Better Days Review – Yellowcard: Pop-Punk Returns [4/5]

Guide

As evidenced by Yellowcard and their new release, “Better Days”, Pop-punk never dies. This new arrival from the American group was released on the 28th of May 2025 through Better Noise Music and produced by Travis Barker; it immediately sends me back to my skater heydey!

Song Analysis (Better Days Review)

What I love most about Yellowcard is that they stay in their lane. They know their strengths and they leverage that even though some would argue that the scene which fell in love with them has moved on. Nevertheless, they still sound incredible and they leap out of the speakers with their trademark style. Moreover, foot-tapping drum strikes, crunchy guitar riffs and powerful bass tones greet us immediately, ahead of a Ryan Key standout airy punky vocal delivery.

Yellowcard – “Better Days” Lyrics (Better Days Review)

Verse 1
You think it’s good, it freaks you out
You liked the darkness so you ran from better days
Got so good at being down
You’re kinda heartless so you run from better days
Are you happy now?

Chorus
No, it’s not too late
To change everything you wanna change
I hope one day you say
You don’t wanna run from better days

Verse 2
You got stuck in your hometown
It’s so dramatic how you run from better days
I won’t let you bring me down
It isn’t my fault that you ran from better days
Are you happy now?

Chorus
No, it’s not too late
To change everything you wanna change
I hope one day you say
You don’t wanna run from better days

Meaning (My Opinion) (Better Days Review)

The lyrics explore the emotional conflict of someone who resists happiness and growth, even when those opportunities are within reach. The verses highlight a person who has become so accustomed to pain, darkness, or disappointment that the idea of positive change feels uncomfortable or even threatening to deal with. Moreover, poignant phrases like “You got so good at being down” and “You run from better days” reflect a mindset where suffering has become familiar, it is almost like a protective shield. This internal struggle creates a cycle of self-sabotage where the individual chooses the safety of what they know even if it does cause harm in the long run.

The chorus though serves as a hopeful counterpoint. Furthermore, it offers a reassurance that it’s not too late to break that cycle. Also, to me it suggests that change is possible, and with courage, one can stop running from the good things life has to offer. The repetition of “You don’t wanna run from better days” emphasizes a desire for the listener or perhaps the person Ryan (singer) is addressing to face their fears and embrace the chance for healing and also happiness. Overall when you delve deep into the song it becomes apparent that it is a compassionate message about overcoming emotional barriers. Also, learning to accept the light after being in the dark for such a long time.