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Hopes and Dreams

by Better Than The Book

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Nathan Puray
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Nathan Puray Hopes and Dreams is an album filled with deeply passionate lyrics that really bring out the best of those early adulthood frustrations, growing pains, and making your own place in this world. The Ska Punk that is brought out in this album really makes you want to scream out loud the lyrics as you head bang and air guitar to the sick solos and heavy drum set! If you're looking for a fresh Ska experience this album is for you! Favorite track: You've Got A Lot To Say.
Vladimir Kuznetsov
Vladimir Kuznetsov thumbnail
Vladimir Kuznetsov British punk rock project "Better Than The Book" is a one man enterprise with multi-instrumentalist musician and producer Nick Standing at the helm. Through this privacy, the lyrics are true and real and therefore extremely relatable. The happy memories that make us smile and the worrying memories that make us strong, the uneasy questions we ask ourselves today and the goals we set for tomorrow. Highly recommended to every fan of quality independent rock music. Favorite track: Hopes and Dreams.
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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 7 Better Than The Book releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of 1314 [Single], Hopes and Dreams [Instrumentals], Hopes and Dreams, Two Years On [Instrumentals], Two Years On, GG [Good Game], and One Small Step [EP]. , and , .

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1.
Here we are again Another Two Years On by now Think it’s time we ought to change They tell me “It’s not a race Just hurry up you better pick up the pace” And I’m out of my parents’ place now that’s a start Here we are again Another Two Years On by now Think it’s time we ought to change They said “Keep your head up, boy No time to give up now If you want to go and chase your Hopes and Dreams” And no one ever said it would be easy And when it feels like just one of those days JUST REMEMBER THAT I’m still alive and breathing, and that’s worth something And that nothing’s really holding you back But the hardest part is starting Stop thinking; start living And when you’re waking up Mind filled to the brim with doubt And you can’t bear to face the day You’ve just gotta get up now Drag yourself out of bed And say “Shut up” to the voice that’s in your head And no one ever said it would be easy And when it feels like just one of those days JUST REMEMBER THAT My heart's still beating, and that’s worth something And that nothing’s really holding you back But the hardest part is starting Stop thinking; start living Here we are again Another Two Years On by now Think it’s time we ought to change
2.
I’m not gonna let you screw me over one more time I know I can be bitter And you think I should know better but I’m only human And I’m not the type to hold a grudge But some things I can’t let budge Because I’m only human Did you just not know or even care? Think I don’t see through your cold icy stare And as soon as my back’s turned I bet you’re laughing I’m not gonna let you screw me over one more time Wish I could see through every one of your infuriating lies Don’t try to be intelligent Saying this was just an accident All of my patience’s spent for your Artificial ignorance Maybe it was an honest mistake How did things escalate? I guess you’re just like me; and I’m only human And maybe I could forgive and forget But I’m just not ready to do that yet because I’m only human Fool me once; that’s shame on you Fool me twice; that’s shame on me And don’t expect me to give you another chance I’m not gonna let you screw me over one more time Wish I could see through every one of your infuriating lies Don’t try to be intelligent Saying this was just an accident All of my patience’s spent for your Artificial ignorance You keep raising red flags I’ve only got white ones to fly I guess that’s probably why I’m treated like a doormat And I try to see the best in people But I guess you’re just pure evil And maybe I’d sleep better if I never had to think of you again I’m not gonna let you screw me over one more time Wish I could see through every one of your infuriating lies Don’t try to be intelligent Saying this was just an accident All of my patience’s spent for your Artificial ignorance Artificial ignorance I’m not gonna let myself get screwed over another time Until the next one comes along and I naively say “I’ll try” I swear this happens every time Why do I keep turning a blind eye? I’ve gotta get over my Artificial ignorance
3.
And I Fear 04:59
I’m worried again, about what people think of me Feels like I might be, just one of your disappointments I’m getting anxious, about stepping out these walls When did it get this way again? Seems like I’m going backwards I’m trembling at all the probing questions people ask me: How’s life and business? Brush over that; let’s change the subject I’m buckling under all these great ambitions That the world seems to have for me Which I’ve no idea how I’m meant to achieve Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Can’t meet all these expectations Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Pressure onto me, pressure onto me And I fear that I’ll never live up To what you wanted me to be And I swear that if I just keep trying to please you Then that’ll be the end of me I’m freaking out seeing all the faces I used to know Going places, making something of themselves While I’m just left behind I’m questioning how am I supposed to beat this so-called “Adult Game” without selling my soul Or spending all the days ‘til I’m old in a job I hate? Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Can’t meet all these expectations Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Pressure onto me, pressure onto me And I fear that I’ll never live up To what you wanted me to be And I swear that if I just keep trying to please you Then that’ll be the end of me And even though this life is mine Feels like I’ve got to fall in line But that all sounds like a waste of time to me Don’t want to dress in a suit and tie Stay at the office from nine ‘til five Just sit at home with my guitar and bleed And I fear that I’ll never live up To what you wanted me to be And I swear that if I just keep trying to please you And I fear that I’ll never live up To what you wanted me to be And I swear that if I just keep trying to please you Then that’ll be the end of me (Stop pushing all this pressure onto me) That’ll be the end of me (Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe) (Stop pushing all this pressure onto me) That’ll be the end of me (Can’t meet all these expectations) (Stop pushing all this pressure onto me) That’ll be the end of me (Hearing what you want’s got me feeling like I can’t breathe) (Stop pushing all this pressure onto me Pressure onto me, pressure onto me)
4.
Nobody said this would be easy But that’s the biggest understatement of the century And even after Two Years On None of these fears are gone at all, if anything, they’re multiplying Can’t get rid of this shake, lying awake every night I’m in a constant fight between my head and my heart And I know this music is my gift But the compulsion for making it is tearing me apart And it’s quickly getting dark And before I knew it Reality came crushing down like a meteor shower Seems I’m facing my extinction No use to run and hide No choice left but to fight So grab a bat and start swinging for your life All the lights are fading out And I’m banging on walls in the dark hoping to find a door Anxiety’s closing in, the sky is falling again And I’m screaming PLEASE NO MORE I’m sick of wearing these fake smiles, just want to sing against Bathroom tiles trying to conjure up the next sound But self-esteem is sinking down Gotta to keep my head above water again before I surely drown And I’m sure to drown And before I knew it Reality came crushing down like a meteor shower Seems I’m facing my extinction No use to run and hide No choice left but to fight So grab a bat and start swinging for your life Be the change, beat the flames, break the chain it’s overrated Be the change, beat the flames, break the chain it’s overrated Be the change, beat the flames, break the chain it’s overrated Be the change, beat the flames, break the chain it’s overrated And before I knew it Reality came crushing down like a meteor shower Seems I’m facing my extinction No use to run and hide No choice left but to fight So grab a bat and start swinging for your life
5.
Brighton 04:03
So many sunny afternoons Choosing flavours of ice-cream in North Laine Still remember my first flumes at the King Alfred Wait that was Hove, actually Best not to think of how much Money I spent at the Palace Pier arcade When people say those were the days Here that is every day It’s not my home town But it means the world to me That time spent growing up By the sea As a teen watched Alice Cooper Get his head lopped off at the Brighton centre Saw Reel Big Fish at The Concorde 2 Caught a pick and got Less Than Jake’s set list And the time we partied so hard And got on stage with Andrew W.K. Not to mention the nights I played with LCA Slapping that bass It’s not my home town But it means the world to me That time spent growing up By the sea I could spend all day eating fish and chips on that stony beach I hope the West Pier never gets fixed; I love it how it is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is Can’t help but stop in GAK Or is it G A K where I got my first stomp box Then maybe off to Dave’s To browse all the comics and pick up the next One Piece There’s so many great places to eat If you can’t decide then don’t miss this Two words: Burger Brothers! Go try it, you won't regret it It’s not my home town But it means the world to me That time spent growing up By the sea I could spend all day eating fish and chips on that stony beach I hope the West Pier never gets fixed; I love it how it is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is It’s not my home town But it means the world to me That time spent growing up By the sea It’s not my home town But it means the world to me That time spent growing up By the sea I could spend all day eating fish and chips on that stony beach I hope the West Pier never gets fixed; I love it how it is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is I could spend all day eating fish and chips on that stony beach I hope the West Pier never gets fixed, I love it how it is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is 20 minutes from my home’s where the heart is
6.
New town, a different attitude But I didn’t think that it would be this way Thought maybe the world had grown up And is it too much to ask to just leave me be And they’re shouting out of their cars They’re calling out across the street But I can’t let them show that it gets to me Just want to flip them off and swear under my breath When was it a crime to be different? The world doesn’t need another prick like you And I haven’t got it cut in ten years so don’t ask Go get yourself a better hobby Thought I’d left behind the taunts and discourtesy With the bullies at school But I guess the world’s still full of jerks like them This gag is getting old ‘Cause I’ve had it since my teen years Don’t think you’re being original And I think it’s sad you have to rip on me Just to make yourself feel bigger than an ant When was it a crime to be different? The world doesn’t need another prick like you And I haven’t got it cut in ten years so don’t ask Go get yourself a better hobby Get yourself a better hobby Get yourself a better hobby Get yourself a better hobby Get yourself a better hobby Get yourself a better hobby (Get a life) Get yourself a better hobby (Stay out of mine) Get yourself a better hobby (Get a life) Get yourself a better hobby (Stay out of mine)
