While other previously released songs might have taken on new life during the coronavirus pandemic, One Republic’s “Better Days” is one of the first true songs written for COVID.
The lovely tune was both written and recorded by the Colorado outift when the band found itself having to self-quarantine in Los Angeles while recording their fifth album.
Band frontman Ryan Tedder told Rolling Stone magazine, “We write about real experiences and events that happen to us — this is what happens when you write a song during a crisis.”
So new is the song, in which Tedder sings “May we never ever shed another tear for today/ ’Cause, oh, I know that they’ll be better days,” that there is no official video – just a static image of the album cover with the lyrics over top.
We managed to find this “live” version – broadcast on Ellen from Tedder’s home studio.
The band has stated that some proceeds from song streams will be donated to MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund to help fellow artists whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic.
Lyrics
Oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Oh, that sunshine bout to come my way
May we never ever shed another tear for today
Cause oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Waking up in California
But these clouds they won’t go away
Everyday is like another storm, yeah
I’m just trying not to go insane
Yeah, in the city shining so bright
So many dark nights, so many dark days
But every time I feel the paranoia
I close my eyes and I pray
Oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Oh, that sunshine bout to come my way
May we never ever shed another tear for today
Cause oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Been waking up to a new year
Got the past a million miles away
I’m waking up with a new fear
But I know it’ll wash away
Whatever you do don’t worry bout me
I’m thinking bout you, don’t worry bout us
Cause in the morning everything can change, yeah
And time will tell you it does
Oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Oh, that sunshine bout to come my way
May we never ever shed another tear for today
Cause oh, I know that they’ll be better days
Better days
Better days
Better days
Better days
May we never ever shed another tear for today
Cause oh, I know that they’ll be better days
May we never ever shed another tear for today
Cause oh, I know that they’ll be better days