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].
1. |
Ignition
01:18
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[Fear be the gunner in my back seat
Fear be the gunner in my back seat!]
[Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world... the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take... we have examined where we are strong and where we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. Now it is time to take longer strides-time... I believe we possess all the resources and talents necessary... we nevertheless are required to make new efforts on our own. For while we cannot guarantee that we shall one day be first, we can guarantee that any failure to make this effort will make us last.]
[We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard!]
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2. |
Homecoming
01:10
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Feels like it’s certainly been a while
Since I last wrote a lyric from my heart and smiled at my own work
But these years apart, they’ve hurt
And this busy life’s absurd
But then every lesson
Was inspiration
That gave this meaning worth
And I can barely wait
To play guitar again, until my fingers ache
And I can’t contain this anymore,
And I won’t restrain myself, I’ll shout until my lungs are sore
And I’ll thank each and every breath
That brought me to this moment now
Feels like, I’m finally home
Feels like, I’m finally home
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3. |
Hearts Racing
03:04
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Two years on,
And the world is still a mystery
And it still just overwhelms me
But through it all
I’ve taken every lesson learned
Locked in my mind now it’s my turn to
Prove them wrong
And show them what I’m made of now
Since the last time I took my bow
And hear the sound
Held in my heart since One Small Step
Hope this is a moment you’ll never forget
Gotta put my mind into it
Gotta push on ahead right through it
Gonna grit my teeth and I’ll do it
And my luck, could still
Do with a little improvement
And my heart, is right
Right in the place where I wanna be
And my path, may not be so clear
But I don’t care
In this world
I’ve a million things to be thankful for
Friends, family and so much more
And I’ve met this girl
Feels like I found her in my dreams
Wanna spend each day making her happy
Gotta face my fears and fight them
Realise my goals and sight them
Gonna raise some hell tonight then
And my luck, could still
Do with a little improvement
And my heart, is right
Right in the place where I wanna be
And my path, may not be so clear
But I don’t care
I don’t care
Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me
Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me
Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me
Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour
And my luck, could still
Do with a little improvement
And my heart, is right
Right in the place where I wanna be
And my path, may not be so clear
But I don’t care
I don’t care
I don’t care
[It’s one small step for a man]
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4. |
Undead Education
04:00
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I don’t know what to think
It all goes in the blink of an eye
I have no idea where those years went
Can’t remember my first day
All those constellations on my face
I was never one for popularity
But you soon learn that
History books and literature
Weren’t even half of what you needed to know
It’s a pity they never told me so
And the real test isn’t
Sitting at a desk with a pen and paper
Take note of this for later:
My graduation
A funeral for my formal edification
And the greatest lessons that you learn
Are from the mistakes you make on your own
Make sure these words are said
Real education’s undead
Seems just like yesterday
In a gown at the centre of a stage
A Masters degree is enough for me
But coming back to my home town
And the challenges that I’m facing now
Can’t help but think there’s something wrong with me
And then I realised that
Calculus and physics
Weren’t even half of what I needed to know
It’s a pity they never told me so
And the real test isn’t
Monitored by a silent invigilator
Swap notes on this for later
My graduation
A funeral for my formal edification
And the greatest lessons that you learn
Are from the mistakes you make on your own
Make sure these words are read
Real education’s undead
But you’ll soon learn that
Every lecture from the classroom
Wasn’t even a bite of what you needed to know
It’s a pity they never told me so
And the real test is
Stepping out your door once you’ve earned that piece of paper
And you’re the only taker
My graduation
A funeral for my formal edification
And the greatest lessons that you learn
Are from the mistakes you make on your own
Make sure these words are said
Real education’s undead
My graduation
A funeral for my formal edification
And the greatest lessons that you learn
Are from the mistakes you make on your own
Make sure these words are said
Real education’s undead
Real education’s undead
Real education’s undead
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5. |
Channel Surfing
00:42
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[I can’t see a damn thing! There could be fifty million of those things out there...
... Survival Command Center at the Pentagon has disclosed that a ghoul can be killed by a shot in the head, or a heavy blow to the skull...
They’re coming to get you, Barbara!]
[If you’re still watching television on a small screen set, you’re missing alot!]
[What’s going on here? What kind of a practical joke is this?
It’s on the record...]
[Hi Lou. How’s the show shaping up for my opening in San Francisco, huh?
Yes... well except I can’t get the trio and the dance team you wanted, there’s a sort of a conflict in dates, but I’ll straighten it out.
Oh fine...
