Better Version
FLETCHER
The Bittersweet Reality of Growth and Love
FLETCHER's song "Better Version" delves into the complex emotions that arise from a past relationship where both partners contributed significantly to each other's growth. The lyrics reflect a sense of bittersweet nostalgia and lingering pain as the singer acknowledges the role they played in their ex-partner's development. The song opens with a recount of the emotional support and encouragement provided, highlighting the sacrifices made to help the other person succeed. This sets the stage for the central theme: the realization that the next person in their ex's life will benefit from the improvements and growth that the singer helped foster.
The chorus poignantly captures the heartache of seeing someone else reap the rewards of the hard work and love invested in a former partner. The repeated question, "Do you think of me when you fuck her?" underscores the lingering connection and the painful awareness that intimate moments and learned behaviors are now shared with someone new. This line is a raw expression of the singer's vulnerability and the emotional residue left behind after a significant relationship ends. The acknowledgment that "it's always the next person that gets the better version" speaks to a universal experience of feeling like one's efforts have paved the way for someone else's happiness.
In the final verse, the perspective shifts as the ex-partner reciprocates the sentiment, admitting that they too think of the singer and use the moves they learned together. This mutual recognition of each other's impact adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing that both individuals have grown and evolved because of their time together. The song concludes with a poignant realization that while they have both become better versions of themselves, it is now others who will benefit from their growth. This ending leaves listeners with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the complexities of love, growth, and moving on.