“Better Days” by OneRepublic
As the title implies, “Better Days” is meant to be an inspirational tune. And although it is not mentioned in the lyrics, the premise of this song is based on the fact that it was penned directly in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. However, not referencing the disease was likely done intentionally. For with the singer not specifying the exact type of pessimism he and others are facing, the lyrics have more of a general applicability. That is to say that they can be applied to any situation in which an individual(s) is feeling pessimistic about the present.
And the central idea the band is putting forth is that despite such, “better days” will undoubtedly come. Or stated otherwise, the singer has faith that tomorrow will be better than today. Indeed he recognizes that a change for the better can transpire almost instantaneously.
So conclusively, what we can say is that OneRepublic had one sole purpose in dropping this track. And that is to give the listening audience a sense of hope as we all, including the band themselves, go through a generally-bleak situation.
Facts about “Better Days”
“Better Days” was written and co-produced by OneRepublic members R. Tedder and B. Kutzle. And the other producer is one of their regular collaborators, Tyler Spry.
This track was released by Interscope Records on 25 March 2020. Interscope agreed, in conjunction with OneRepublic, to donate part of the money generated from the sale of “Better Days” to charity. Said charity is the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.
“Better Days” is a part of the deluxe edition of OneRepublic’s “Human” album.
Ryan Tedder has pointed out that OneRepublic was putting the finishing touches on “Human” when the coronavirus pandemic really hit. Some members of the band had been in contact with individuals who contracted the virus. So they collectively decided to quarantine themselves at Tedder’s studio in Los Angeles (“California” is also referenced in the song). And while isolated together, they wrote and recorded “Better Days”.
Meanwhile the entirety of OneRepublic invited fans to participate in the creation of the music video to “Better Days” via an app called Cinebody.
It gave me more hope today, I Samuel, even laughed at myself for , forgetting.
Just like the dong reminded me, “ they always do!!!!”