Harry did a great job on this arrangement; see how you like it for an opener]
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6. |
Cathode Ray Days
03:07
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All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
Boy I really miss those days
In front of the old cathode ray
There were only 4 channels then
And none of them were 24/7
Attenborough would talk about nature
9pm would show the latest feature
And good old Mr Motivator
Would tell us not to copy the Power Rangers
Wake me up at 7am
For a Saturday morning
Cartoon marathon
Record our favourites on VHS
So we can play these moments
Again and again
All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
Boy I really miss those days
In front of the old cathode ray
When we’d rent a DVD
Just to sit down with our friends or family
Games were just the disk or cartridge you get
There wasn’t DLC from the internet
And all 3D and 4K nonsense
Wasn’t trying to enhance the experience
Call your friends and we’ll have a night in
You bring the crisps and dip
I’ll get the drinks
Who’s up for PS1? I call shotgun
Or maybe that new horror film
I’ll be awake for weeks
All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
Boy I really miss those days
In front of the old cathode ray
Before the whole world was online
And the choice we had could waste our time
When if we wanted to watch we’d have to wait
when piracy still came on tape
And all the famous YouTube stars
Were still sitting and watching, just like we are
All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
Boy I really miss those Days
All those memories
Sitting too close to that screen
Didn’t care we were zombies
Just give me back my old TV
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7. |
Make Your Mark
03:26
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When I was young
I thought that everyone could change the world
Seem so far off now
We’re all just faces in the crowd
I’ve all this Inspiration
But a lack of motivation
If I don’t get up now then
I’ve already lost
I won’t wait, for a second chance
Now’s a better time than any to
stand up, throw away those doubts
that are just holding you back
Please don’t say, that you’re giving up
Nothing worthwhile came easy
And inside I know you have the strength
To take that leap of faith and follow your mind
But it’s harder than it seems
Counting the days I’m chasing dreams
As my calendar flips over and over
You said I can be better than this
Gotta try or I’ll just fail I guess
Hope one day that I can truly
Make a difference
I won’t wait, for a another chance
Now’s a better time than any to
Stand up, throw away those fears
That are holding you down
Please don’t let, yourself have regrets
Or dwell on times long gone because
This moment is what matters now
Just keep your eyes ahead and follow your mind
We’re all just one in 7 billion
Trying to get somebody else to listen
We’re all just one in 7 billion
Trying to get the whole world to, pay attention
And I’ll say, there’s no greater chance
Live for just this moment and
Wake up, find and chase your dreams
No one’s holding you back
Promise me, you’ll remember always
Life is short, a privilege
And you only get, a single chance
To make your mark and follow your mind
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8. |
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I’m wearing weak
And motivation’s so hard to find
But the weather’s so clear outside
These clouds are in my mind
Feels like my life revolves around checking emails
I’m addicted to my new smartphone
How is it in this age where we’re all connected
I feel like we’re the most alone?
Maybe it’s time that I should step outside
And breathe the open air into my lungs
Just leave behind this laptop screen
and walk beneath the sun
The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know
Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll
Shut down my Windows
And step out of my door
But once I get out there all I find
Are countless faces staring into pixels
Facebook, Twitter or Candy Crush
If we’re not searching for a signal
We’re a procrastination nation
Answering boredom with frustration
Wasting our precious time surfing online
While the real world loses our attention
Maybe it’s time that I should step outside
And breathe the open air into my lungs
Just leave behind this laptop screen
and walk beneath the sun
The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know
Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll
Shut down my Windows
And step out of my door
Maybe it’s time that I should step outside
And breathe the open air into my lungs
Just leave behind this laptop screen
and walk beneath the sun
The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know
Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll
Shut down my Windows
And step out of my door
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9. |
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[Hey Nick; it’s Bob
Yeah, just got your reply to the last email with the extra audio and stuff. Glad you got something out of it! You know, things like this I'm uncertain as to their purpose, as in: are they inspiring; useful, or more of a misuse of time to save and send. Yeah, I know you'll be doing the song thing, just felt compelled to attempt this one-take take on all takes and show it's a piece of cake with gauze, without mistakes like Oz, never earthquakes or laws, make us forsake our loss, it's truly great and awes, are in each face like they just took a break with a tape of Nas... or met a raging wasp and dove into a lake of moss...
Yeah! Alright, let’s start this thing. Let’s go! Showtime!]
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10. |
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Another goal and another lost year
Still unfulfilled and here’s my fear
That I could be gone tomorrow
But what would I have to show for it all
Another 6 string riff over drums and a bassline
Just killing time on some legacy I want to leave behind
Right from the start couldn’t help but make it from the heart
All just to play the part of the person that I wanted to be
Feels like I’m slowly sinking
Waking up from the far off dream that you’re living in
Clouded mind but I can’t stop thinking
That giving up on yourself and this path would be your greatest sin
Try to keep my head above water
But no one’s coming for me
What are you waiting for!
What are you waiting for!
