Vocalist/guitarist Ritzy Bryan and bassist Rhydian Dafydd originally played together as part of indie rock band Tricky Nixon, which later reformed into a new wave/post-punk band Sidecar Kisses. In 2007 they regrouped on returning to Mold, Wales and formed The Joy Formidable, with Justin Stahley now on drums.
The Joy Formidable released their debut single, "Austere", on 7" through Another Kitchen Records on 18 August 2008. "Austere" was followed with a second single, a limited edition double 7" physical release of "Cradle" on Try Harder Records on 2 February 2009.
In 17 February 2009, the band issued an 8-track mini album A Balloon Called Moaning on Pure Groove Records. In support of the record the band appeared at several notable festivals, including Latitude Festival, Reading Festival and Leeds Festival during which time Justin Stahley was replaced on the drums by Matthew Thomas.
In May 2009, they issued the single, "Whirring", on 7" through Friends Vs Records, which was BBC Radio 2's Radcliffe and Maconie Show's Pick of the Week for the week of 11 May 2010.
At the end of 2009, The Joy Formidable released a free digital-only single "Greyhounds in the Slips", produced by and featuring ex-Mansun frontman Paul Draper and a limited edition live album entitled First You Have To Get Mad on 30 November 2009, which had been recorded at their headline London Garage gig two months previously.
The band also notably toured the UK with Editors and Passion Pit. On 26 June 2010, they supported Paul McCartney at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium. The very next day, the band performed an opening set on the Other Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2010. They also toured as part of the 2010 NME Radar Tour, supported by Chapel Club, Flats and Wilder.
Another single entitled "Popinjay" was released through iTunes Store on 21 February 2010, ahead of a physical release on 5 April 2010. In 11 October 2010, The Joy Formidable issued the single "I Don’t Want To See You Like This".
In 24 January 2011, The Joy Formidable released their debut studio album The Big Roar on Atlantic Records. The album was very favorable received by critics. The Big Roar was preceded by the re-issue of the single "Austere".
http://www.thejoyformidable.com
The Better Me
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Telling the soul walk tall and don't lose track
Tipping it out of my shoes
It's weighing me down, it's weighing me down
Leaving the side of my house
Looking to find a friend, then leave again
Cutting the wires within, so I'll follow you now
The better me is you
I don't mind
The better me is you
I know why.
Quick they're locking the gates
We were going nowhere anyway
I'm stepping with the sky
but I can't get close
I just circle wide
What you mean to me
I only whisper, whisper to the trees
You make space out of my side
Oh you can only try, you can only try
There's nothing behind us
That says I didn't try
I have to live with me
The lyrics of The Joy Formidable's song "The Better Me" delve into themes of self-discovery, introspection, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening lines, "Pushing the shame off my back, telling the soul walk tall and don't lose track, tipping it out of my shoes, it's weighing me down, it's weighing me down," convey a sense of liberation and shedding of burdens. The singer is seeking to rid themselves of shame and emotional weight, allowing for personal growth and self-realization.
As the song progresses, the singer references leaving behind the comfort of their home to venture out and seek connection with others. The line, "The better me is you, I don't mind, the better me is you, I know why," suggests a deep connection with another person that brings out the best in them. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the transformative power of love and companionship in helping one become a better version of themselves.
The sense of urgency and restlessness is highlighted in the lyrics, "Quick they're locking the gates, we were going nowhere anyway, I'm stepping with the sky but I can't get close, I just circle wide." There is a feeling of being constrained by external forces while striving for freedom and meaningful connections. The desire to break free from limitations and explore new possibilities is palpable throughout the song.
The closing lines, "There's nothing behind us that says I didn't try, I have to live with me," encapsulate a sense of acceptance and self-awareness. The singer acknowledges their efforts and struggles, ultimately coming to terms with who they are and the choices they've made. The song's introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own personal journeys, relationships, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ToughSoft
Pushing the shame off my back
Telling the soul walk tall and don't lose track
Tipping it out of my shoes
It's weighing me down, it's weighing me down
Leaving the side of my house
Looking to find a friend, then leave again
Cutting the wires within, so I'll follow you now
where do I begin.
The better me is you
I don't mind
The better me is you
I know why.
Quick they're locking the gates
We were going nowhere anyway
I'm stepping with the sky
but I can't get close
I just circle wide
What you mean to me
I only whisper, whisper to the trees
You make space out of my side
Oh you can only try, you can only try
There's nothing behind us
That says I didn't try
I have to live with me
ToughSoft
Pushing the shame off my back
Telling the soul walk tall and don't lose track
Tipping it out of my shoes
It's weighing me down, it's weighing me down
Leaving the side of my house
Looking to find a friend, then leave again
Cutting the wires within, so I'll follow you now
where do I begin.
The better me is you
I don't mind
The better me is you
I know why.
Quick they're locking the gates
We were going nowhere anyway
I'm stepping with the sky
but I can't get close
I just circle wide
What you mean to me
I only whisper, whisper to the trees
You make space out of my side
Oh you can only try, you can only try
There's nothing behind us
That says I didn't try
I have to live with me
ToughSoft
Pushing the shame off my back
Telling the soul walk tall and don't lose track
Tipping it out of my shoes
It's weighing me down, it's weighing me down
Leaving the side of my house
Looking to find a friend, then leave again
Cutting the wires within, so I'll follow you now
where do I begin.
The better me is you
I don't mind
The better me is you
I know why.
Quick they're locking the gates
We were going nowhere anyway
I'm stepping with the sky
but I can't get close
I just circle wide
What you mean to me
I only whisper, whisper to the trees
You make space out of my side
Oh you can only try, you can only try
There's nothing behind us
That says I didn't try
I have to live with me
wbegnel1
One thing I like about their music - every song is a jam session waiting to happen.
Aido g
I love this band too much!! 🤘🤘
Rodrigo Rodriguez Hernández
I love this band and song!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sogonrei***
This is dynamite! Beautiful singing, gnarly riffs and and stellar drums. The video is well crafted with the music, it is very well done.
EORIA -エオリア-
The sound they make is always artistic. It's legit!
CrazyDiamond
Absolutely LOVE this! The film editing was amazing!
agreen182
Got what a good song this is. Absolute freaking banger
Gustavo A. Contreras2
Well done guys, I love your music, since I heard "The Last Thing On My Mind" 2 years before. I made fan of your music. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽
PaolaGaara
Van a venir el 15 de mayo :D