Better
by Zayn

Album: Nobody is Listening (2020)
Charted: 58 89
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Zayn Malik's first new release in two years, "Better" is a slice of acoustic R&B soul that sees him heading in a mellower direction. Over a soothing R&B melody, Zayn croons lyrics about love and heartbreak.

    'Cause sometimes it's better that way.
    Gotta let it go so your heart don't break
    'Cause I love you
    Yeah, baby, I love you


    The former One Directioner just can't shake off his feelings for his romantic interest, but he realizes he might have give up the relationship.
  • Fans have speculated the song lyrics about second chances and finding a way back to love is about his on-and-off relationship with the model Gigi Hadid. The two met on the set of his "Pillowtalk" music video and began dating. The couple announced their split in March 2018 but remained close friends; by early 2020 it was apparent they were in a romantic relationship again. Malik announced the birth of their daughter on September 23, 2020, two days before the release of this song.
  • Zayn wrote the song with Justin "Dab" Bowie (Canon's "Expect Us"), Cole Citrenbaum (Bea Miller's "Girlfriend"), Mike Hunnid McGregor (Lucky Daye's "Fade Away"), David Brown (Marco Wagner's "Hey Bro"). Bowie and Citrenbaum also produced the track.
  • Ryan Hope directed the video, which shows Zayn with newly dyed red hair getting ready for a night out. He performs the track in various locations in his empty home while someone appears to be watching him through his window. Hope previously filmed Zayn's "It's You" and "Befour" clips.
  • The chorus interpolates Kasey Cisyk's 1977 song "You Light Up My Life," made popular through Debby Boone's chart-topping cover.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?