Getting Better
The Bee Gees & Peter Frampton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to get mad at my school
The teacher's that taught me weren't cool
You're holding me down
Filling me up with your rules
I've got to admit it's getting better
A little better all the time
It's getting better since you've been mine
Me used to be angry young man
Me hiding me head in the sand
You gave me the word
I finally heard
I'm doing the best that I can
I've got to admit it's getting better
I used to be cruel to my woman
I beat her and kept apart from the things that she loved
Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene
And I'm doing the best that I can
I admit it's getting better
A little better all the time
Yes I admit it's getting better
It's getting better since you've been mine...
In the song "Getting Better," The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton reflect on growth and maturity. The opening lines address the theme of rebellion and defiance against authority. The persona shares how he used to harbor resentment towards his schoolteachers and their strict regulations. The use of the word 'mad' conveys the depth of his frustration. The next line suggests how he felt oppressed by these rules that held him down, but since then, he has recognized that he has grown and matured. As he looks back on those days, he sees how those moments strengthened him, and he acknowledges that it's getting better.
The second stanza is an introspective reflection of his younger self. It speaks about how he used to be an angry young man, who hid from the truth by burying his head in the sand. However, he met someone who spoke to him in terms he could understand, and as such, he started to see things differently. This is reflective of how a mentor, friend, or loved one can change our perspective and alter our course in life.
The final stanza speaks about a toxic relationship that has been healed. He recognizes how he used to treat his woman cruelly, not considering her interests, but since they've been together, he has changed for the better. The repeated lines at the end of each verse highlight how the singer is not perfect, but he is doing his best to grow and change for the better.
Line by Line Meaning
It's getting better all the time
Things are improving continuously
I used to get mad at my school
I used to feel angry towards school
The teacher's that taught me weren't cool
I didn't like my old teachers because they weren't fun
You're holding me down
Your rules are stifling me
Filling me up with your rules
I feel trapped and limited by your regulations
I've got to admit it's getting better
I have to confess that things are improving
A little better all the time
Things are getting slightly better continuously
I have to admit it's getting better
I need to acknowledge that things are improving
It's getting better since you've been mine
Things have improved since you've been with me
Me used to be angry young man
I used to be an angry young man
Me hiding me head in the sand
I used to avoid facing my problems
You gave me the word
You showed me the way
I finally heard
I finally understood
I'm doing the best that I can
I'm doing my utmost
I used to be cruel to my woman
I used to treat my partner poorly
I beat her and kept apart from the things that she loved
I physically abused her and prevented her from enjoying her hobbies
Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene
I was horrible, but I'm transforming
And I'm doing the best that I can
And I'm trying as hard as I can
Yes I admit it's getting better
I agree that things are getting better
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mrspascal122
Such an underrated movie. My mom and I used to watch it all the time and it never gets old
@survivor648
Mrspascal122 yes I lost count as to how many times I watched this movie on cable
@leighboyer8756
ME and my Mom too
@robertgimbel8701
The brilliance of Peter Frampton shines thru here.
@michaelpowers3205
Peter and Barry: I am guessing you want to make this soundtrack go away...but we love it!
@lemveera8132
Now wasn’t this such a cool movie when you were young? And sorry but we snuck into this movie like over 10 times. Ha ha ha. What fun times.
@theactualjane420
their voices are like butter ❤❤❤❤
@catherine9516
My babysitter played this non-stop. I know all the words. I was 10.
@tinaromero9098
love this album!!!! Had it when i was 7!!!!!
@tinaromero9098
My dad got it for me when it came out in the 70's