“Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees – A Song Feature

 

     The bio on The Manatees' website highlights three key influences: Jungle, Wolf Alice, and The Strokes. Nevertheless, during “Better Way To Think Of It,” the band seems to draw inspiration from the formula of a fourth influential group, MGMT. However, The Manatees adeptly manipulate the elements within the formula, crafting a unique sound that distinguishes them from their contemporaries.
 
     The MGMT influence first surfaces 18 seconds into “Better Way To Think Of It,” when a synth dives deep into the frequency spectrum to produce soundwaves that are well suited to vibrate rib cages in a live performance. This portion of the song is reminiscent of MGMT’s “Time to Pretend” and “Kids.” And other contributions to The Manatees’ track provide playful frequency contrast. Our favorite is the non-complex but highly appealing guitar notes that are heard at 1:27 and at 1:35. The guitar notes are in an octave distant from that of the foundation bass synth.
 
     In explaining the song, The Manatees said, "‘Better Way to Think Of It’ delves into the complexities experienced in a relationship strained by distance." The lyrics of the track are included at the bottom of this post. The band refers to the song as “a guilty pleasure for us, a modern indie ear worm that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
 
     The band originated in a sleepy town on the south coast of Englandshire, but is now based in London. The three members are Jay Harris (vocals, bass), Tyler Bloor (guitar), and James Miller (guitar). The credits for “Better Way to Think Of It” also name Jay Frost (drums), Anna Ryan (backing vocals), Dom Mitchison (programming), and Tarek Musa (programming).
 
      “Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees

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Lyrics of “Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees

I miss you more than most on nights like this,

When morning comes and I can’t feel your kisses.

You never really liked the busyness,

Suppose it comes with all the city cynics.

 

Can you feel your dreams fading?

Look me in the eyes as you say it.

I can take the truth if you’d be so cruel,

Sprinkle a little sugar so that I can chew.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it.

 

I hate the way the city lights scream at me,

Have another go cause before you know,

We’ll be running round like we’re animals,

Have another go before you lose control.

 

Can you feel your dreams fading?

Look me in the eyes as you say it.

I can take the truth if you’d be so cruel,

Sprinkle a little sugar so that I can chew.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it…

 

…Now, so what the hell were you thinking bout?

You’d make your mother so proud,

If you could clear your head out, head out, head out now.

So what the hell were you thinking bout?

You’d make your mother so proud,

If you could clear your head out, head out, head out.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it.