Better

Cavetown's song 'Better' delves into the complex emotions of self-worth, mental health, and the facade of well-being. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who appears to have their life together on the surface but is struggling internally. The opening lines, 'I look so much better so I guess I'm alright / And I've got everything together and I'm glad I'm alive,' suggest a superficial sense of improvement and stability. However, the subsequent lines reveal a deeper turmoil, as the narrator admits that 'everything feels better on the edge of a knife,' indicating a precarious balance between coping and falling apart.

The song continues to explore the theme of internal conflict, with the narrator expressing a desire to be someone who makes others feel better, yet doubting their ability to achieve this. The line 'I wanna be someone you / You feel better around but / I don't know if I can get better for you' highlights the pressure to meet external expectations while grappling with personal struggles. This sentiment is further emphasized by the imagery of turning one's body inside out and a burning head, symbolizing the intense mental and emotional strain the narrator is experiencing.

Cavetown's lyrics also touch on the paradox of achieving one's goals yet still feeling unfulfilled. The narrator reflects on having 'nearly everything I ever hoped I'd have,' only to question why they remain sad. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that external achievements do not necessarily equate to internal happiness. The mention of being a 'narcoleptic insomniac' adds another layer to the portrayal of mental health struggles, illustrating the exhausting and contradictory nature of the narrator's condition. Through 'Better,' Cavetown offers a poignant and relatable exploration of the challenges of maintaining mental health and the often-hidden battles individuals face.