At a recent family wedding, there came a moment during the reception when a rather enthusiastic fellow somewhat lubricated with fine beverages decided to offer his best wishes through song. He convinced the DJ to hand him the microphone and he then proceeded to give a fine rendition of “Better man”. Now, to be fair, he was not that bad when it came to singing but his choice of song may have been more considered given the reason for the celebration.

There are two well-known songs with this title - Robbie Williams is the singer behind one version whilst Pearl Jam sings a different version. They differ a little in their tone and content.

Robbie Williams version:

Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain

Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel I’m getting old
Before my time

As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I’m doing all I can
To be a better man

Ah, the noble intent for self-improvement through obtaining love. Surely this was the version sung, right? Nope. The fellow chose the Pearl Jam version which is a little less appropriate…

Waitin, watchin the clock, its four oclock, its got to stop
Tell him, take no more, she practices her speech
As he opens the door, she rolls over…
Pretends to sleep as he looks her over
She lies and says shes in love with him, cant find a better man…
She dreams in color, she dreams in red, cant find a better man…

Often dedicated by Eddie Vedder to his stepfather (thank you internet community for that tidbit!), the song details the plight of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship with a man who doesn’t come home at night in a timely fashion. With all passion gone from their marriage, she feels she can’t leave because she believes no other man will want her. Ergo, the domestic violence and trapped feeling continue.

Yes, that’s definitely the song that a SPOTD would sing at a wedding reception…

Categories: SPOTD