The Best
Rahsaan Patterson Lyrics


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There's no other way to say it baby
I gotta let you know just what I feel
We've had better days than what's been happening lately
I don't wanna walk away
But I gotta be real with you
And I've heard you say you're gonna change
But I'm afraid that it's too late
It's too late
It's too late

You're more than just a friend to me baby
And I won't do you wrong no matter what's going on
And though I feel the need to leave it pains me
Right down to my bones the hurt is so strong
And I've heard you say you're gonna change
But I'm afraid it's too late
It's late
Oh, I believe that it's too late
It's too late
It's too late

I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do

I've spent days and nights contemplating
Over you and me and the road I'm taking
And I hope in the end that you won't hate me

I know you feel the same if you'd only face it
And I've heard you say you're gonna change
But I'm afraid that it's too late
It's too late
Oh, I believe that it's too late
It's too late
It's too late

I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
(That I can do, yeah)
I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
(I can do)
I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
(I can do)
I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you
So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
I'm giving you the best of me
The best it's true
But I can't get the best from you




So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
(The best that I can do)

Overall Meaning

The song "The Best" by Rahsaan Patterson is a bittersweet expression of romance and disappointment. In the first verse, the singer confesses that they need to be honest with their partner because things have gone sour. Despite wanting to hold on, the singer acknowledges that they might need to walk away. The second verse reaffirms that their partner is more than just a friend but they cannot continue with the pain that accompanies the relationship. The chorus is a repetition of the song's title with the lyrics expressing how the singer is giving the best of themselves to their partner, but they cannot receive the same in return. Thus, goodbye becomes the best option.


The song is filled with the agony of a relationship that could have been great but failed due to a lack of reciprocation. The singer has put in significant efforts, but it is not enough to sustain the relationship. The pain that ensues is palpable and reflects the helplessness that accompanies lost romantic love. The song ultimately underscores that sometimes, despite the love, the best thing to do is to move on.


Line by Line Meaning

There's no other way to say it baby
I have to communicate my feelings to you, and there's no other way to do it than to be honest


I gotta let you know just what I feel
It's important for me to tell you how I feel


We've had better days than what's been happening lately
Our relationship has been struggling lately


I don't wanna walk away
I don't want to end our relationship


But I gotta be real with you
But I have to be honest with you


And I've heard you say you're gonna change
I've heard you promise to change


But I'm afraid that it's too late
But I'm worried that it's too late for us to fix things


You're more than just a friend to me baby
I have romantic feelings for you beyond just being friends


And I won't do you wrong no matter what's going on
I will always treat you respectfully


And though I feel the need to leave it pains me
Even though I feel like I need to break up with you, it hurts me to do so


Right down to my bones the hurt is so strong
The pain of leaving you is deeply felt


Oh, I believe that it's too late
I truly feel that it's too late for us to fix things


I'm giving you the best of me
I'm giving you my all in this relationship


But I can't get the best from you
But I'm not receiving the same level of effort and commitment from you


So I guess goodbye is the best thing I can do
So, unfortunately, breaking up is the best option


I've spent days and nights contemplating
I've spent a long time thinking about our relationship


Over you and me and the road I'm taking
I've been considering both of our feelings and the direction our relationship is heading


And I hope in the end that you won't hate me
I hope that in the end, you won't resent me for breaking up with you


I know you feel the same if you'd only face it
I believe that you also know our relationship isn't working but are avoiding facing it


(That I can do, yeah)
That's all I can do for us


(I can do)


(The best that I can do)




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RAHSAAN PATTERSON, VAN HUNT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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