Things Can Only Get Better - 2018 Remaster
by Howard Jones
Summary
"Things Can Only Get Better" is all about hope and resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty. Howard Jones encourages us to push through challenges, reminding us that better days are ahead.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of the song revolves around facing fears and embracing change. It’s a powerful anthem about not letting doubt hold you back. The lyrics emphasize taking risks and believing in a brighter future, no matter how tough things seem right now. It’s really about keeping your head up and pushing forward, despite what others say.
Verse 1
We're not scared to lose it all, security thrown through the wall
Future dreams we have to realize
A thousand skeptic hands won't keep us from the things we plan
Unless we're clinging to the things we prize
In this verse, Jones sets the stage for the journey ahead. He talks about letting go of security and embracing uncertainty. It’s like he’s saying that to chase our dreams, we might have to risk everything. The mention of "skeptic hands" shows that doubts and criticisms exist, but they shouldn’t stop us. The key is not to hold onto things too tightly if they prevent our growth.
Chorus
And do you feel scared? I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
The chorus is catchy and uplifting. Here, Jones acknowledges fear, which makes the message relatable. He admits he feels scared too, but he won’t let that fear stop him. The idea that "things can only get better" is the song's heart. It’s a reminder that change is possible, and there's always hope for improvement, especially when we take that leap of faith.
Verse 2
Treating today as though it was the last, the final show
Get to 60 and feel no regret
It may take a little time, a lonely path, an uphill climb
Success or failure will not alter it
In this verse, Jones encourages living in the moment and making the most of each day. He suggests that we should prioritize our dreams to avoid future regrets. The idea that the path might be lonely or difficult is realistic, but it’s important to stay focused on the journey. Success and failure shouldn’t define us; rather, it’s the experience that truly matters.
Chorus
And do you feel scared? I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
The chorus repeats here, reinforcing the central message. By repeating this, Jones emphasizes the importance of perseverance. It’s like a mantra, reminding us that even when we’re scared, we can keep moving forward. The message remains clear: no matter how tough life gets, there’s always potential for improvement.
Bridge
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
The bridge adds a fun and uplifting vibe. The repetition of "whoa" creates a sense of unity and joy. It’s almost like a celebration of the journey and the emotions that come with it. This part invites listeners to get lost in the moment and feel the music, reinforcing the song’s hopeful spirit.
Outro
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-whoa, oh-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
The outro repeats those catchy "whoa" lines, leaving the listener with a sense of optimism and energy. It’s a fitting end, keeping that hopeful vibe alive. It wraps up the song nicely and encourages us to carry that hope into our own lives.
Closing Thoughts
"Things Can Only Get Better" feels like a comforting hug through difficult times. It tells us that fear is natural, but we shouldn’t let it hold us back. The message is simple yet powerful: embrace change, chase your dreams, and remember that better days are ahead.
Full Lyrics
▼
Future dreams we have to realize
A thousand skeptic hands won't keep us from the things we plan
Unless we're clinging to the things we prize
And do you feel scared? I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Treating today as though it was the last, the final show
Get to 60 and feel no regret
It may take a little time, a lonely path, an uphill climb
Success or failure will not alter it
And do you feel scared? I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
And do you feel scared? I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-whoa, oh-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh)
Whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-oh, whoa-whoa, whoa-oh-oh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)