Better This Way

Doug Strahm's song 'Better This Way' delves into the internal conflict and societal pressures faced by a man who struggles to reconcile his true feelings with the expectations placed upon him. The protagonist is depicted as a stereotypically 'strong' and 'macho' man, engaging in activities like construction work, drinking beer, and hanging out with his buddies. Despite this outward appearance of control and strength, he harbors a deep fear of societal judgment regarding his romantic relationship with another man. This fear is so overwhelming that it prevents him from embracing his true self and the love he feels, leading him to push his partner away.

The lyrics poignantly capture the protagonist's internal battle between his desire to please others and his need for personal happiness. He is a 'good man' who does good deeds, such as building houses for those in need, yet he is paralyzed by the fear of whispers, gossip, and hate. This fear leads him to betray his own heart, causing him to deny the love that could bring him true happiness. The song highlights the emotional toll of living a double life and the pain of suppressing one's true identity for the sake of societal acceptance.

In the final verses, the protagonist experiences a transformative realization. He acknowledges that the strength he needs comes from his love, and he decides to embrace it fully. By giving his heart to his partner and vowing never to push him away again, he finds the courage to defy societal expectations and live authentically. The song concludes on a hopeful note, with the protagonist affirming that being true to oneself and one's love is ultimately 'better this way.'