Better

The song "Better" by Khalid explores the theme of a private, intimate, and possibly secret relationship that provides an unparalleled sense of comfort and euphoria. The core message is that the moments spent with this specific person are superior to any other experience. Lyrically, the song navigates the dichotomy between a public facade of friendship and the private reality of a deep, romantic connection. Khalid emphasizes the bliss of this exclusivity, suggesting that the relationship's power comes from it being a shared secret, a world built for just the two of them. The lyrics "You say we're just friends but I swear when nobody's around" and "No one's gotta know what we do" explicitly point to this duality. The song celebrates the profound joy and almost intoxicating feeling derived from this intimate bond, a sentiment captured in the simple, repetitive, yet powerful hook: "Nothing feels better than this." Some interpretations also suggest the song touches on modern casual relationship culture, where labels are ambiguous, but the connection itself provides an escape from life's conflicts.

The narrative unfolds around a clandestine and deeply personal romantic connection. The singer expresses profound admiration for his partner, captivated by how they shine, likening them to a diamond in the night. This establishes a sense of preciousness and value. The relationship operates in secrecy, a private world built away from public scrutiny, as emphasized by the line, "No one's gotta know what we do." Their connection is convenient and spontaneous, rooted in proximity; he lives just down the street, ready to meet whenever the desire arises. This isn't a source of frustration but rather a cherished exclusivity.

The central theme is the unparalleled feeling this connection brings. The chorus repeatedly affirms that "Nothing feels better than this," a simple yet powerful declaration of the supreme joy and contentment found in their shared moments. It suggests that this secret world, where they can be their true selves, is a sanctuary that provides a unique and incomparable high. This feeling is mutual, as he acknowledges, "We don't gotta hide, this is what you like, I'll admit."

In the second verse, the duality of their relationship is explored further. Publicly, they are "just friends," but in private, the dynamic shifts to one of intense physical and emotional intimacy. He describes moments of deep connection, like having his hand around her neck, and asks if she feels the same powerful bond that he does. The intensity of their encounters is so profound that it feels intoxicating, lifting him off the ground even when sober. The imagery of her back against the wall signifies a culmination of their shared desires, something they've both been anticipating. The recurring chorus reinforces that this private, intense connection is the ultimate source of happiness, a feeling that no other experience can replicate.

The bridge introduces a more explicitly sensual and rhythmic element with instructions like "left, right, left, right, take it back, bring it side to side." This moment transitions the song from a purely romantic reflection to a more physical and immediate expression of their passion, solidifying the sensual undertones that have been building throughout the track. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of a love that finds its greatest strength and pleasure in its privacy and shared, unspoken understanding.

"Better" was released on September 14, 2018, as the lead single from Khalid's first EP, Suncity. The song was also included on his second studio album, Free Spirit, released in 2019. The track was written by Khalid (Khalid Robinson) along with Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen of the production duo StarGate, Ryan Vojtesak (Charlie Handsome), and Jamil Chammas (Digi). The production was handled by StarGate, Charlie Handsome, Denis Kosiak, and Digi. Charlie Handsome had previously worked with Khalid on the successful collaboration "Love Lies." The song was announced by Khalid on social media as a tribute to his hometown of El Paso, Texas. It emerged during a highly productive period for the artist, following his debut album American Teen and numerous collaborations.

The primary symbolism in "Better" revolves around privacy and sensory experience. Driving and Cars are a central motif, particularly in the music video, which prominently features a fleet of E36 BMW M3s. The cars can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship itself: stylish, thrilling, and existing in its own contained space. The act of driving at night symbolizes the journey of their private relationship, moving through the darkness (privacy) while feeling a sense of freedom and control. Khalid's love for BMWs is personal, stemming from his time living in Germany as a child. Another key image is the partner "shining in the night like the diamond you are." This is a direct metaphor for her value and beauty in his eyes, emphasizing that she is most radiant and precious in the private, dark setting of their secret world, away from the public gaze. The feeling of being so high he could "lift the ground" serves as a metaphor for the intoxicating and euphoric effect the relationship has on him, a high that transcends physical drunkenness.

The predominant emotional tone of "Better" is one of intimate, calm, and sensual bliss. It evokes a feeling of deep contentment and quiet euphoria. This atmosphere is meticulously crafted through the combination of its musical and lyrical elements. The smooth, mellow synthesizers and the steady, mid-tempo drum beat create a relaxed and enveloping soundscape that feels both modern and nostalgic. Khalid's vocal performance is key; his smooth, velvety croon is gentle and sincere, conveying affection without being overly dramatic. Lyrically, the song focuses on positive reinforcement and mutual desire, which contributes to its hopeful and romantic feeling. While the secrecy of the relationship could imply tension, the song frames it as a source of exclusivity and strength rather than conflict, maintaining a consistently positive and serene emotional landscape. The only shift occurs in the bridge, where the tone becomes more overtly sensual and rhythmic, adding a layer of physical passion to the romantic contentment.

"Better" was a significant commercial success for Khalid, becoming his first solo single to reach the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number eight. It also marked his second number-one on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and his first on the Rhythmic chart. The song performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Singapore, and the top 20 in the UK and Canada. The song's parent EP, Suncity, debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200. The music video gained significant attention for its visual style, featuring Khalid dancing amidst a fleet of skillfully drifting E36 BMW M3s, which highlighted his personal interest in the cars. This solidified the song's status as a modern "driving anthem." The track was included on Khalid's first number-one album, Free Spirit, and he performed it, along with "Talk," on Saturday Night Live in March 2019, further boosting its visibility.

The rhyme scheme in "Better" is relatively straightforward, often utilizing couplets (AABB) within its verses, which contributes to its easy-flowing and memorable quality. For example, in the second verse, "around" rhymes with "ground," and "now" loosely connects. The song's rhythm is a defining feature, characterized by a mid-tempo, relaxed beat that creates a "chillwave" or laid-back vibe. This steady, synth-driven rhythm is consistent throughout most of the track, providing a foundation for Khalid's smooth vocal melodies. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is seamless; Khalid's vocal phrasing often glides over the beat, sometimes anticipating it and sometimes laying back, which enhances the song's intimate and conversational feel. The bridge ("Now, left, right, left, right...") introduces a more staccato, percussive vocal rhythm that mirrors the more explicitly physical and sensual nature of the lyrics in that section.

"Better" is characterized by its smooth, mellow, and synth-heavy production, which creates a relaxed and atmospheric soundscape. The song is built on synthesized drum beats and mellow synthesizers that complement Khalid's signature baritenor vocal range and easy-going delivery. The track's opening is notable for its use of airily spoken words and laughter before transitioning into Khalid's bold, melodic vocals, immediately drawing the listener in. There's a dynamic shift in the arrangement where the synthesizers are momentarily cut to introduce a piano element just before the chorus, which then returns with an overpowering beat, creating a sense of contrast and release. Lyrically, the song employs repetition as a key technique, with the phrase "Nothing feels better than this" acting as a powerful, memorable hook that reinforces the central theme. The vocal delivery is smooth and crooning, a hallmark of Khalid's modern R&B style. The production has been compared to mid-90s Miami bass-inspired R&B, particularly the Ghost Town DJs' hit "My Boo."