Kilometers is an American rock and roll band whose members are based in Bro… Read Full Bio ↴Kilometers is an American rock and roll band whose members are based in Brooklyn, Atlanta, and Tallahassee, respectively. The band was formed by Justin Law (vocals, guitar) in 2006 as a long distance recording project with John Holmes (bass, producer) and Shannon Stovall (drums, vibes). In January of 2007 the band released their brooding debut effort, The Red Tape EP, recorded and mixed by Holmes (who has also worked with Outkast, Elton John, Zwan) at Atlanta's Tree Sound Studios. Live shows had mostly consisted of solo performances by Law in the New York area, until spring of 2009, when the full band began playing shows in the southeast U.S. New music is planned for release in summer of 2009.

Show dates and more information: www.myspace.com/listentokilometers

Better Off
Kilometers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

you always find me at the edge
i never jump but in my head
as long as you see, it makes sense

that's why we're better off
calling it off
calling it off

and by the time i wake, you're gone
no time to sleep, you slept shoes on
outside before your coffee's done

that's why we're better off
calling it off
calling it off

please don't
mind my penmanship;
this is documentation

in which

it is stated that
i don't owe you shit

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of the song, the singer describes feeling always on the edge, teetering between taking a leap into the unknown or staying in their comfort zone. The line "i never jump but in my head" suggests that while they may not physically take risks, their mind is constantly grappling with the idea of change and taking a leap of faith. The singer finds comfort in the fact that as long as someone, possibly a loved one or a confidant, is there to witness their struggles, it somehow validates their experiences and decisions.

The repeated refrain "that's why we're better off, calling it off, calling it off" indicates a sense of relief or resolution in ending a certain situation or relationship. It seems like the singer has come to terms with the fact that they are indeed better off by letting go or ending something that no longer serves them. The act of calling it off can be a metaphor for cutting ties or setting boundaries that are necessary for their well-being and growth.

The second verse portrays a sense of abruptness and detachment as the singer wakes up to find the other person missing, having left in a hurry without even taking off their shoes. The imagery of someone leaving before their coffee is finished suggests a sense of urgency or impatience, moving on without waiting for things to settle or resolve. This sudden departure further reinforces the idea that the relationship or connection was unsustainable and needed to end.

The final lines of the song, "please don't mind my penmanship; this is documentation / in which it is stated that i don't owe you shit" encapsulate a sense of finality and empowerment for the singer. By documenting their feelings and asserting that they don't owe anything to the other person, they are reclaiming their autonomy and self-worth. This declaration serves as a firm boundary, establishing that they are no longer beholden to the expectations or demands of the other party. Overall, the song "Better Off" by Kilometers explores themes of self-realization, closure, and the liberation that comes from letting go of toxic relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

you always find me at the edge
I often feel on the brink of making a difficult decision

i never jump but in my head
Although I may not physically jump, mentally I am considering taking a leap of faith

as long as you see, it makes sense
I find clarity and validation in your perspective

that's why we're better off
This is the reason why it is in our best interest

calling it off
Deciding to end our relationship

and by the time i wake, you're gone
You leave before I even wake up

no time to sleep, you slept shoes on
You are always on the move, never fully settling in

outside before your coffee's done
You are always in a hurry, even leaving before finishing your morning routine

please don't
I kindly ask you not to

mind my penmanship;
Please forgive any imperfections in my writing

this is documentation
This serves as official record