His debut single for legendary Epitaph Records, “BETTER OFF,” elevates both qualities equally, spinning a hyper-relatable tale of toxic romance with razor-sharp lyricism (“I’m better off getting high than being naked with you” he sings in the song’s hook) over staccato guitar stabs, jazzy rhythms, spurting synths, and sunny energy.
“I had a long-distance relationship from high school into college that … it was bad,” Kapara says with a laugh. “Certain behaviors became OK because we both did them, and it was completely codependent. Looking back on it now, I realize that I’m better off because I experienced and learned from it.”
Dwelling on the death of his own past is a common theme through Kapara’s music, throughout a catalog of DIY singles like “Everyone’s Dying” and “Past Grow” that helped boost his Spotify listeners into the 300,000s and TikTok audience over 250,000. But just as he’s willing to expose vulnerable parts of himself in his songs, he’s quick to shine the mirror outward to address the creeping dread of modern life: consumerism, corporate greed, climate change, the general feelings of the younger generation in 21st-century America.
Combining these two sides of his musical personality – deeply relatable yet unafraid to stand up and ask life’s big questions – into pop songs makes for a musical journey that’s a little off-kilter, sure, but all the better and more interesting in the end. Now, with “Better Off” leading the way and a concept EP, I Hope Hell Isn’t Real close behind, this next era of Roe Kapara is poised to keep fans, and himself, guessing as to where his quirky sensibilities will wind up next. He prefers it that way.
“I’m really inspired by ’90s movies,” he says, referencing classic flicks like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. “There was a level of freedom to push the envelope in that era of filmmaking, and my approach to creating music is similar: ‘What’s some crazy shit we can talk about or do?’ I Hope Hell Isn’t Real feels like that to me. It’s about this guy who’s living in an apathetic world where everything is crumbling. He ends up dying and comes back to life and realizes life has a lot of meaning and is worth living. I just want to say crazy shit, but stuff I also really care about. It’s gotta be both.”
Better Off
Roe Kapara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you're thinking of him when we′re alone in your room
I'm just your distraction that you needed all the time
You just needed someone you could use
If you need satisfaction, and you call me up tonight
I'd rather die alone up on the moon
Only call me when you′re drunk
And she hates my jealous mind
Let′s run this once more
Jumping out back, you locked me outside
You're wearing that face that you made last night
You lied, but I won′t
She turns me into someone I don't know
Now I know
You′re the leaf stuck to my bones
'Cause I′m better off getting high than being naked with you
I know you're thinking of him when we're alone in your room
I′m just your distraction that you needed all the time
You just needed someone you could use
If you need satisfaction, and you call me up tonight
I′d rather die alone up on the moon
'Cause I′m better off getting high than being naked with you
I'm so tired and she′s so bored
She ties me up, I let her ignore me
She dyes her hair, it stains my floor
I cleaned it up, she's gone in the morning
I′m better off getting high than being naked with you
I know you're thinking of him when we're alone in your room
′Cause I′m better off getting high than being someone you used
If I ran headfirst into traffic, would you tell me to move?
The lyrics of Roe Kapara's song "Better Off" delve into the complexities of an unhealthy, unfulfilling relationship, and the seemingly contradictory emotions and actions it can evoke. Kapara expresses a sense of detachment and disillusionment with his partner, who he believes only uses him as a distraction and source of temporary satisfaction. Rather than being intimate with her, he would rather be alone and high. His partner's infatuation with someone else is also a source of frustration and pain for Kapara, who feels like nothing more than a temporary solution. The lyrics suggest a desire to move on from this connection, but also a recognition of the lingering emotions and desire that can make that difficult.
The repeated phrase "I'm better off getting high than being naked with you" is a powerful and poetic way of expressing the emotional disconnection and dissatisfaction with the relationship. It suggests that drug use, in this case, is a preferable alternative to engaging with his partner intimately. The line "you just needed someone you could use" highlights the power dynamics of the relationship, with Kapara feeling used and disposable.
