When you’re standing on the edge
Barely hanging by a thread
You hear your heart convince your head that you just
Can’t no more
You just can’t no more
When there’s nothing left to give
And you wanna call it quits
No longer strong enough to pick yourself up off the floor
Up off the floor
Hold on my friend
Cause there’ll be
Better days coming
Don’t give up
The hands that are holding tomorrow
Are still holding onto us
Better days coming
Watch and see
We’ll dance through the pain and the sorrow
Knowing there’s gonna be
Better days
So don’t you get too comfortable
Where you’re living ain’t your home
Soon the promise gonna come, I know
It won’t be long
It won’t be long
Hope is tearing through the night
Shadows running from the light
Love’s awakening inside
Just like a brand new song
Like a brand new song
Better days coming
Don’t give up
The hands that are holding tomorrow
Are still holding onto us
Better days coming
Watch and see
We’ll dance through the pain and the sorrow
Knowing there’s gonna be
Better days
Better days
Better days, better days
If it’s not good
Then it’s not over yet, not over
I promise you this is not the end
If it’s not good
Then it’s not over yet, not over
I promise you this is not the end
Better days coming
Don’t give up
The hands that are holding tomorrow
Are still holding onto us
Better days coming
Watch and see
We’ll dance through the pain and the sorrow
Knowing there’s gonna be
Better days
If it’s not good
Then it’s not over yet, not over
I promise you this is not the end
If it’s not good
Then it’s not over yet, not over
I promise you this is not the end
Better days, better days
MercyMe - Better Days Coming (Official Lyric Video)
Better Days Coming Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
MercyMe's song "Better Days Coming," highlighted by its official lyric video released on September 9, 2022, offers a deeply encouraging message for listeners navigating moments of intense difficulty and despair. The lyrics immediately paint a vivid picture of someone at their absolute limit, "standing on the edge," feeling unable to continue or "pick yourself up off the floor." This raw depiction of struggle establishes a profound connection with anyone who has experienced overwhelming pain or hopelessness, validating their feelings of being at a breaking point.
The core of the song lies in its powerful transition from recognizing the depth of suffering to offering a beacon of hope. The recurring chorus serves as an insistent, comforting voice: "Hold on my friend / Cause there'll be Better days coming." This isn't just a vague promise, but one rooted in the assurance that "The hands that are holding tomorrow / Are still holding onto us." This phrase carries significant spiritual weight, suggesting a divine presence and control over the future, providing a foundation for hope even when circumstances feel chaotic and out of control. The vision of being able to "dance through the pain and the sorrow" implies a transformation where past hardships do not disappear but are overcome or reframed in light of future good.
Further reinforcing the message, the song encourages resilience by suggesting that the current state of struggle is temporary: "Where you’re living ain’t your home." This perspective aligns with spiritual views that life's trials are not the final destination, and that a promised future awaits. The imagery shifts from darkness and despair to light and renewal, with "Hope is tearing through the night" and "Shadows running from the light," leading to an "awakening inside." This mirrors a spiritual awakening or renewed sense of purpose and joy after enduring hardship. The idea of a "brand new song" emerging from within signifies a fresh start and a renewed spirit.
The bridge reinforces the song's central tenet with the impactful declaration, "If it’s not good / Then it’s not over yet, not over / I promise you this is not the end." This simple yet profound truth provides a powerful anchor for those in despair, reminding them that current suffering is a chapter, not the conclusion. It instills perseverance, suggesting that the journey continues until a state of goodness is reached, which in the song's context, is synonymous with the arrival of "better days." This refrain, repeated multiple times, underscores the unwavering certainty of the future promise being conveyed.
Overall, "Better Days Coming" serves as a powerful anthem of hope and endurance. By acknowledging the reality of pain and despair while steadfastly pointing towards a brighter future held in secure hands, the song offers solace and inspiration. It encourages listeners to hold on, trust in a guiding presence, and believe that their current struggles are not the end of their story, but rather a part of a journey towards renewal and ultimate good.