Doing Better lyrics by FLETCHER

[Verse 1]
Your girlfriend never thanked me for being such a pyro
Lighting matches with my eyes closed
Kerosene in your mouth
Drove you so far away
It’s like I went and dropped you off at her house

Explanation of Verse 1
The first verse reflects on a past relationship, with the narrator mentioning how they were involved in some fiery or intense situations, symbolized by the imagery of lighting matches and kerosene. The mention of dropping someone off at their girlfriend’s house suggests a sense of detachment or betrayal.

[Pre-Chorus]
I know you kept my number in case you wonder
Like, “Where is she now?”
You say you wanna check in
You’re only checking on how I turned out

Explanation of Pre-chorus
The pre-chorus suggests that the ex-partner still keeps in touch, possibly out of curiosity about the narrator’s life. However, it’s implied that their intentions might not be genuine, as they seem more interested in how the narrator has turned out.

[Chorus]
I’m doing better, I don’t know if you remember
When I told you in September that you wouldn’t recognize me
When I’m in public and I just got back from London
Probably spent a couple hundred on some bougie fuckin’ IV’s
I went and saw a psychic, went on a pussy diet
I always thought that I’d be happier if I could buy it
I’m doing better, I’ve been lookin’ for my center
But my tummy still hurts, why does better feel worse? Ooh

Explanation of Chorus
In the chorus, the narrator claims to be doing better since the breakup, undergoing personal growth and transformation.They paint indulging in luxury holds and gests , like visiting London and seeing a psychic. Despite these outside signs of refinement, they question why they still feel a sense of hunger or discomfort.

[Post-Chorus]
Better feels worse, ooh
Better feels worse

Explanation of Post-Chorus
The post-chorus repeats the question of why “better” feels worse, emphasizing the disconnect between external appearances and internal feelings.

[Verse 2]
Your girlfriend never thanked me for making her go viral
Fuck it, I’m her idol
I get sad and spiral
Yeah, I’ll buy a new whip
But you’ll never see me take the high road

Explanation of Verse 2
In the second verse, the narrator mentions how their actions may have indirectly affected their ex-girlfriend, possibly causing her to gain attention or go viral online. Despite acquiring material possessions like a new car, they assert that they won’t take the moral high ground in their endeavors.

[Chorus]
I’m doing better, I don’t know if you remember
When I told you in December that you wouldn’t recognize me
After the glow up, I was learnin’ how to grow up
Had a wet dream then I woke up, I was on a stage with Miley
I felt like I was flyin’, I felt the stars alignin’
I always thought that if I ever got this high, I’d like it
I’m doing better, I’ve been lookin’ for my center
But my tummy still hurts, why does better feel worse? Ooh

Explanation of Chorus
The chorus repeats, with the narrator reflecting on their progress since December, mentioning a “glow up” and surreal experiences like dreaming about being on stage with Miley Cyrus.

[Post-Chorus]
Then why does better feel worse? Oh
Ooh, better feels worse
Smilin’ on the outside, cryin’ on the inside
You would never know ’cause I’m posing with my good side
Smilin’ on the outside, dyin’ on the inside

Explanation of Post-chorus
The post-chorus emphasizes the facade of happiness and strength that the narrator presents to the world, despite feeling broken internally.

[Outro]
Smilin’ on the outside, dyin’ on the inside
You would never know, I’m posing with my good side
I’m doing better, I’ve been lookin’ for my center
But my tummy still hurts, why does better feel worse? Oh

Explanation of Outro
The outro reiterates the theme of putting on a brave face while struggling internally, expressing a sense of loneliness and longing for understanding.
OVERALL
collectedly, the song explores themes of particular growth, materialism, and the conflict between outside miens and inner feelings in the fate of a bifurcation.