Things Can Only Get Better by Howard Jones Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Optimism in Synth-Pop’s Brightest Anthem
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
Wow wow wow oh, wow wow wow oh oh oh oh
Treating today as though it was the last, the final show
Get to sixty 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
Wow wow wow oh, wow wow wow oh oh 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
(Wow wow wow oh, wow wow wow oh oh oh oh)
(Wow wow wow oh, wow wow wow oh oh oh oh)
In the tapestry of 80s synth-pop, Howard Jones’s ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ stands out as a brilliant beacon of optimism. The track — a sonic boom of electronic riffs and inspirational lyrics — is not just a catchy pop number; it’s a motivational speech set to music, instilling listeners with hope and resilience since its release in 1985.
But what is the deeper meaning behind its synth-driven euphoria? While it might masquerade as simple pop fluff to the undiscerning ear, an in-depth dive into the lyrics reveals that ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ is as profound as it is pop, a compelling message of perseverance and future-thinking woven through its bright tapestry.
The Security Blanket of Pessimism – Shedding the Skeptic’s Armor
Jones’s opening salvo takes a sledgehammer to the wall of security that holds many back — a metaphorical barrier built from our own fears and doubts. His lyrics dare us to dream, and not just small, but to manifest the grand visions that lie beyond the reach of skeptic hands. It’s a powerful call to action, summoning us to break away from the tight grip of what we’ve clung to in comfort.
These lines echo the human tendency to hoard our possessions, beliefs, and fears like talismans against failure, when in truth, these are the very chains that keep us from stepping into the full potential of our futures. Jones’s sage-like advice suggests that the real danger isn’t in losing what we have but in never striving for what could be.
A Carousel of Synth Pop – The Musical Alchemy That Amplifies the Message
The bubbling synths and driving beats in ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ serve a purpose higher than mere auditory delight. They embolden the song’s essence, each crescendo a rally cry that injects the lyrics with a sense of urgency and indefatigable spirit.
Musically, Jones’s work is an embodiment of its era, packed with electronic optimism perfect for the decade’s appetite for shoulder pads and big dreams. However, the music’s longevity lies not in nostalgia, but in its capacity to lift spirits high above the doldrums of the everyday, into a realm where anything feels possible.
The Hidden Meaning – An Ode to Fearless Living
Peel back the layers of peppy synthesizers and buoyant melodies, and ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ reveals itself as an anthem for the courageous. It’s not just about the quintessential ’80s positivism but about making the conscious decision to live fearlessly and without regrets.
This hidden meaning hints at a philosophical bent to Jones’s writing — an understanding that the guarantee of a life well-lived doesn’t come from external success or failure but from the intrinsic choice to view every thrown-away moment as a step closer to ‘better.’
The Memorable Lines That Define a Generation’s Hope
The song’s chorus, ‘And do you feel scared, I do/But I won’t stop and falter,’ stands out as a battle cry for the persistent hearts of those facing their own hesitations. It recognizes fear as universal, yet it doesn’t permit it to become a stumbling block.
These lines resonate as a mantra that has come to define not only a generation but anyone who has stood at the precipice of change. Howard Jones gave us the words to sing as we leap, knowing that vulnerability isn’t the antithesis of progress, it’s often its very catalyst.
Looking Back Without Regret – The Song’s Timeless Allure
In ‘Things Can Only Get Better,’ there’s an urging to live so that at sixty, you’ll be void of regret. The song is more than just an 80s relic; it’s a universal epiphany set to synth-beats, advising that the pains and disappointments are transient steps to something greater.
Decades after its release, the song continues to resonate with audiences, thanks to its timeless message that nods to the human experience — a life of trial and error, sown together by the hope of improvement. For listeners young and old, the song’s allure lies in its promise that regardless of where we’ve been or what we’ve seen, things can, indeed, only get better.
