Better Man

by Clayton Ryan

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

After a devastating departure from Los Angeles that left the Midwest-raised Americana artist at square one in career, finances, and romance, Clayton Ryan brings a powerful, heartfelt full-band performance. Following up the success of his acoustic double single "The Action/No Return to Sender," Clayton's first full-band release in over six months is an exciting departure for the solo act.

With an uplifting gospel chorus that rings of self-love and hope, "Better Man" is the song to kick off the next chapter of your life with a chorus that will leave you singing "I'm gonna be a better man, the best I can."

Engineered by Gage Schmitt at famous River Rock Studios in Minneapolis and mixed and mastered by Patrick Cunningham in Los Angeles - both longtime friends - this Iowa-born team puts out an incredible production destined to echo around your head in the harder trials of life, with a rich texture of chiming mandolins, lush organs, and present soul vocals echoing Chris Stapleton and Otis Redding.

lyrics

I was making up time feeling low running high
My soul was headed southbound
I only made it through the night chasing tail lights and listening to the engine sound
In the still of dark I was searching my heart wondering if I been living right
*And I still ain’t sure, but the love I’ve earned feels like I’m winning the fight

I'm not better than anyone
Not anyone
Other than who I was
And I’m gonna be a better man
Yes a better man
The best I can
And the best is yet to come (ooh, ooh)
It’s yet to come

My mind was heavy and my body was weary held up by bones and a dream
I was feeling mighty low like a flower couldn’t grow with the sun beating down on me
Down about a woman, pockets both empty, but stubborn like the day is long
*It only made sense that these words in my head were telling me to push on

I'm not better than anyone
Not anyone
Other than who I was
And I’m gonna be a better man
Yes a better man
The best I can
And the best is yet to come (ooh, ooh)
It’s yet to come

If I go, I’m going with you
Gonna open my soul
And you can come on through
I'm done being tired
Im gonna open my eyes
If i only got one
It’s gonna be a good life
Cause the best is yet to come

I'm not better than anyone
Not anyone
Other than who I was
And I’m gonna be a better man
Yes a better man
The best I can
The best is yet to come
And the best is yet to come (ooh, ooh)
It’s yet to come

credits

released September 21, 2023
Written and performed by Clayton Ryan
Engineered by Gage Schmitt at River Rock Studios, Minneapolis, MN
Mixed and Mastered by Patrick Cunningham
Album art by Clayton Ryan

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Clayton Ryan image

Clayton Ryan Minneapolis, Minnesota

"Soul Music with Twang"
Raised in Iowa and South Dakota, now Twin Cities native Clayton Ryan’s resonanant baritone voice reverberates with a nostalgic sound and powerful songwriting from the Heartland. His words have been featured in American Songwriter, GemsOnVHS, B-Sides & Badlands, and Americana Road Show, and he has performed with Canaan Cox, Liam St John, and many others. ... more

contact / help

Contact Clayton Ryan

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Clayton Ryan, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now