Treat Her Better
Mac DeMarco
A Plea for Respect: Understanding Mac DeMarco's 'Treat Her Better'
Mac DeMarco's song 'Treat Her Better' is a poignant reminder about the importance of respect and care in relationships. The lyrics address a man who is failing to treat his partner with the kindness and consideration she deserves. The opening lines, 'Hey, man, heard you were your brother’s keeper / That can’t be, judging by the way you treat her,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the discrepancy between the man's perceived role as a protector and his actual behavior towards his partner.
The chorus, 'Treat her better, boy / If having her at your side's something you enjoy / If having her in your life’s really so important to you now,' serves as a direct plea for the man to change his ways. DeMarco emphasizes that if the relationship is truly valuable to him, he must show it through his actions. This message is reinforced by the repetition of the line 'Oh, no, you’ve done it again / No use when you already know how it ends,' suggesting a pattern of behavior that needs to be broken.
The song also touches on broader themes of responsibility and maturity. Lines like 'Hey, man, who’s been keeping brother / Hey, man, how old is your mother' hint at the idea that the man should be more aware of his actions and their impact on those around him. DeMarco's laid-back musical style contrasts with the serious message of the lyrics, creating a unique blend that encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and behaviors. 'Treat Her Better' is a call to action for anyone who values their partner to show it through respect and care.