Released: 2018
“I Like Me Better” by Lauv is an infectious tune that captures the sweetness and excitement of young love, especially within the bustling life of New York City. It’s about the transformative power of love and how being with the right person can make you like yourself more. Let’s dive into what Lauv is serving us with his lyrics.
The song kicks off with “To be young and in love in New York City,” setting the scene for a romantic adventure in the city that never sleeps. Here, Lauv is talking about the liberation and discovery phase of being in love, where despite not having everything figured out about himself, he feels whole and content simply because he’s with his significant other. The line “to not know who I am, but still know that I’m good long as you’re here with me” beautifully captures the essence of finding comfort and affirmation in another’s presence.
As we move to the chorus, “Damn, I like me better when I’m with you” is a powerful admission. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment; it’s a deeper recognition that the person he is with brings out the best in him. The repetition of this line emphasizes how genuine and significant this feeling is. It shifts the vibe from just having fun in a big city to something more meaningful—a relationship that makes him view himself in a positive light.
The verses paint a picture of intimate moments, like waking up next to each other and letting time pass by without a care. The phrase “Swear the room, yeah, got no ceiling” metaphorically suggests a sense of boundlessness and freedom when they’re together, indicating no limits to their happiness or potential as a couple. This segment reinforces the central theme: being in love not only enriches experiences but also enhances how one sees oneself.
Lauv wraps the song with repetitions of “stay awhile, stay awhile, oh / Stay awhile, stay awhile / Stay here with me”. This isn’t just a plea for more time together; it’s an invitation to continue growing this bond that has positively transformed him. It’s like he’s found a piece of himself that was missing before, and now, he can’t imagine being without it—or them.
Ultimately, “I Like Me Better” is a modern love anthem that goes beyond the surface of catchy melodies. It digs into the profound impact of love and companionship on personal growth and self-perception. Through simple, yet evocative lyrics, Lauv confesses a universal truth: being with the right person doesn’t just make life better, it makes us better.
