Doing Better Than Ever
Jean Grae & Quelle Chris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like the wonderful son I am
Not paying attention to what she was saying about her day at work
Or something about my dad, I don't really know
Then two teenage boys walked by
And I couldn't let them hear I was talking to my mom
Like the wonderful son I am
In the middle of her sentence about her job
Or my dad to throw them off the trail
Then she stopped talking for a second—but maybe it was forever
I don't really know
The lyrics of Jean Grae Quelle Chris's song "Doing Better Than Ever" depict a humorous and relatable scenario of a son talking to his mom on the phone. The singer is not fully attentive to his mother's conversation, possibly discussing her day at work or something about his dad. However, when two teenage boys pass by, he feels the need to maintain his image as a "wonderful son" and hides the fact that he is talking to his mom. In order to divert their attention, he impulsively interrupts his mother, exclaiming, "That's wild!" It's unclear whether his mother reacts to this interruption, as she momentarily stops speaking, leaving the singer uncertain if she will resume or if it's the end of the conversation.
This humorous anecdote reflects the sometimes comical and complex dynamics between parents and children, as well as the desire to project a certain image to others. The singer's immediate reflex to hide his conversation with his mom highlights the influence of societal expectations and the fear of being judged, even by strangers passing by. The song captures a relatable moment that showcases the singer's funny, yet flawed attempt at maintaining appearances.
Line by Line Meaning
Apology: I was talking to my mom on the phone
I express regret for my actions as I recount a particular incident where I conversed with my mother through a telephone conversation.
Like the wonderful son I am
Highlighting my perception of myself as an exceptional and dutiful son.
Not paying attention to what she was saying about her day at work
Admitting to my lack of attentiveness towards the details of my mother's narration regarding her workday experiences.
Or something about my dad, I don't really know
Uncertain about the specific topic my mother mentioned regarding my father.
Then two teenage boys walked by
At that moment, a pair of adolescent boys passed by my vicinity.
And I couldn't let them hear I was talking to my mom
I felt the need to conceal the fact that I was engaged in a conversation with my mother in order to uphold a certain image in front of the teenage boys.
So I blurted out, 'That's wild!'
In an attempt to divert the attention of the teenage boys and create a distraction, I spontaneously exclaimed, 'That is astonishing!'
In the middle of her sentence about her job
Interrupting my mother's ongoing explanation regarding her professional occupation.
Or my dad to throw them off the trail
Alternatively, I interjected regarding my father to redirect the focus of the teenage boys and mislead them from realizing I was talking to my mom.
Then she stopped talking for a second—but maybe it was forever
At that point, my mother paused her speech momentarily, but there exists a possibility that the pause extended indefinitely.
I don't really know
My knowledge and certainty regarding the situation are limited.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tsidi Ibrahim, Gavin Christopher Tennille, Ashok Kondabolu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind