This song, “Better” by Victoria Staff, is a soft indie-pop song all about the struggle with mental health. Written at a time when Victoria was struggling with her own mental health journey, and was mad she wasn’t making more progress, that question of “why am I not better?” is very prevalent throughout this whole song. With lyrics like “ribs lock and my lungs press, so the bones break with each breath,” and “I love paper but I know rock,” this song conveys a struggle a lot of people can relate to: the struggle to find peace with yourself and with the world around you. No matter how much you want to feel better, and how much you think you should feel better by now, it’s a long and uncertain journey. But always remember, you aren’t alone.
“Better” is a moody, atmospheric song that relies on understated instrumentals and strong vocals to tell its melancholic story. Starting out with a simple repeating melody, you’re pulled into the song slowly, caught by the time Victoria Staff’s soothing voice begins the first verse. The almost casual way she sings the shocking lyrics helps convey the message she’s trying to share: that these horrible thoughts are exactly what she’s used to. Light percussion picks up about halfway through the song after the first chorus, raising the tension as you float through the two and a half minutes. Overall, Victoria Staff has managed to create a perfect, soft song that sticks in your head and gets you right into your feelings.
Victoria Staff is an indie-pop singer/songwriter who is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Always described as an “anxious child,” Victoria has found her own form of therapy in her passion for writing songs. Through music, she communicates with her friends, family, and the world around her. Her debut EP, Records & Honesty, was released in 2023, produced under the guidance of famous Canadian producer Dan Hosh. Since then, she’s released several more singles, including “From My Side of the Table,” “Niagara,” and now her latest release, “Better.” Use the links below to explore more of her music!
Written By Morgan Fischer
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