7.
Bags packed, overexcited Double check my pockets, got my keys and my wallet Shoes on, rush out the front door Running to the station, or I’ll miss my connection But the train is delayed (That’s just my luck) And I should have prepaid (These tickets cost a bomb) But nothing puts a price on seeing your face And I’m on my way right now Counting down these last few hours Another one hundred miles couldn’t keep me away from you Without you, what would I do? Hi, yes, on the train now Should be there in an hour or so, I’ll update you as I go Wait... say that again I think the signal’s getting weaker here... Hello? Hello? But my battery’s dead (Should have charged it before I left) I hope she heard what I said (Bit late to worry about that now) And now I can’t get this whole thing out of my head And I know it’s been a while But it’s just a few more miles And all the land and the sea couldn’t keep me apart from you Without you, what could I do? And now the train is pulling in To this long anticipated destination And as it comes to a stop, I can’t wait to get off and find you (The train now standing at platform 1 is the 14:02 service to the love of your life) That’s when I know it’s been worthwhile ‘Cause it’s there I see your smile And I run into your arms for a kiss and a hug from you Without you, what would I do?
8.
GG 04:00
Cure for the itch Just put in a dusty cartridge All to spend some time away from this busy place Memories of long gone times Where an RPG was the daily grind And racing carts ‘cause we couldn’t drive Off to save another princess These times were priceless So play fair, and be nice, don’t rage-quit now, that’ll be a shame Don’t stare at my screen, unless you’re on my team Good game guys, good game, good game Hanging out with friends playing up past midnight (‘Til we could barely keep awake) Or staying in on those rainy days (It was never a waste of time) Always had to play a little more Just enough to beat your high score Want to be my player 2? Gotta catch ‘em all? I’ll trade with you Explore another world together Man, I could do this forever So play fair, and be nice, don’t rage-quit now, that’ll be a shame Don’t know the controls? Just button-mash ‘til you’re on a roll Good game guys, good game, good game So play fair, and be nice, don’t rage-quit now, that’ll be a shame Don’t stare at my screen, unless you’re on my team Good game guys, good game, good game So play fair, and be nice (good game) So play fair, and be nice (good game) So play fair, and be nice (good game) So play fair, and be nice (good game)
9.
I know I don’t have it all And I often fear it’s not enough for you But your voice is all I need To get me through the day This world’s not an easy place to be And tomorrow often seems unfaceable But you never have to feel alone And I’ll be here by your side You’ve got a lot to say and I’m here if you need to say it I know you want to be strong And I know I’m not always the strongest But neither one of us has to be, all the time And we can always talk it out You’ve got a lot to say, and I’ve something to ask of you Will you listen to me too? Doesn’t matter if it’s only you Will you listen to me too? Doesn’t matter if it’s only you Only you I’ve got a lot to say, please hear me out There may be times when it feels like nothing’s worth it anymore And things are meaningless But the darkest time’s before the dawn And the strongest seeds grow up from that darkness So don’t force on a brave face Remember that it’s ok not to be ok And no matter how long it takes This’ll fade away And it’ll be ok You’ve got a lot to say and I’m here for every word
10.
Here we are again, another ten songs on by now Think it’s time we ought to change I’m sick of dwelling on the negativity that comes my way That’ll lead me to an early grave Feels like I’ve sung these words a thousand times Just like the paper cranes I’ve folded Wishing that I don’t forget the goals I’ve had since the start “This is my life, and we’ll just keep on running” It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon Just keep moving forward Another day, another step, hold your head up, stay strong All the stops, no regrets, you’ve waited so long Biding your time to make a mark, push through, carry on Full speed ahead, never give up, and don’t quit ‘til it’s done These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me And it’s at our lowest point that we’re open to the greatest changes But keep changing paths and they’ll all become overgrown Follow your passion, and great things are bound to come your way Or so they say, or so they say There’s a million lies we tell ourselves To hold us back from what we want A mind snowed in with worries of What the world will think, but you’ve gotta Seek approval within yourself Not from anyone else And I know that it’s easier said than done But if you don’t try, you’ll never know When fate seems to have it out for you, make this simple promise You only get one life to be yourself so just be honest Live for who you are and live for what you want to be And don’t throw that life away, when it feels like just one of those days These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy) Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy) These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy) Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy) These hopes and dreams that burn inside me let them define me (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy) Each day that makes the struggle longer just makes me want it more (Nobody said this would be easy, nobody said this would be easy)

about

Better Than The Book - Hopes and Dreams

Continuing straight from where Two Years On left off, Hopes and Dreams is Better Than The Book’s 2nd full length studio album. Check out the official lyric video for the lead single “Meteor Shower” on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl3Snl83OcI

credits

released July 19, 2019

All tracks written, performed and produced by Nick Standing
Recorded, mixed and mastered at JabunAudio by Nick Standing
Album artwork by Nick Standing
Meteor Shower lyric video and animated visuals by Vladimir Kuznetsov of World Beyond
www.youtube.com/c/worldbeyondsoundtracks
Press and lyric sheet photography by Roxi Abbott @roxisound

As with every heartfelt project like this, I couldn’t have done it alone and I’d like to extend my biggest thanks to a great few people who helped make the Hopes and Dreams album possible:

First of all, I cannot thank Vladimir Kuznetsov enough for his amazing lyric video for Meteor Shower, stylish animated visuals for the rest of the video streaming uploads, as well as the countless hours being my 2nd set of ears, proof listening to the project and pushing me to be a better and better audio engineer with each passing year. This album wouldn’t be nearly as good without all your support and help since 2013 and I can’t wait to lend my strings and ears to our next collaborative project together when the time comes!

Next, a huge thanks to Martin for gifting me his old (but MUCH newer than mine) music production computer as well as continually supporting and encouraging my musical endeavours since before I even picked up a guitar. I also want to thank my friend since childhood James for helping me fix up the new computer via the many tech-support phone calls last year, as well as his support and musical discussion whenever I’m back in my home town. I’m a firm believer in working around your limits to let creativity blossom, but the unprecedented headroom of computing power the new PC offered allowed me to pursue my creative goals for this album to the full with ease and comfort, and it simply would not have been the same without Martin’s generosity and James’ tech support. Thank you both so much!

Next, a big thanks to Nathan for his boundless BTTB directed enthusiasm since Two Years On and all the great discussion sorting out the cover artwork for the album. I also want to thank my Uncle Mark for the fantastic photo he took of the West Pier in Brighton which was one of the key reference materials when painting the final artwork.

Another big thanks goes to Bob Axell AKA Cyberdevil who rapped an amazing guest verse on Head Above Water from the Two Years On album, for always being a great guy to chat with and allowing me to sample our collaborative track together. I also want to give a shout out to the other featured performer in the BTTB discography Andy Forman, for his amazing support and enthusiasm since the start.

Another huge thanks goes to Meg for their fantastic PR work for the Hopes and Dreams album and support for BTTB and Jabun since Two Years On. Thanks for all the time and energy you’ve put into this campaign and all the previous times we’ve worked together. Many thanks too to Roxi, Sam and my brother Eamon for helping with the press photos for the campaign (also used for the lyric sheets) as well as their love and support in everything I do.

Next a huge thanks to the beta testing team: Vlad (again), David (also thanks for all the promo you do), Anthony and my brother Eamon (again). Thanks for all the feedback throughout the album’s production, proof listening, artwork discussion (along with Nathan and Eva), as well as always being terrific fun to be around! I also want to thank all my supporters on Patreon with special mention to the DEMOlition Pigeons & $10+ patrons, Michael White & Bob Roberts for helping keep my head above water while I pursue these passion projects. Your contribution goes a long way and I really can’t thank you enough!

Finally I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who’s been a part of my life since Two Years On and before. A huge thanks to my twin brother Eamon for always pushing me to be a better musician, keeping me equipped in the studio, and all the jams from Black Sabbath to BTTB throughout the years. A kiss and hug and boundless thanks to my everything buddy Eva who’s always pushing me to be the best version of myself possible, keeping me inspired, motivated and sane everyday and allowing me to pursue my hopes and dreams whether the times are good or tough. A huge thanks to my parents for their love and support and looking after my not-at-the-studio instruments for when I’m back in my hometown. I hope you don’t miss the rumbling above the kitchen too much. A big thanks to the rest of my friends and family for their support, discussion and inspiration, and lastly, a massive thanks to you who are reading and listening, whether you’re new to BTTB or have been following since the start. Without you there would be no-one to hear the music I’ve poured my heart into, and I hope it brings you many hours of listening pleasure for years to come.

Sample Credits:

01 - The Hardest Part
“Confessions” - Better Than The Book (from the "Two Years On" album)

08 - GG
“Head Above Water (feat Cyberdevil)” - Better Than The Book & Cyberdevil (from the "Two Years On" album)

Horn sounds courtesy of Session Horns by e-instruments
Drum Kit sounds courtesy of BeatBasics.com
Additional samples from freesound.org and various royalty free libraries

Follow Better Than The Book:
www.patreon.com/NickStanding
www.facebook.com/BetterThanTheBookUK
twitter.com/BTTB_UK
betterthanthebookuk.weebly.com

Better Than The Book is Nick Standing, AKA Jabun and anything he can find in the moment to create his beloved ska punk project. Keep up with his other musical endeavours and adventures on Patreon, the JabunAudio website, Facebook and Twitter.
www.patreon.com/NickStanding
www.jabunaudio.com
www.facebook.com/JabunAudio/
twitter.com/HurpADervish

Copyright Better Than The Book 2019

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Better Than The Book Burgess Hill, UK

Better Than The Book! A musical project by Nick Standing AKA Jabun. Heartfelt and high energy Ska / Pop Punk slices of life from a guy born in the 90s.

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