'Be on Your Best' was inspired by Lori McKenna's 'Humble & Kind'. I wanted to write a song that delivered a message to my children, or as it turns out, to my sons. I did nothing more than keep myself open to the idea of this type of song. I remember having a true feeling of patience and really knowing what I wanted. At some point, many days after that, the phrase 'be on your best behavior' came to me. Then I had the idea to simply shorten it to 'be on your best'. Then I knew I had it - I only needed to write it then, which flowed pretty easily after I had the title and theme.
All comments welcome.
Hi Bobby, ‘Humble & Kind’ by Lori McKenna is a great song and one of my favorites, you are following big footsteps. I like your idea and it’s a nice melody and feel. However consider to rewrite the verses in a way that they are more pointing to the chorus and to the hook. For the listener it is difficult to get the connection between the verses, where he is telling about himself, and the chorus, where he is speaking towards his son, that’s a little confusing. Also if you listen to ‘Humble & Kind´you will find a lot of pictures, I’m missing these kind of visualizations in your lyric.
But don’t worry - she got a grammy for the song and it’s a way to go for all of us to get to this level.
August 06, 2019
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capo=4
[intro]
A Dsus9 Esus4 Dsus9
[verse1]
A
so many friends that I’ve failed
Dsus9
so many times that I’ve bailed
C#m
so many ways ain’t prevailed
E
it’s true
[verse2]
A
too many times been denied
Dsus9
too many folks to I’ve lied
C#m
to many loves I’ve gone bye
E
a few
[pre-chorus]
D E A
these [things] I know, I [gotta] say to you
D A E
still [knowin’] they may [not] be comin’ true
D E
but [somehow] in the end
A F#m
from [babe] to son to friend,
D
please [take] to heart, these words I say to you
E
[chorus]
A
Be on your [best]
Dsus9
don’t settle for less
C#m
(you) don’t want no regrets
E
and know (that) you’re blessed
A
Find yourself a [nice] bride
Dsus9
Stand tall and [stand] beside
C#m
Be true and [do] abide
E
always enjoy the ride
D E A
At [times] you’ll find your [feelin’] all a-lone
D A E
And this [life’s] just gonna [shake] you to your bones
D E
when [things] are tough, y’ain’t got much
A F#m
God’s [putting] you through that test
D
and it’s ok, (if you’re) forgettin’ all the rest
E
Be on your best
[intro]*1
[verse3]
A
never took it in stride
Dsus9
never took the road high
C#m
never had no alibi
E
you see
[verse4]
A
found myself in places
Dsus9
with all my many faces
C#m
ain’t got me no more aces
E
up my sleeve
[pre-chorus]
[chorus]
[intro]
Be on your best
[intro]
0
Hi Bobby;
I know so many people listen and never say anything, which I think should be better,so here goes. Overall, I like what you’re saying here, simple and straightforward. My main comments are reversed way of saying things, like “too many folks to I’ve lied” really awkward, and “the road high” These are not very conversational as such. Also, I would have like to know you were singing to your son earlier somehow. At the same time, I understand what you’re doing and the thought is very relatable. I know some rhymes might have to change but keep at it!
RK
August 02, 2019
0
Hi Bobby, ‘Humble & Kind’ by Lori McKenna is a great song and one of my favorites, you are following big footsteps. I like your idea and it’s a nice melody and feel. However consider to rewrite the verses in a way that they are more pointing to the chorus and to the hook. For the listener it is difficult to get the connection between the verses, where he is telling about himself, and the chorus, where he is speaking towards his son, that’s a little confusing. Also if you listen to ‘Humble & Kind´you will find a lot of pictures, I’m missing these kind of visualizations in your lyric.
But don’t worry - she got a grammy for the song and it’s a way to go for all of us to get to this level.
August 06, 2019
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Richard Kirk
Hi Bobby;
I know so many people listen and never say anything, which I think should be better,so here goes. Overall, I like what you’re saying here, simple and straightforward. My main comments are reversed way of saying things, like “too many folks to I’ve lied” really awkward, and “the road high” These are not very conversational as such. Also, I would have like to know you were singing to your son earlier somehow. At the same time, I understand what you’re doing and the thought is very relatable. I know some rhymes might have to change but keep at it!
RK
August 02, 2019
No members have liked this comment.