☝️ Key Points
- The statement 'I'm the better man' shows Goulding's determination to improve herself and stay strong in difficult times
- The line 'Soft as a shadow and strong as a drink' suggests a balance she has found in her life
- The lines 'You can meet me outside / Take a bruising to the pride / Wouldn't kick you when you're down / But I hate it when you lie' indicate a difficult relationship in which she wants to remain fair despite dealing with lies
- The lines 'Out of my head, but you made me this way, I swear / Rose-tinted glasses, but trust me, I'm seeing red' show her frustration and anger, but also her willingness to bring about a change
- The repeated statement 'I'm the better man' at the end of the song is a reinforcement of her determination to overcome her difficulties and become a stronger person.
Interpretation
The lyrics of "Better Man" by
Ellie Goulding seem to tell a story of self-discovery and personal strength. The repeated statement "I'm the better man" shows Goulding's determination to improve herself and stay strong in difficult times.
The line "Soft as a shadow and strong as a drink, I like" could indicate that she has found a balance in her life by being both soft and strong, depending on what the situation requires.
The lines "You can meet me outside / Take a bruising to the pride / Wouldn't kick you when you're down / But I hate it when you lie" could indicate a difficult relationship in which, despite the hardships, she tries to be fair and honest. She shows her disappointment over the lies and how they have undermined her trust.
The lines "Out of my head, but you made me this way, I swear / Rose-tinted glasses, but trust me, I'm seeing red" show her frustration and anger, but could also indicate that she is aware of her situation and ready to take action.
The repeated statement "I'm the better man" towards the end of the song can be interpreted as a reinforcement of her determination to overcome her difficulties and become a stronger, better person.