Better Off

“Better Off” by Thunder and Snow delves into the emotional turmoil and eventual liberation that comes with ending a relationship. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggle between holding on and letting go, ultimately suggesting that sometimes, solitude is a better alternative to a toxic or unfulfilling relationship. The opening lines, “Better to hold my own alone here empty handed / Struggling honest reaching out above the quicksand,” set the tone for the song, highlighting the protagonist's internal battle and the realization that facing challenges alone might be more honest and less damaging than staying in a detrimental relationship.

The recurring theme of erasure and phasing out, as seen in the chorus “Erase me now / Phase me out / Lost out loud and better off,” underscores the desire to be forgotten and to move on. This sentiment is further emphasized with lines like “Better to lie about the consequences here / Better the sleeplessness than an empty lover's bed,” which suggest that the pain of separation and the lies told to oneself are preferable to the emptiness of a loveless relationship. The protagonist acknowledges the difficulty of the situation but finds solace in the idea that they are ultimately better off alone.

The song also touches on the fleeting nature of dreams and aspirations within the context of a failing relationship. The verse “I dreamt about a poem / It taught me almost everything / And I felt that I might tell you when I woke / But you were gone” reflects a moment of clarity and understanding that comes too late, as the partner has already left. This realization cements the idea that the protagonist is better off without the relationship, as they can now focus on their own growth and healing. The repetition of the phrase “better off” throughout the song serves as a mantra, reinforcing the message of self-liberation and the strength found in solitude.