Emerging from the success of her previous hit, Wonder Woman, rising star D’Lee continues to showcase her musical prowess with the release of her latest single, Better Than Bitter. This track blends country and rock influences, allowing D’Lee’s unique raspy, smoky vocals to shine through her powerful and evocative songwriting.
The journey behind Better Than Bitter is as captivating as the track itself. D’Lee reveals that the melody came to her in the most unexpected ways. After penning the lyrics one morning, she found herself in the kitchen, making breakfast, when she suddenly heard Jim Morrison in her head going “yeah, yeah.” Inspired by this, she immediately added those iconic “yeah yeahs” to the song.
From there, the creative sparks continued. D’Lee was determined to craft a melody that was both energetic and striking. When Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk played, specifically the line “Tell me that you love me,” it instantly inspired the first line of Better Than Bitter: “Well, I used to be drowning in tears.” This was her way of paying homage to the legendary band while infusing her unique sound.
The production process also carried significant meaning. D’Lee traveled to Nashville, where she teamed up with the acclaimed producers April Gabrielli and Jacob Kulik at Music Square Studio. To capture the intense energy she envisioned, she found herself drawn to the powerful sounds of Lenny Kravitz’s American Woman. On the morning of the recording session, she played the song for the producers and said, “Hear how those guitars are drilling? Hear how the drums are? That’s what I want.” The team immediately understood, bringing that same vibrant energy into Better Than Bitter.
Every aspect of the song carries a deep personal meaning for D’Lee, especially the introduction. She wanted it to be more than just an opening; she wanted it to symbolize the death of the past. Drawing inspiration from two of her most impactful concert experiences, she paid tribute to both Prince’s let’s go crazy and George Michael’s Faith, both of which began with funeral music. For D’Lee, this signified the closing of old chapters and the beginning of something new.
Lyrically, Better Than Bitter encapsulates D’Lee’s vision of empowerment and resilience. It is an anthem about letting go of the past and embracing a brighter future. “I’m finally going to let go of the past and look ahead at what I can create,” she explains. The lyrics reflect this transformative journey, with lines like, “I used to be drowning in tears, yeah. Sipping on heartache, drowning in fears, oh.” These powerful words set the tone for a narrative that is both vulnerable and victorious, a testament to the strength found in overcoming adversity.
The song’s chorus is a true standout, resonating with a message of self-love and triumph:
“I was stuck in a storm, but now I am free. Got a heart full of love and it’s all for me! I sing it out loud, let the whole world hear. I’m living life better, ain’t no room for tears!”
Musically, the track pays homage to D’Lee’s influences while simultaneously standing out as uniquely hers. From the gritty guitar riffs inspired by legends like Jim Morrison and Lenny Kravitz to the meaningful introspective touches that echo Fleetwood Mac, Better Than Bitter is a masterful blend of old and new, all while carrying D’Lee’s signature energy and authenticity.
With her latest release, D’Lee reminds us that life is about reclaiming your power, pouring love back into yourself, and living a life designed for your happiness. Better Than Bitter is more than just a song—it’s a movement, a message, and a melody of resilience and hope.
