Better Version (Remix) (feat. Kelsea Ballerini)

“Better Version (Remix)” by FLETCHER featuring Kelsea Ballerini delves into the complex emotions that arise from a past relationship where both partners have significantly contributed to each other's personal growth. The song's lyrics reflect on the bittersweet reality that, despite the love and effort invested, the relationship ultimately ended, leaving each person to move on and become a 'better version' of themselves for someone else. This theme is poignantly captured in the lines, “It's always the next person that gets the better version,” highlighting the irony that the hard work and emotional labor put into a relationship often benefits the next partner rather than the one who invested it.

The song is rich with metaphors and emotional depth. FLETCHER and Ballerini sing about the nurturing roles they played in their ex-partners' lives, helping them through difficult times and supporting their careers. The lyrics, “I was kind, I was warm, I was patient,” and “Helped you with the career you were making,” underscore the selfless acts of love and support that ultimately led to their partners' growth. However, this nurturing also comes with a sense of loss and unfulfilled potential, as the singers lament that their exes' new partners will reap the benefits of their hard work.

Culturally, the song taps into a universal experience of love and heartbreak, resonating with anyone who has felt the sting of seeing an ex thrive in a new relationship. The candid and raw lyrics, combined with the emotive delivery by both artists, create a powerful narrative about the sacrifices made in love and the often unacknowledged role one plays in another's personal development. The song's reflective tone encourages listeners to consider their own experiences of growth and the impact of past relationships on their current selves.