The second verse captures the cyclical nature of their connection, with Kapara repeatedly being sucked back in by his partner, despite knowing that the relationship is not healthy for him. The ambiguous final line "if I ran headfirst into traffic, would you tell me to move?" encapsulates the desperation and confusion that can come with a toxic relationship, as well as a sense of hopelessness and defeat.
Overall, Roe Kapara's "Better Off" is a poignant and introspective examination of the complicated emotions that can come with an unhealthy relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm better off getting high than being naked with you
Roe Kapara has realized that the relationship she was in was founded more on the pursuit of pleasure than on a true emotional connection.
I know you're thinking of him when we're alone in your room
Roe Kapara is aware that her partner is not fully present with her because he is thinking of someone else.
I'm just your distraction that you needed all the time
Roe Kapara understands that she was not valued for who she was, but rather used as a constant source of entertainment.
You just needed someone you could use
Roe Kapara's partner did not truly care for her, but rather saw her as a tool to satisfy his own needs.
If you need satisfaction, and you call me up tonight
Roe Kapara's partner only sought her out when he needed something from her, not because he truly cared for her.
I'd rather die alone up on the moon
Roe Kapara would rather be completely alone than be in a relationship that is not founded on true love and respect.
I got your name stuck to my tongue
Roe Kapara still finds herself thinking of her partner, despite wanting to move on.
Only call me when you're drunk
Roe Kapara's partner only reached out to her when their inhibitions were lowered, indicating that he was not truly committed to their relationship.
And she hates my jealous mind
Roe Kapara is aware that her insecurity and jealousy were issues within the relationship.
Let's run this once more
Roe Kapara's partner is suggesting that they try the relationship again, but she is not sure if it is truly worth it.
Jumping out back, you locked me outside
Roe Kapara's partner has left her stranded and alone, further highlighting his disregard for her.
You're wearing that face that you made last night
Roe Kapara's partner is faking emotions and not being genuine with her.
You lied, but I won't
Roe Kapara is committed to being honest, even if that means hurting her partner's feelings.
She turns me into someone I don't know
Roe Kapara's partner has changed her in negative ways, making her feel like she has lost touch with herself.
Now I know, you're the leaf stuck to my bones
Roe Kapara has come to realize that her partner is a burden that weighs her down and holds her back.
I'm so tired and she's so bored
Both Roe Kapara and her partner are unhappy and dissatisfied in the relationship.
She ties me up, I let her ignore me
Roe Kapara's partner is controlling and disregards her feelings, and she has not yet found the strength to stand up to him.
She dyes her hair, it stains my floor
Even small things like hair dye are creating issues in Roe Kapara's relationship.
I cleaned it up, she's gone in the morning
Roe Kapara's partner is not willing to put in the effort to help maintain their relationship, and leaves her to deal with the aftermath of their fights.
′Cause I'm better off getting high than being someone you used
Roe Kapara recognizes that being in a relationship where she is not valued for who she is could drive her to seek solace in drugs.
If I ran headfirst into traffic, would you tell me to move?
Roe Kapara is questioning whether her partner would even care if she were to harm herself, highlighting her feelings of neglect and lack of emotional support.
Writer(s): Christopher Robinson, Jack Gilbert Dosik, Dolo Tonight, Patrick Zappia, John Gayleard, Austin Sellinger
Contributed by Dominic M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@wrenchhacker2788
It was worth every second of my time that I waited for this song, waiting for next one " preacher" now
@sourcreamofthefilth5688
I'm so fucking hype for preacher
@sourcreamofthefilth5688
Literally been waiting every night and checking
@ashtonzagotti9181
Me to I love roe
@ashtonzagotti9181
Hie should be making more of us
@charliejude
Don't be shy make the full length music video this godly banger deserves 🤲🏽
@angelaplays
Literally such a good song. Listened to it a few hours ago. Such a great early birthday gift
@HyperActiveStudios
Happy Birthday! Stranger! This song is indeed fire🔥
@cherriesunderrocks5872
happy birthday! it is a really really good song.
@devilyn45
Happy birthday! This was my belated birthday gift!