Song picture
A Better Way
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Guitar jangle with a chilling message.
indie beatles guitars pixies wildhearts clash cardiacs
Artist picture
Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Alternative • Alt Power Pop
Charts
Peak #148
Peak in subgenre #13
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith
Uploaded
January 31, 2010
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.4 MB • 128 kbps • 4:48
Story behind the song
Not normally my thing to do social commentary, so I'm not quite sure where this came from. I don't have any answers either - this is just a rather grim observation. Anyway food for thought.
Lyrics
Television has told me the answer That there really is a better way You see you painted me a picture Of how life's meant to be And you parade it my face 24 hours a day Every 30 seconds You show me things I could never have all my life And you make me want them so badly Am I just supposed to shrug and say they're not for me? Like I said there's a better way But not one you'd like, sadly 'Cause if I want your stuff I'll just take it If you make a law I'll break it If there's any drug I'll just take it Give me one good reason... See I'd rather have one day burning my own fire Than a lifetime choking on the ashes of yours This is the voice of nothing to lose You say it's my choice but there's nothing to choose But don't be worried on my behalf 'Cause I'm happy with things the way they are! And I'm not afraid of prison At least I'll get my meals And you can't pretend it's a grimmer Hell Than what you provide out here. You see, wealth is a relative quantity, When you create it you also make poverty So you see, you created me And that's a truth you're gonna have to deal with A better way
12 Song Likes
On 6 Playlists
Comments 16
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Tony DeLecce
Apr 03, 2010
Hi Steve, Well another gem. The lyrics are excellent. Your production is beyond radio ready. I need to go read about your setup. This is so melodic. Catches you on the first listen. Vocals are carrying the song perfectly. Nice work!
Julienne Music Publishing
Mar 15, 2010
This is a really good song, great lyrics, vocals, guitar and very catchy. One of the best songs that I've heard here on SC for a while. Keep us posted Julie
Amy Caldwell
Mar 02, 2010
Hey there, Wanted first to say thanks for the comments you left on my board! Sorry for the delayed reply, not around here as much as I used to be! This is a great sounding lil tune. Nice vocals, the lyrics are hooky and flow really well and the mix sounds great! Perhaps I shall see you around.. all the best, Amy
Roger John
Feb 16, 2010
Great song. There is a better answer but the cavemen are too busy making sure the answers they now got arent working. Great lyrics. Well sung and delivered, very good!
Michael Bennett
Feb 09, 2010
Great songwriting and superb delivery, Steve!
Major Snagg
Feb 04, 2010
Fantastic song Steve. Love the hard edged guitar sound . . . it somehow fits the subject matter of the song perfectly. Very astute social obsevation. There is a social 'underclasses' with no aspirations, and no respect for anything. Like you, I don't know the answer to this. This song tells it like it is. Top marks
Electric Angels
Feb 03, 2010
Very nice. Great production and playing.
Rodrica Rudge
Feb 03, 2010
Brilliant lyrics!! Fantastic job on the guitar - love that sound. Excellent vocals, great delivery/phrasing, crystal clear diction (essential to convey a lyrically-led song). Awesome composition/writing - you really come up with some amazing songs.
Swampman And The Machine
Feb 03, 2010
Catchy beat cuz this reminds me of Tom Petty excellent lyrics !
DOOMTRAINmusic
Feb 02, 2010
See I'd rather have one day burning my own fire Than a lifetime choking on the ashes of yours Great Lyrics !!!! Well played, thought provoking song ! Top marks Steve
Michael Duran
Feb 01, 2010
nothing wrong with being cynical Steve ;) GREAT way to express it my friend!
Carlo D'Anna
Feb 01, 2010
Lyrically, musically superb! And the message hits home with a mallet!!! Another Smivet top of the pops!!
littlegreenman
Jan 31, 2010
Unfortunately, this is the soundtrack for most of the kids near me :( Great piece of commentary in a great tune all the same :) Excellent guitar, too.
Mikejazz
Jan 31, 2010
That's a fantastic 80's - 90's brit indie rock song, makes me think of bands like Gun, D-A-D, Cult. Only you know how to make such great songs...i would buy your records :)
Finnski
Jan 31, 2010
Seth, this is just sounding great!!!
Graham's Cat
Jan 31, 2010
Smivets does Dandy Warhols. Jangly guitars and meaningful lyrics are a fine conbination.