The song "If I Had Been a Better Man" by Colin Hay tells the story of a man reflecting on his past decisions and the regret he feels for not living up to his potential. The lyrics describe how he was once a contender for greatness, but his lack of planning and follow-through caused him to fall short. The man acknowledges that his promises were not kept and that he could have done better, but now he is left with seeds sown and scorched earth behind him. He longs for a chance to paint himself in glory and be proud of who he is, but he knows it's too late. The song also touches on the theme of redemption, as the man kneels and digs deep into the ground, searching for his soul like a buried treasure. He dreams of speaking in ancient tongues and being lost in the wind and sand, perhaps hoping to find a new direction. Overall, "If I Had Been a Better Man" is a poignant reminder of the importance of making the most of our opportunities and being true to ourselves. It's a cautionary tale of what can happen when we let our dreams slip away, but it's also a call to action to dig deep, find our inner strength, and make the most of the time we have left.
