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Better Off
Shannon Murray Lyrics
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When you're gone I know I'm better off alone
'Cause I go crazy just at the thought of you
Maybe it's just because I'm too damn lazy
Look at me I'm such an awful mess
Oh don't you worry, yeah I like it this way best
I write more songs when I'm depressed
When you're gone I know I'm better off
When you're gone I know I'm better off alone
But I want you here
The lyrics of Shannon Murray's song "Better Off" convey the singer's conflicted emotions towards a past love. She acknowledges that she may be too lazy to properly move on from the relationship, but also admits that she goes crazy just at the thought of the person. The lyrics suggest that being alone may be better for the singer's mental health, as she writes more songs when she's feeling depressed, and in fact likes being an "awful mess". However, despite this knowledge, she still expresses a desire for the person to be present.
The song captures the complex feelings that often arise after a break-up. On one hand, there may be a sense of relief that the relationship is over and a desire to move on. On the other hand, there may be a lingering attachment to the person and a fear of being alone. The line "Maybe it's just because I'm too damn lazy" is interesting as it suggests that some people may avoid fully processing their emotions and moving on because of the effort and discomfort involved. The song also suggests that emotional turmoil can fuel creativity - a common theme in art.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're gone I know I'm better off
The songwriter feels content when the person they are referring to is not around them.
When you're gone I know I'm better off alone
The songwriter is happy when they are alone and does not need someone else to make them feel complete.
'Cause I go crazy just at the thought of you
The mention of the person drives the songwriter crazy.
Maybe it's just because I'm too damn lazy
The songwriter is too lazy to move on from the person and does not want to make the effort.
To properly get over you
The songwriter knows that they need to get over the person, but they do not want to because they have become comfortable with being unhappy.
Look at me I'm such an awful mess
The songwriter is in a state of chaos and distress.
Oh don't you worry, yeah I like it this way best
The songwriter is content with their state of chaos and distress, despite the concerns of others.
I write more songs when I'm depressed
The songwriter's creativity is fueled by their emotional turmoil.
But I want you here
Despite being better off alone, the songwriter still wants the person to be in their life.
Contributed by Aaron O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.