Better Man — Leon Bridges Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: R&B, Soul


• Released: 2015


• Lyricist: Leon Bridges


• Composer: Leon Bridges


• Album: Coming Home

Artist Info:

Leon Bridges is an American soul singer, songwriter, and record producer from Fort Worth, Texas. He rose to fame in 2015 with his debut album, Coming Home. Bridges is attributed to having an old-school, smooth retro sound of R&B and soul dating back to the '60s. His work has always been rightfully described to be real, authentic, and genuine. Leon Bridges has such idols as Sam Cooke or Otis Redding, but of course, that's the way it should be if you listen to his music. He's been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and continuously grows in his sound while staying true to himself.

Annotations and Meaning:

The song Better Man is about Leon Bridges making a heartfelt plea about forgiveness and self-reformation. He cries that he needs to change his insides inside out to be a better person even for her, his lover.

"I don't want much / I just wanna be a better man / To my baby"

The lines thus reveal the humble but deep wish that he has for improvement for the sake of the relationship.

"Meet me off good luck / I was singing with them Jezebels / Under perfume sheets"

The "Jezebels" and "perfume sheets" allude to some past indiscretions and mistakes that the singer regrets having ever gotten into.

"Got a golden smile, heart overflow / But got us in love, but it wasn't enough"

As charming and lovely as he was, he accepted it wasn't enough to keep love.

"What can I do? What can I do? / To get back to your heart"

It seems to highlight his desperate need for the issue, and his determination to mend the relationship.

"I'd swim the Mississippi river / If you would give me another start, girl"

So strong, powerful a metaphor he would go to the ends of proving his dedication and getting another chance again.

"All night long I was out / Out till the morning / But baby you're tender / Love's what I'm longing"

He looks back at his past behaviors, staying late out during the night, knowing the difference between his actions and his very need for her tender love.

"Baby please, I'm down on my knees begging / I thirst for you girl / Baby I'm running to your well"

These lines depict a man who is really pleading for forgiveness and at the same time, he is wishing to be with her again, showing part of him being weak and that he was serious. Leon Bridges perfectly portrays the redemption theme with the quest for self-improvement in this soulful composition. A man is literally dying to set things straight and hoping for a reconciliation—all of which honestly resonates with anyone who has ever sought amends and a new beginning in love.