Clint Black – A Better Man, is a song by American country music artist Clint Black. It was released in February 1989 as his debut single, and was served as the first single from his debut album, Killin’ Time. It was written by Black and Hayden Nicholas. When «A Better Man» went to No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart on June 10, Black was the first artist since Freddy Fender to ascend to the top of the country chart with his first charted single. In addition, «A Better Man» was the No. 1 song of 1989 on the Hot Country Singles chart. The success of «A Better Man,» along with the follow-up «Killin’ Time,» were instrumental in Black winning the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award in 1989.

This was Clint Black’s first music video; it was directed by Bill Young and premiered in early 1989. Much of the video is of Black driving down a little-used country road in a late-1950s Ford F-100 pickup truck, reflecting on his now-failed relationship. Interspersed are clips of Black performing the song before people dancing to the song.

Clint Black – A Better Man
From the album Killin’ Time
A-side «Killin’ Time»
Released February 18, 1989 (U.S.)
Recorded November 1988
Genre Country
Length 3:04
Label RCA Nashville 8781
Songwriter(s) Clint Black Hayden Nicholas
Producer(s) Mark Wright James Stroud

COUNTRYPEDIA

Clint Black – A Better Man Lyrics

[Verse 1]
What do you say when it’s over?
I don’t know if I should say anything at all
One day we’re rollin’ in the clover
Next thing, you know, we take the fall

[Verse 2]
Still, I think about the years since I first met you
And the way it might have been without you here
I don’t know if words from me can still upset you
But I’ve just gotta make this memory stand clear

[Chorus]
I know I’m leavin’ here a better man
For knowin’ you this way
Things I couldn’t do before now I think I can
And I’m leavin’ here a better man

[Verse 3]
I guess, I always knew I couldn’t hold you
But I’d never be the one to set you free
Just like some old nursery rhyme your Mama told you
You still believe in some old, ‘meant to be’

[Chorus]
Still, I’m leavin’ here a better man
For knowin’ you this way
Things I couldn’t do before now I think I can
And I’m leavin’ here a better man
Yes, I’m leavin’ here a better man
For knowin’ you this way
Things I couldn’t do before now I know I can
And I’m leavin’ here a better man
(Ooo ooo ooo)
Yes, I’m leavin’ here a better man

GENIUS