Getting Better
The Flaming Lips feat. Dr. Dog Morgan Delt & Chuck Inglish Lyrics
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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
The Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog & Morgan Delt & Chuck Inglish's song Getting Better has deep lyrics about personal growth and change. The chorus, "It's getting better all the time," is a hopeful message of optimism that things can, and will, improve with time. The song touches on a range of personal experiences, from frustration with school and authority figures ("I used to get mad at my school/The teachers that taught me weren't cool/You're holding me down/Filling me up with your rules") to toxic masculinity and relationship issues ("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").
The verses are reflective narratives of personal growth, with the singer recognizing past mistakes and actively working towards becoming a better person. The line "You gave me the word/I finally heard" acknowledges an important turning point in their life, where they were given a new perspective that allowed them to change for the better. Overall, the song's message is one of hope and healing, encouraging listeners to continue to strive towards self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
It's getting better all the time
Life is improving and things are getting better as time goes by
I used to get mad at my school
I used to feel angry and frustrated about my experiences with school
The teacher's that taught me weren't cool
The teachers who instructed me weren't interesting or fun
You're holding me down
You're making it hard for me to think for myself and be my own person
Filling me up with your rules
You're imposing your own restrictions and regulations on me without considering my own desires or perspectives
I've got to admit it's getting better
I need to acknowledge that things are improving and getting better
A little better all the time
Gradually and consistently, things are getting slightly better
I have to admit it's getting better
I must concede that things are improving and getting better
It's getting better since you've been mine
My life is improving and getting better because of the presence and influence of the person I am with
Me used to be angry young man
I used to be an angry and frustrated young person
Me hiding me head in the sand
I used to ignore problems and avoid dealing with them
You gave me the word
You taught me something valuable and meaningful
I finally heard
I finally listened and understood
I'm doing the best that I can
I am trying my hardest to do what I believe is right and improve myself
I used to be cruel to my woman
I used to treat my partner poorly and with cruelty
I beat her and kept apart from the things that she loved
I physically harmed her and caused her to be separate from the things that made her happy
Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene
I was a terrible person, but I am trying to change my actions and behavior
And I'm doing the best that I can
I am trying my hardest to do what is right and be a better person
Yes I admit it's getting better
I acknowledge that things are improving and getting better
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind