Do Better

Album: Say Anything (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the second single from California alternative rock band Say Anything's self-titled fourth album.
  • Frontman Max Bemis (from Alternative Press): "This is a song I wrote later on in the writing process. It's about the recognition that we live in a flawed society. I wrote the lyrics first. They were a criticism about myself and, like, this really negative song. What I realized when I finally finished the lyrics is that I had overcome a lot of the things that I was making fun of about myself, and that to write a song about those things would be a novelty or sort of typical Say Anything act - to make a negative, self-deprecating song. So my goal was to write a positive, uplifting song, but still have it be very "Say Anything." It's about the ability every human being has to fulfill his or her potential. It doesn't mean we can all be godlike, but we can do better than how we tend to do. Once you realize that, you have a lot more options open to you as a human being."

Comments: 1

  • AnonymousI get the impression that this song has to do with, how much we as men feel each time we think we’re finished doing something productive. Like we don’t deserve taking a break that we must keep doing more because society tells us that there’s more we could/ should be doing. Don’t believe it. Just keep doing your best and that’s enough if not they can kiss your a** goodbye. Believe there’s always something you can do more and you’ll live in regret with what you’ve already done. Work hard but don’t let others tell you you’re not doing enough or what you do isn’t enough. Living to please others only brings you more regrets and those who don’t appreciate it will only use you to gain more in there favor. Let them talk and continue glow you’ll be better off. Better off without them.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.