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

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.