I always figured that you
Make your own fate
But I’m not so sure
I’m not so sure anymore
Not so sure that they’ll give me a second glance
But I don’t care I’ll make my chance
Beat frustration with collaboration
Get hyped tonight and keep up the good fight
Strive to find the inspiration I had back then
Pep talk to myself before I give in again
Keep hearing you can go far if you work hard
But I’m pushing and pushing and seems like something’s gotta give
Feels like I’m slowly drowning
Trying to hold on, stay strong for the goals that you had from the start
Just wanna smile but I can’t stop frowning
Struggling everyday to make sure you stay true to your heart
Try to keep my head above water
But no one’s coming for me
What are you waiting for!
What are you waiting for!
I always figured that you
Make your own fate
But I’m not so sure
I’m not so sure anymore
Not so sure but I'm getting closer
Understanding expanding with every subsequent verse
I sit and listen, envision, enrichen
Cyberdevil shifting positions
Is it Better Than The Book? Bet it can be!
I've been reading reason never understanding
I can read books and books ‘til I seize to be
But if I don't start living there'll be no peace for me
Stop fleeing to dreams! Start preaching, teaching them!
Chase your demons ‘til you reach and beat them in! The world kept me waiting
Wading under the weight of my dreams
I'm just waking and breaking free
It's BTTB! Who said this would be a breeze
I've been chained, I've been shamed, I've been eager to leave
Stood at the eve on my dreams but didn't take the step
I looked down at my foot. Regret
But I'm not giving up! Life is a limited lapse of time so live it up!
Laugh and smile a while it’s a wild ride, so giddy up!
If every day’s insidious and fate feels hideous
Just make your own way; don’t wait mate, get serious!
Maybe you'll see this world is better than it seems
You just need to be yourself and believe in your dreams
Try to keep my head above water
But no one’s coming for me
What are you waiting for!
What are you waiting for!
Try to keep my head above water
But no one’s coming for me
What are you waiting for!
What are you waiting for!
I always figured that you
Make your own fate
But I’m not so sure
I’m not so sure anymore
Try to keep my head above water
But no one’s coming for me
What are you waiting for!
What are you waiting for!
[Ha! It’s shaping up
It’s going down
It’s getting right
Just a little more left]
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11. |
The Bigger Picture
03:57
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Looking back seems I’ve come a long way
I guess it started in my teenage school days
Was just the kid with the cello at my side
Wish I could sing out loud, but I was too shy
Quite soon I found a guitar in my hand
Made some great friends and we started our first band
Played every week until they let us on the stage
That was the day I finally broke from my cage
And I thought to myself
“Are we ever gonna make it”
But what does that mean?
Having videos on MTV?
Maybe success isn’t where you get to
It’s how you go about getting there
And it’s best to just
Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
I owe a lot to older twin brother
Working each day to outdo each other
And with our Dad we built our own guitars
Precious memories held in my heart
Education made us go our separate ways
For a few years and I came back with a bass
To great old friends and a few new faces
But with my bro nothing ever changes
And I thought to myself
“Are we ever gonna make it”
But what does that mean?
Making cover of a magazine?
Maybe success isn’t where you get to
It’s how you go about getting there
And it’s best to just
Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
I knew that it would take more than One Small Step
Right back to basics, running through the Alphabet
Wanted to find all of those Mountains of Gold
While I was growing up, but not yet growing old
Stayed in my room and I kept the door slammed shut
And took the time to build myself From The Ground Up
Rise from the ashes and make it on my own
To go the Distance and find my way Home
What about the Bigger Picture
And I thought to myself
“Does it matter if we make it?”
But what does that mean?
Recognition following your dreams?
Maybe success isn’t where you get to
It’s how you go about getting there
And it’s best to just
Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
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12. |
Confessions
02:11
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2 years on
And the world is still a mystery
And it still just overwhelms me
And I feel so small
Trying to stand above the crowd
Just wanna make my loved ones proud
These fears and doubts
I can’t let them control me
But I’m holding on just barely
To hear this sound
Let out my heart before I forget
Hope this a moment I’ll never regret
Gotta put my mind into it
Gonna push on ahead right through it
Take a deeper breath and I’ll do it
And my luck, could still
Do with a little improvement
And my Heart, is right
Right in the place where I wanna be
And my path, may not be so clear
But I don’t care
I don’t care
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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.
Better Than The Book recommends:
Epic compositions from World Beyond combining, cinematic and orchestral elements with heavy rock and electronic elements too! Fantastic work!
go to album
Nobody Asked For This So I Did It
by World Beyond
Epic compositions from World Beyond combining, cinematic and orchestral elements with heavy rock and electronic elements too! I'm playing guitar/bass for all but one of the tracks!
go to album
My debut album as Jabun. ELECTRONIC / CINEMATIC / ORCHESTRAL / AMBIENT / CHILL VIBES & SOUNDSCAPES FOR YOUR DAYDREAMS
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The latest from Tape Deck Mountain takes the dreaminess of shoegaze and pairs it with woozy psychedelic hooks.
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MUSIC LOVER EP
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