A singer/songwriter, producer, and occasional actor, Cole's music is generally laden with warm pop hooks, acoustic guitar, and smart, insightful lyrics.
From his earlier pop outings, Cole's work matured into what could best be termed "heartland pop" -- aimed squarely at observations on love, loss, success, failure, pain, and joy, all from a decidedly blue-collar, middle-American perspective.
Better Days
Jude Cole Lyrics
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And we can sing it together, so I don't cry all alone
Seems I don't know where to go, since she went away
And the room's spinning faster, as the record plays
It's the one that reminds me of much better days
I'm in the mood for a memory, one that lives on and on
If I relive the laughter, then it won't feel like she's gone
I can't remember when I smiled, since she went away
And the silence reminds me of much better days
And it's too long to morning, since she's not in my sights
She's the one that could move me, but she's out of sight
Why am I holding on, I should let it fade
Take me back to better days
Take me back to better days
Take me back to better days
Take me back to better days
The lyrics to Jude Cole's song Better Days are about heartbreak and the feeling of loss after a breakup. The singer is in the mood for a sad song, one that reflects the depth of his emotions and the pain he is feeling. He wants to sing it with someone so that he doesn't have to cry alone. He doesn't know where to go or what to do since his partner left him, and he can feel the room spinning faster as the record plays, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his emotions. The song playing is one that reminds him of much better days when he was with his partner, and things were good.
The second verse touches on the idea that memories can be powerful, and reliving the laughter they shared can help him deal with her absence. He can't remember the last time he smiled since she went away, and the silence is a constant reminder of how much he's lost. The bridge talks about how it's been too long since she's been around and how she was the one who could move him. Despite this, he wonders why he's holding on, and maybe he should let it fade. The chorus repeats the idea of wanting to go back to a time when he was happier, and everything was better.
Overall, Better Days is a melancholic reflection on heartbreak and the power of memories. It's an emotional song that many people can relate to, making it a classic in Jude Cole's repertoire.
Interesting facts about the song:
* Better Days was released in 1990 as part of Jude Cole's second album, A View from 3rd Street.
* The song reached number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and spent 10 weeks on the chart.
* It was more successful on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching number 8 and spending 22 weeks on the chart.
* The music video for Better Days was directed by David Fincher, who went on to direct films such as Fight Club, The Social Network, and Gone Girl.
* Better Days has been covered by several artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who used it as the B-side to his single Human Touch in 1992.
* The song has been featured in several films and TV shows, including Melrose Place, Baywatch, and The Sopranos.
* In an interview, Jude Cole revealed that the song was inspired by his own experiences and struggles with heartbreak.
* The album A View from 3rd Street also featured another hit single, Baby, It's Tonight, which reached number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
* Jude Cole is not only a musician but also a record producer and has produced albums for acts like Lifehouse, Rascal Flatts, and Beth Hart.
* Better Days was used in a 2012 episode of the TV show Glee, performed by the character of Rory Flanagan.
Chords: (Capo 1)
Verse:
C F Am F
I'm in the mood for a sad song
C F Am G
One that cries on its own
C F Am F
And we can sing it together
C F Am G
So I don't cry all alone
Chorus:
F G Am
Take me back to better days
F G Am
Take me back to better days
Bridge:
F G Am
It's too long to morning
F G Am
Since she's not in my sights
F G Am
She's the one that could move me
F G Am
But she's out of sight
Chorus:
F G Am
Take me back to better days
F G Am
Take me back to better days
F G Am
Take me back to better days
F G Am
Take me back to better days
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in the mood for a sad song, one that cries on it's own
I am currently feeling the need for a melancholic tune that aptly expresses my emotions.
And we can sing it together, so I don't cry all alone
If we could sing and relate to the song together, it would alleviate the loneliness caused by feeling sad.
Seems I don't know where to go, since she went away
I feel lost and directionless after losing the person I cared about.
And the room's spinning faster, as the record plays
The chaos in my mind intensifies while the song plays, causing me to feel more overwhelmed.
It's the one that reminds me of much better days
This particular song is a poignant reminder of more cheerful and content days from the past.
I'm in the mood for a memory, one that lives on and on
I crave a memory that I can relive over and over, especially if it will evoke happier times.
If I relive the laughter, then it won't feel like she's gone
If I focus on the joy and laughter we shared, it lessens the hurt of her absence and makes it feel less definitive.
I can't remember when I smiled, since she went away
It has been so long since I last experienced happiness or joy after her departure.
I keep reaching behind me, today's so hard to face
I find myself often dwelling too much about the past and struggling to cope with the changes and challenges of the present.
And the silence reminds me of much better days
The quietness around me now solemnly stirs my memories of more vibrant and joyful moments from the past.
And it's too long to morning, since she's not in my sights
Every passing day feels longer and more arduous knowing that I can no longer see or be with the person I loved.
She's the one that could move me, but she's out of sight
She was the only one who had the power to touch my emotions and move me, but now that she's gone, I feel stagnant and empty.
Why am I holding on, I should let it fade
I question why I am still clinging on to the past and the memories of her, and wonder if it's time for me to move on.
Take me back to better days
I yearn to go back to a time when things felt simpler and life was more enjoyable.
Take me back to better days
The desire for a return to the past still burns bright in me.
Take me back to better days
Going back to the memories of better, happier days is still the only solace that I can cling on to.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN BETTIS, JUDE ANTHONY COLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind