About the song
“I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” is a quintessential track by the Los Angeles folk rock band The Byrds, first released in June 1965 as the B-side of their second single, “All I Really Want to Do.” Though initially overshadowed by its A-side, the song quickly garnered attention in its own right, peaking just outside the Billboard Hot 100. It was subsequently featured on The Byrds’ acclaimed debut album, *Mr. Tambourine Man*.
Written by Gene Clark, who also takes the lead vocal, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” is celebrated as one of The Byrds’ standout songs. Clark’s inspiration for the song stemmed from his experiences during the band’s formative years playing at Ciro’s nightclub in Los Angeles. Reflecting on a tumultuous personal relationship, Clark crafted the song as a cathartic expression of his feelings, stating in an interview that he penned the lyrics in a matter of minutes. The resulting track is both introspective and sardonic, exploring the complexities of romance and the uncertainties surrounding the end of a relationship.
Musically, the song is a prime example of The Byrds’ early sound, characterized by Jim McGuinn’s jangling 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, Chris Hillman’s intricate bass work, and David Crosby’s driving rhythm guitar. The band’s signature harmony vocals and distinctive use of wordless “aaahhhh”s further define the track. Byrds expert Tim Conners described it as “the Platonic ideal of a Byrds song,” highlighting its embodiment of the band’s early musical trademarks. Additionally, the song features a country-influenced guitar solo that reflects its genre-blending nature.
Critically acclaimed, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” has been noted for its lyrical depth, particularly the use of the word “probably” in the refrain, which adds a layer of ambiguity and introspection unusual for pop music of the era. Music critic Mark Deming remarked on the song’s sardonic take on romance, with Clark’s hesitance about ending a relationship revealing a complex emotional landscape. Jim Dickson, The Byrds’ manager, praised the song’s intricate emotional subtext, emphasizing how its nuanced lyrics set it apart from typical pop fare.
Despite its initial role as a B-side, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” was heavily promoted and managed to chart on Billboard’s Bubbling Under the Hot 100. It has since become a rock music standard, covered by numerous artists and ranked at number 234 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Its enduring popularity and influence underscore its status as one of The Byrds’ most cherished and iconic tracks.
Video
Lyrics
The reasons why
Oh, I can’t say
I have to let you go, baby
And run away
After what you did
I can’t stay on
And I’ll probably feel a whole lot better when you’re gone
Baby, for a long time
You had me believe
That your love was all mine
And that’s the way it would be
But I didn’t know
That you were putting me on
And I’ll probably feel a whole lot better when you’re gone
Oh, when you’re gone
Now, I’ve got to say
That it’s not like before
And I’m not gonna play
Your games anymore
After what you did
I can’t stay on
And I’ll probably feel a whole lot better when you’re gone
Oh, when you’re gone
Oh, when you’re gone
Oh, when you’re gone