"The Neurotic Boy Outsiders", as they were initially known, began life as a group of friends jamming at the famous Viper Room simply for the fun of it, before recording "Neurotic Outsiders" for Madonna's Maverick label in 1996. They briefly toured across Europe and North America, before disbanding later in the year. They've reunited for a few shows in 1999 at the Viper Room, but no plans of continuing the band have been made. All members, aside from Taylor, have made appearances with Camp Freddy in recent years.
Better ways
Neurotic Outsiders Lyrics
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It's time to lay roots down, take my head out of the bag
Make me a baby; take me a wife
With these things, maybe I'll be alright
There's a better way
I know there's a better way
When I need it, and I need it for sure everyday
Fill up the museum, an island in the sun
More things that I don't need just pick me up
Head for the waterfall; don't drown in the juice
Make the right noises; maybe I'll be alright
How come it's so hard to climb
And so easy to slide?
How come it's so easy to fly
And so hard to thrive?
There's a better way
There must be a better way
When I need it, and I need it for sure everyday
It's so much harder, much harder to try
It's easier to lie, to turn a blind eye
But now
There's a better way; I know that there's a better way
When I need it, and I need it for sure everyday
There's a better way; it makes for a better way
When we need it, we need it
We need it for sure, everyday
Unfurl the flag
Got my head out of the bag
I know it makes for a better day
The Neurotic Outsiders song "Better Way" is about the search for a better life. The song's narrator is someone who wants to leave behind negative aspects of their past and start a new life. They have come to the realization that they need to "set up the mission" and "unfurl the flag" in order to lay roots down and move forward. The singer wants to create a family unit by finding a partner and having children, which will bring them happiness and a sense of belonging. They are hopeful that by doing so, they will find a better way of living.
The song's lyrics also touch on materialism, with lines such as "fill up the museum, an island in the sun, more things that I don't need just pick me up." The singer acknowledges that accumulating material possessions won't bring them happiness, but still, they struggle to resist the temptation. The song also questions why it is so easy to fall back into old bad habits or patterns, but so hard to make real changes in our lives.
Overall, the message of the song is one of hope and perseverance. The singer recognizes that there is a better way of living, and they are determined to find it. It's a reminder to never give up on the pursuit of a better life, no matter how challenging it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Set up the mission; unfurl the flag
It's time to establish a purpose and declare it openly
It's time to lay roots down, take my head out of the bag
It's time to stable and commit, and get over my fears and doubts
Make me a baby; take me a wife
Start a family, find a partner to share my life with
With these things, maybe I'll be alright
I hope that these changes will bring me happiness and contentment
There's a better way
There exists a more fulfilling path
I know there's a better way
I am certain that a better way exists
When I need it, and I need it for sure everyday
I rely on this belief to guide me every day
Fill up the museum, an island in the sun
Accumulate material possessions for vanity purposes
More things that I don't need just pick me up
I'm driven to acquire more, even when it's unnecessary or wasteful
Head for the waterfall; don't drown in the juice
Take risks and seek adventure, but don't fall victim to excess or temptation
Make the right noises; maybe I'll be alright
Follow the expected social etiquette, maybe I'll find acceptance
How come it's so hard to climb
Why is success often such a tough and arduous journey?
And so easy to slide?
Why are failure and regression so seductively effortless?
How come it's so easy to fly
Why is soaring high sometimes rather effortless?
And so hard to thrive?
Why is it much harder to sustain and prosper?
There must be a better way
I strongly believe that there exists a superior path
It's so much harder, much harder to try
It requires much more effort and courage to strive for success
It's easier to lie, to turn a blind eye
It's much easier to cover up or ignore problems, but not very fruitful
There's a better way; I know that there's a better way
I maintain this faith that a better path exists
It makes for a better way
This belief leads to a better and happier way of life
When we need it, we need it
When we're in need of guidance and hope, it's crucial
We need it for sure, everyday
We can rely on this belief to guide us and boost our morale on a daily basis
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JONES, TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind