I don’t know why I even try ’cause you don’t want this no more
I would rather leave before I hurt you
And I would have died long ago if I ain’t have my faith
I see you’re startin’ to hate me, I see it in your face
My home don’t feel like home
Just like my heart is empty
You change the number on your phone
So when I call, you ain’t gotta listen
And all your girls think that I ain’t shit
And they the same ones lost in the club, them bitches is basic
Now I’m number one that’s lost in love, I can’t take it
I’m on a knee, you’re gonna see a grown man cry, I won’t lie
I’m startin’ to hate me
A little more and more each day
I don’t know me
It’s like I can’t get out of my own way
And you don’t love me
You don’t love me
If I knew better
I would do it better
Lookin’ at the names on your list and I can’t find me
I’m deep underwater, are you gon’ let me drown?
I see you’re happy now, you’re the life of the party, actin’ out
Ain’t seen you in months, you ain’t call me once
And all your boys say that I ain’t shit
And they the same ones lost in the club, niggas is basic
Yeah, and I’m the one who lost in love and I can’t take it
I’m on my knees, don’t you hate to see me cry? I won’t lie
I’m startin’ to hate me (Ayy)
A little more and more each day
I don’t know me
It’s like I can’t get out of my own way
And you don’t love me
You don’t love me (Oh)
If I knew better, yeah-yeah
I would do it better, better
Thinkin’ ’bout you and I, thinkin’ ’bout you and I
My heart’s beating in slow motion, knowin’ that it’s over
Thoughts got me thinkin’ ’bout suicide, baby, this is do or die
When you told me it’s over, ain’t no point in being sober
All I wanna do is fade away, fade away
I hope that God will forgive me
‘Cause I know that you ain’t gon’ miss me
Baby girl, I won’t try to say my goodbyes
You ain’t gotta shed a tear for me, baby girl, don’t cry
I’m startin’ to hate me
A little more and more each day
I don’t know me
It’s like I can’t get out of my own way
And you do’t love me (Oh-oh)
You don’t love me (Oh-oh)
If I knew better
I would do it better
I would do better, I would do better
I would do better, I would do better
I would do better, I would do better
I would do better, I would do better
I would do better
Broken Promises and Self-Reflection
In “Do Better,” Chris Brown delivers a raw, soul-baring narrative about the unraveling of a relationship. The lyrics reveal a man grappling with heartbreak, regret, and intense self-doubt. Brown paints a picture of emotional isolation—home no longer feels comforting, and the weight of love lost is all-consuming. The sense of mutual blame and social scrutiny is palpable, as both parties are influenced by the opinions of friends who, ironically, are portrayed as lost themselves.
Struggles With Identity and Letting Go
The song delves into themes of identity crisis and self-loathing. The repeated admission, “I’m startin’ to hate me,” underscores the personal toll of the breakup. Brown’s vulnerability shines as he admits to not recognizing himself anymore and feeling trapped in his own destructive patterns. The chorus, “If I knew better, I would do it better,” is a haunting reflection on lessons learned too late.
Song Credits
Artist: Chris Brown
Release Year: 2024