Better Than I Used to Be

Album: Emotional Traffic (2011)
Charted: 52
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • After over 20 years with Curb Records and a legal battle, Tim McGraw finally left the label after a judge freed him from his contract. Curb immediately released this introspective ballad as the second single from Emotional Traffic, an album that had been shelved for several months following the dispute.
  • The song was written by Brian Simpson and Ashley Gorley and finds the narrator regretting his past behavior and determining to change. It was previously released as the title track of Sammy Kershaw's 2010 album.

Comments: 1

  • Kimberly from Osceola Mo My son loved this song because this was him fighting with drugs and trying to be the best lawyer that he could be, he past away in 2013 and this is the song that was played at his funeral,I cry every time I hear it, thank you so much. Kimberly Hills
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.