Better Than I Used To Be

[Verse 1]
Used to close down every bar in town
Truck on empty, heart on E
Raised my fist at every little thing
Thought that was what tough meant to me
Now I’m home by ten on a Friday night
Burnin’ steaks and watchin’ TV
Might not win that last-call fight
But I’d rather have you next to me
[Chorus]
I ain’t as good as I once was
Can’t run as hard, can’t drink that deep
But I’m better than I used to be
Got a little more grace, a little less cheap
I ain’t that wild-eyed kid no more
But I like the man lookin’ back at me
I ain’t as good as I once was
But I’m better than I used to be (oh, you’ll see)
[Verse 2]
Used to ghost folks when they needed help
Too wrapped up in my own pride
Talkin’ big, but never showed up
Burnin’ every bridge in sight
Now my brother calls at 2 a.m.
I’m grabbin’ boots, keys, and my jeans
Might be slow, but I’m comin’ in
Standin’ where I said I’d be
[Chorus]
I ain’t as good as I once was
Can’t run as hard, can’t drink that deep
But I’m better than I used to be
Got a little more grace, a little less cheap
I ain’t that wild-eyed kid no more
But I like the man lookin’ back at me
I ain’t as good as I once was
But I’m better than I used to be
[Bridge]
I got scars that I finally name
Old regrets I let run free
Now I’m learnin’ how to stay
When it’s easier to leave (yeah)
[Chorus]
I ain’t as good as I once was
Can’t run as hard, can’t drink that deep
But I’m better than I used to be
Got a little more faith, a little less me
I ain’t that wild-eyed kid no more
But I like the man lookin’ back at me
I ain’t as good as I once was
But I’m better than I used to be (yeah, I’m better than I used to be)

country, Modern radio-ready country-pop with male vocals. Mid-tempo groove built on crisp acoustic guitar, steady kick, and warm bass. Verses stay lean and conversational with light banjo and slide flourishes; chorus lifts with layered harmonies, roomy snare, and a bright electric hook. Subtle organ pad in the bridge, big final chorus with ad-libs then a clean, vocal-forward outro., pop