Better Than Me (feat. Carly Rae Jepsen)

Blood Orange's song 'Better Than Me,' featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, delves into the complex emotions surrounding self-worth and the constant comparison to others. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressures to conform to certain standards. The repeated line, 'I know he's better than me,' underscores a deep-seated belief in one's inferiority, despite external appearances and efforts to change.

The song opens with a stark acknowledgment of the protagonist's internal struggle: 'Ninety-nine percent, I know you're not fine.' This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the facade that people often put up to appear okay when they are not. The mention of 'mistakenly kind' individuals suggests that even well-meaning gestures can sometimes feel insincere or insufficient when one is battling inner demons. The lyrics also touch on the idea of societal expectations and the pressure to meet them, as seen in the lines, 'The chance of being who they think, they think you are.'

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of waiting and changing, as indicated by the lines, 'Wait your turn and change your ways.' This suggests a sense of hope and the possibility of transformation, but it is tempered by the persistent belief that others are inherently better. The question, 'Why choose love when hate comes first?' adds another layer of complexity, hinting at the internal conflict between embracing positive emotions and succumbing to negative ones. Blood Orange and Carly Rae Jepsen's collaboration brings a hauntingly beautiful depth to these themes, making 'Better Than Me' a poignant exploration of self-doubt and the human condition.