Better Days

Citizen King's song 'Better Days' is a raw and candid portrayal of life's struggles and the resilience required to navigate them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with various hardships, from financial instability to personal setbacks. The opening lines, 'In my shoes my toes are busted, My kitchen says my bread is molded,' immediately set the tone for a narrative steeped in adversity. The protagonist's job at the dollar store and the imagery of a 'broken mirror and a blown out speaker' further emphasize a life marked by continuous challenges and a sense of being stuck in a rut.

Despite the bleak circumstances, the song carries an undercurrent of defiance and resilience. The repeated line, 'I've seen better days,' serves as both a lament and a reminder of past successes and happier times. This duality is crucial, as it highlights the protagonist's awareness of their current plight while also hinting at a sense of hope and the possibility of better days returning. The chorus, with its catchy and repetitive nature, reinforces this theme, making it a poignant anthem for anyone who has faced tough times but refuses to give up.

The song also delves into themes of escapism and coping mechanisms. References to 'five buck wine' and 'cheeba' suggest attempts to find solace in substances, albeit temporarily. The line 'Found another goat I tried to put the blame on' indicates a struggle with accountability and the human tendency to deflect responsibility when overwhelmed. Yet, through all these trials, the protagonist's spirit remains unbroken, as evidenced by the line 'Crank it to eleven and blow another speaker,' symbolizing a refusal to be silenced or subdued by life's difficulties. Citizen King's 'Better Days' is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the belief that, despite the lows, better days are always within reach.