Is The Better Part Over
Willie Nelson & Family Lyrics
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Has a ragin' river turned into a stream?
Is the better part over?
Are we down to not quite sayin' what we mean?
And after thinkin' it over
Wouldn't you rather have the endin' nice and clean
Where love remains in all the closing scenes?
Why hang around
For an endin' that's laden with sorrow?
We've both been around
We've both seen that movie before
And as much as I love you
I can't live while fearin' tomorrow
If the better part's over
Then why should we try anymore?
Is the better part over?
Has a ragin' river turned into a stream?
Is the better part over?
Are we down to not quite sayin' what we mean?
And after thinkin' it over
Wouldn't you rather have the endin' nice and clean
Where love remains in all the closing scenes
Is the better part over?
In Willie Nelson's song "Is The Better Part Over," the lyrics explore the theme of a failing relationship where the better days may be behind the couple. The song questions whether the passion and intensity that once existed in the relationship has now diminished to a mere stream instead of a raging river. The verses follow a conversation between two people who may still have feelings for each other but are questioning if their love will last.
The chorus asks, "Is the better part over?" which can be interpreted as is the best part of their relationship in the past. The lyrics suggest that the couple has reached a turning point where they are no longer saying what they mean or feeling what they once felt. Nelson suggests that it may be time to end things and move on to a clean ending where love remains despite the break-up.
Throughout the song, Nelson speaks to his partner about how they have both been through this before and how they do not need to go through this again. It's a plea to both parties to recognize when a relationship is past its expiration date and to end things before hurting one another. "If the better part's over, Then why should we try anymore?" suggests that if the relationship is not what it used to be, then what is the point of holding on.
Overall, "Is The Better Part Over" is a bittersweet song that shows Willie Nelson's ability to capture the mixed emotions of love and heartbreak. It's a reminder that sometimes it's better to end things, even if it hurts, rather than holding on to something that's no longer working.
Line by Line Meaning
Is the better part over?
Are we past the point of experiencing the best parts of our relationship?
Has a ragin' river turned into a stream?
Has the passion and intensity between us faded away and become nothing more than a trickle?
Is the better part over?
Are we now struggling to express our true feelings and communicate with one another?
And after thinkin' it over
After contemplating the situation carefully
Wouldn't you rather have the ending' nice and clean
Wouldn't it be better to bring this relationship to a peaceful, amicable end?
Where love remains in all the closing scenes?
Where we can still cherish the love we shared and hold onto the beautiful memories?
If the better part's over
If the best parts of our relationship are now in the past
Why hang around
Why stay in a relationship that is no longer fulfilling or satisfying?
For an endin' that's laden with sorrow?
For an ending that will only bring us pain and heartache?
We've both been around
We both have experience in relationships and know what to expect
We've both seen that movie before
We've been through this kind of situation in the past and know how it will end
And as much as I love you
Despite the fact that I still have strong feelings for you
I can't live while fearin' tomorrow
I can't continue to be in a relationship that makes me feel anxious and uncertain about the future
If the better part's over
If the best parts of our relationship are now in the past
Then why should we try anymore?
What is the point of continuing to put effort into a relationship that is no longer fulfilling or satisfying?
Is the better part over?
Are we past the point of experiencing the best parts of our relationship?
Has a ragin' river turned into a stream?
Has the passion and intensity between us faded away and become nothing more than a trickle?
Is the better part over?
Are we now struggling to express our true feelings and communicate with one another?
And after thinkin' it over
After contemplating the situation carefully
Wouldn't you rather have the ending' nice and clean
Wouldn't it be better to bring this relationship to a peaceful, amicable end?
Where love remains in all the closing scenes
Where we can still cherish the love we shared and hold onto the beautiful memories?
Is the better part over?
Are we past the point of experiencing the best parts of our relationship?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIE NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind