You Better You Bet
Townshend Pete Lyrics

You better you better you bet, ooh
The singer emphasizes that it is imperative to make a bet, possibly indicating taking a risk in love.

I call you on the telephone My voice too rough with cigarettes I sometimes feel I should just go home But I'm dealing with a memory that never forgets
The singer is struggling to move on from a past memory while dealing with the consequences of his addiction to cigarettes.

I love to hear you say my name Especially when you say, "Yes" I got your body right now on my mind But I drunk myself blind To the sound of old T-Rex To the sound of old T-Rex Oh, and Who's Next?
The singer is intoxicated and daydreaming about the woman he loves, while listening to old music by T-Rex and Who's Next.

When I say, "I love you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I need you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) You better bet your life Or love will cut you like a knife
The singer is demanding that his partner reciprocates his feelings and invests in their love or risk getting hurt.

I want those feeble minded axes overthrown I'm not into your passport picture, I just like your nose You welcome me with open arms and open legs I know only fools have needs but this one never begs I don't really mind how much you love me Ooh, a little is alright When you say, "Come over and spend the night" Tonight, tonight
The singer prefers physical attraction over worldly possessions, follows his desires, and is content to spend time with his lover.

I lay on the bed with you We could make some book of records Your dog keeps licking my nose And chewing up all those letters Saying, "You better You better bet your life"
The singer is enjoying intimate moments with his partner while playfully remarking about her dog and the need to make a commitment.

You better love me, all the time now You better shove me back into line now
The singer wants his partner's love and attention at all times, warning her to stay in line with his expectations.

I showed up late one night with a neon light for a visa But knowing I'm so eager to fight can't make letting me in any easier I know I've been wearing crazy clothes and I look pretty crappy, sometime But my body feels so good and I still sing a razor line every time And when it comes to all night living I know what I'm giving I've got it all down to a tee And it's free
The singer is willing to put forth effort to gain admission to his partner's heart, despite his physical appearance, as he is confident in his abilities and knows what he wants.

When I say, "I love you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I need you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I love you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I need you," you scream, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) ooh When I say, "I love you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) And when I say, "I need you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I love you," you say, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet) When I say, "I need you," you scream, "You better" (You better, you better, you bet)
The singer repeats his demand for love and affection from his partner, insisting that she respond appropriately.

You better bet your life Or love will cut you just like a knife
The singer warns that failure to invest in love will result in getting hurt, implying an ultimatum for his partner.