Be Better for the Next Guy
Alex Wilson
Description
A poignant yet biting country ballad about a man seeking solace in a dimly lit Tennessee roadhouse after a toxic relationship. Fueled by whiskey and regret, he observes his manipulative ex repeating her patterns with a new, unsuspecting partner. The song blends resentment with a touch of pity, offering a sarcastic blessing to the new boyfriend while hoping his ex has finally learned from her mistakes. The roadhouse becomes a metaphor for a sanctuary where broken hearts commiserate and find solace in shared experiences of love and loss. Musically, the song utilizes classic country instrumentation and storytelling techniques to capture the raw emotion and weary resignation of the singer.
Lyrics
Verse 1 I’m three whiskeys deep, flingin’ darts at the back wall, Laughin’ at your name etched on my shot glass. No more lonely nights curled up by the telephone— I’ve found new roads past the diner where we fought. That old waitress asks, 'She been 'round again?' Says, 'Some hearts are destined for a painful end.' Chorus So here’s to you, sweeter than cherry pie— Hope he buys those roses you let wither and die. When he’s pourin’ out his heart baby-blue, don’t make him cry— Be better for the next guy. Verse 2 I’ll catch her eye across the bar when the jukebox spins our song, She’ll think you’re heaven ’til your lies come undone. I’ll lift her up with shots of bourbon ’til she’s singin’ along, While you learn too late how to love someone. She'll raise a glass to me, a knowing, haunted look Like she's seen her own ghosts in this forgotten nook Chorus (variation) So here’s to you, spicier than a jalapeño— Hope he feels the jagged scars you left on my chest. When he’s pouring out his soul, don’t put it to the test— Be better for the next guy. Verse 3 Saw you last weekend at the state fair midway, Your eyes lit up just like they did back then. He wore that nervous grin I know all too well— You led him ’round like he was your only friend. He bought you cotton candy, pink just like your lies, Blind to the storm brewin' behind those hazel eyes. One prayer for that poor boy’s all I’ve got to give— May you hold his hand tighter than you ever held mine. Bridge And if he wakes up cold in your empty bed, Or finds your lipstick stains on someone else instead, Tell him to head back to this Tennessee roadhouse— Where broken hearts learn how to lose and forget. Tell him he's not alone, this pain is a common tune Played on repeat beneath the pale light of the moon Final Chorus So here’s to you, sweeter than a Georgia peach— Don’t leave him sobbin’ under that big open sky. When he’s layin’ down his love, make sure you don’t lie— Be better for the next guy. Outro Yeah, be better for the next guy... Or just leave us all in peace, underneath this neon sky.