Mr. You're a Better Man Than I
The Yardbirds feat. Brian May Lyrics
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By the way he wears his hair?
Can you read his mind
By the clothes that he wears?
Can you see a bad man
By the pattern on his tie?
Well then, mister, you're a better man than I
Oh, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
Could you tell a wise man
By the way he speaks or spells?
Is this more important
Than the stories that he tells?
And call a man a fool
If for wealth he doesn't strive?
Well then, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
Oh, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
Can you condemn a man
If you're faith he doesn't hold?
Say the colour of his skin
Is the colour of his soul?
Could you say that men
For king and country all must die?
Well, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
Oh, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
The lyrics of The Yardbirds's song You're A Better Man Than I explore the idea of whether we can truly judge a person based on external factors such as appearance or beliefs. The opening verse asks whether one can judge a man by his hairstyle, clothing, or tie. The second verse asks whether one can judge a wise man by his speech or spelling rather than the content of his stories. The final verse questions whether one can condemn a person based on their faith or skin color. The song concludes with the repeated refrain that the listener must be a better person than the singer if they can make such judgments.
The song can be interpreted as a critique of societal norms and prejudices that judge individuals based on superficial qualities. The lyrics also suggest that we should refrain from making assumptions about others and instead focus on understanding them as complex individuals with unique experiences and perspectives. The repeated refrain emphasizes that it takes a truly exceptional person to not make snap judgments and assumptions about others.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you judge a man
By the way he wears his hair?
Do external appearances accurately reflect a person's character?
Can you read his mind
By the clothes that he wears?
Can you know a person's thoughts and intentions merely based on their outfit?
Can you see a bad man
By the pattern on his tie?
Does a person's clothing indicate their moral qualities?
Well then, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
Oh, mister, you're a better man than I
Yeah, mister, you're a better man than I
The artist is acknowledging that he is unable to accurately judge others based on superficial qualities and that anyone who can do so is a superior person.
Could you tell a wise man
By the way he speaks or spells?
Can a person's intelligence and wisdom be determined by their speech and spelling abilities?
Is this more important
Than the stories that he tells?
Is a person's ability to communicate more significant than the content of their message?
And call a man a fool
If for wealth he doesn't strive?
Is it fair to criticize someone for not valuing money above all else?
Can you condemn a man
If you're faith he doesn't hold?
Is it justifiable to judge someone for not sharing your religious beliefs?
Say the colour of his skin
Is the colour of his soul?
Does a person's race determine their inherent worth or morality?
Could you say that men
For king and country all must die?
Is it acceptable to demand that people sacrifice themselves for their nation's leaders or interests?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Hugg, Mike Hugg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@igblutz
This is a wonderful version of a fantastic song. May's guitar work is just as unique as is Jeff Beck's original version. They are both incredible guitarists that have their own recognizable style of playing.
@cabngirl
Great version of a golden, timeless tune.
@trfesok
Written by Manfred Mann's drummer Mike Hugg, who recorded it with Manfred Mann Chapter Three. So, I put that one, this one and four other covers in my MM playlist. Thanks for the upload!
@Zeitgeist74
Brian May plays with such taste and elegance. He makes hard rock so classy.
@TheFreedutch2008
I love this song
@timkeagy4094
I remember when I saw these guys at The House of Blues in Hollywood when this album came out. Had a couple of the original Yardbirds playing. On the top 10 of all the shows I have ever seen.
@markgum2636
best version ever . MAY IS INCREDIBLE ON THIS SONG
@stephenbrayne8277
Great re-run of a wonderful song! I'm not a fan of Queen, but this guitar solo is great and fits the song. Wild! Great use of feedback and very psychedelic. Yes!
@aidencassidy77
now that is spectacular vocals and guitar work
@AmpasaurusWrecks
Brian May shredding it and doing the original justice.