you Vanessa!

Daddy

Edit on 6-30-23: My daughter passed away yesterday from an OD. My wife & I are heartbroken. Finally, my baby girl is at peace now. Thanks to all who replied to this post. I appreciate all of your kind thoughts. Much love to you all.



Yhan Imrie

And you asked me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I need some place simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's ten million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again



Limits98

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

[Chorus]
So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

[Verse 2]
I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

[Chorus]
So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

[Bridge]
I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

[Chorus]
So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

[Outro]
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again



All comments from YouTube:

Brittany McKay

This song helped me get through the worst days and nights of my addiction recovery. I knew there better days ahead of me. I am proud to say that I am 1 year and 9 days clean and sober.

Marion Loesch

Congrats love you should be very proud of yourself.

Brittany McKay

@Marion Loesch I am very proud of myself. I am currently 402 days clean as of today.

Marion Loesch

@Brittany McKay it always feels so good when you can get past a certain point where you haven't given into your addiction the reason I say this is cuz I have addiction to pornography and I'm proud to say that I'm not viewed it in 6 months.

Brittany McKay

@Marion Loesch That's good and keep it going. I am proud of you

Brandy Webster

Congratulations! It does keep getting better! (Three years and two months off IV heroin/fentanyl)

28 More Replies...

AqsticG

im genuinely surprised no one knows the true history behind this song. this was a love letter to orphans around the world since reznick was an orphan himself. this song is way deeper and has a stronger meaning than people give it credit for and this song will never not make me cry with hope.

Patrick Wayne

Thank You for reminding us Brother.

PutGodFirst 11

Wowzers! That's deep it should have a lot more views! God Bless them all!

N

This makes the song x100 better.

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