Doing Better
FLETCHER
The Paradox of Healing in FLETCHER's 'Doing Better'
FLETCHER's song 'Doing Better' delves into the complex emotions that follow the end of a relationship and the subsequent journey of self-improvement. The lyrics suggest a narrative where the protagonist has been through a breakup and is now reflecting on their growth and the irony that comes with it. The song opens with a sense of bitterness and sarcasm, as FLETCHER mentions the new girlfriend of an ex, implying that her own destructive behavior ('being such a pyro') inadvertently led her ex to a new relationship. This sets the tone for a song that explores the duality of feeling better yet still experiencing pain.
As the song progresses, FLETCHER describes the outward signs of improvement, such as traveling, spending money on luxury items, and even experiencing fame. However, these achievements are contrasted with an inner turmoil ('my tummy still hurts'), suggesting that material success and external changes do not necessarily equate to emotional healing. The repeated line 'why does better feel worse?' encapsulates the core message of the song: the paradox of feeling worse while ostensibly doing better. This reflects the often non-linear process of healing, where progress can be accompanied by unexpected emotional setbacks.
The song also touches on the theme of public perception versus private reality. FLETCHER sings about smiling on the outside while crying on the inside, highlighting the pressure to maintain a facade of wellness in the face of personal struggles. This duality is a poignant commentary on the curated images people present to the world, especially in the age of social media, where the complexity of human emotion is often reduced to a single, polished image.