Treat You Better: Lyrics And Chords For Easy Playing

Hey guys! Ever heard a song that just gets you, makes you wanna grab your guitar and pour your heart out? For me, one of those tracks is definitely "Treat You Better." It's a classic anthem about seeing someone you care about being mistreated and wanting to step in and, well, treat them better! So, let’s dive into what makes this song so special, going through both the lyrics and chords so you can play it yourself. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this breakdown will help you master this awesome tune.

The Story Behind "Treat You Better"

"Treat You Better" was released by Shawn Mendes in 2016 as part of his second studio album, Illuminate. The song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a massive hit worldwide. But what's the story behind the song? It's all about witnessing someone you care for being in a relationship where they're not being treated with the respect and love they deserve. It’s that feeling of wanting to offer them something better, a relationship built on kindness, understanding, and genuine affection. The song captures the frustration and longing that comes with seeing someone you like going through a tough time with the wrong person. Shawn Mendes himself has mentioned in interviews that the song comes from a place of wanting to empower people to recognize their worth and not settle for less than they deserve. It's a message that resonates with a lot of listeners, which contributes to the song’s enduring popularity. The beauty of "Treat You Better" lies in its simplicity and relatability. The lyrics are straightforward and honest, making it easy for anyone to connect with the emotions being conveyed. Musically, the song blends pop and rock elements, creating an upbeat yet emotionally charged atmosphere. The combination of these factors has made "Treat You Better" a staple in many playlists and a go-to song for anyone looking to express their feelings of care and concern for someone they admire. So, next time you hear it, remember that it's more than just a catchy tune—it's a heartfelt message about offering someone the love and respect they truly deserve. Whether you're strumming along on your guitar or just singing in the shower, "Treat You Better" is a reminder to value those around you and to recognize your own worth in any relationship.

Diving into the Lyrics

Alright, let’s break down the lyrics of "Treat You Better." The song starts with a simple yet powerful observation: "I won't lie to you / I know he's just not right for you." Right off the bat, you’re getting honesty. The singer is acknowledging that the person they care about is in a relationship that isn’t working. There's no beating around the bush; it's a direct and heartfelt statement. Then comes the plea: "And you can tell me that you love him / But I see you crying." This line is so raw because it highlights the contrast between what the person says and what they actually feel. They might claim to be in love, but their tears tell a different story. It’s about recognizing the pain someone is trying to hide. The pre-chorus builds up the anticipation: "I know I can treat you better / Than he can / And any girl like you deserves a gentleman." This is where the song's main theme comes into play. The singer is confident that they can offer a better relationship, one based on respect and kindness. The line about deserving a gentleman emphasizes the idea that everyone deserves to be treated well. The chorus is the heart of the song: "Cause I know I can treat you better / Treat you better than he can / And I'll stop at nothing / To get with you." It’s a bold declaration of intent. The singer is determined to win this person over and is willing to go the extra mile. The repetition of "Treat you better than he can" drives home the message and makes it super catchy. In the second verse, the singer points out the flaws in the current relationship: "I see it in your eyes, you just want out / Hate that I can't hold you / You deserve so much more than what he's giving you." This is about empathy and understanding. The singer sees the unhappiness in the other person's eyes and acknowledges that they deserve more. The bridge reinforces the singer's commitment: "Tell me why are we wasting time / On all your wasted crying / When you should be with me instead / I know I can treat you better." This is a call to action, urging the person to leave the bad relationship and embrace the possibility of something better. Overall, the lyrics of "Treat You Better" are a powerful expression of wanting to offer someone a better, more loving relationship. It’s about recognizing their worth, understanding their pain, and being willing to fight for their happiness. Whether you’re singing along or analyzing the words, the message is clear: everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Chords and How to Play Them

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff: the chords! "Treat You Better" is primarily played using a few simple chords, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. The main chords you'll need are: G major, D major, Em (E minor), and C major. These chords form the backbone of the song and are used throughout the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus. Let's break them down:

• G Major: To play G major, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
• D Major: For D major, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E and A strings.
• Em (E minor): To play E minor, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
• C Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all strings except the low E string.

Now that you know the chords, let's look at the typical chord progression in "Treat You Better":

• Verse: G, D, Em, C
• Pre-Chorus: Em, C, G, D
• Chorus: G, D, Em, C

The song generally follows this pattern, but you might notice some slight variations depending on the specific section. The strumming pattern commonly used is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up rhythm. This pattern gives the song its catchy and upbeat feel. However, feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. For example, you could try a slower, more relaxed strumming pattern for the verses and then switch to a more energetic pattern for the chorus to build intensity. If you're just starting out, focus on getting the chord changes smooth and consistent. Practice transitioning between G, D, Em, and C until you can do it without hesitation. Once you're comfortable with the chord changes, start working on the strumming pattern. You can also find numerous tutorials online that demonstrate the strumming pattern in detail. Another tip for beginners is to start slow. Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Instead, focus on accuracy and clarity. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to play "Treat You Better" with confidence and impress your friends with your guitar skills. Remember, the key is to be patient and persistent. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there! And don't forget to have fun while you're learning.

Tips for Playing the Song Well

To really nail "Treat You Better" on your guitar, it’s not just about knowing the chords; it's also about how you play them. Here are some tips to elevate your performance: Focus on smooth transitions between chords. Jerky changes can disrupt the flow of the song, so practice moving your fingers efficiently from one chord to the next. Try to anticipate the changes and prepare your fingers in advance. Experiment with dynamics. Dynamics refer to the volume and intensity of your playing. Try playing the verses more softly and then building up to a louder, more energetic chorus. This will add depth and emotion to your performance. Pay attention to your strumming hand. The way you strum can greatly affect the sound of the song. Try varying your strumming pattern to create different textures. For example, you could use a more aggressive strum for the chorus and a gentler strum for the verses. Listen to the original song closely and try to mimic Shawn Mendes's phrasing and rhythm. Pay attention to the subtle nuances in his performance and try to incorporate them into your own playing. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent. This will help you develop a solid sense of rhythm and ensure that you're playing in time with the music. Record yourself playing and listen back critically. This is a great way to identify areas where you can improve. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, such as fingerpicking or using a capo to change the key of the song. This can add your own personal touch to the song and make it more enjoyable to play. Most importantly, relax and have fun! Playing music should be an enjoyable experience, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just relax, let the music flow, and enjoy the process. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you'll become. So, keep practicing, and you'll be nailing "Treat You Better" in no time. And don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're a natural part of the learning process. Just learn from them and keep moving forward. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be able to play this song beautifully and impress everyone who hears you. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and get ready to treat your audience to a fantastic performance!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to play "Treat You Better" on your guitar. From the heartfelt story behind the song to the simple yet effective chords and strumming patterns, you’re now equipped to master this popular tune. Remember, the key to playing any song well is practice, patience, and a whole lot of passion. Start slow, focus on smooth chord transitions, and don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun with it! Music is all about expression and enjoyment, so let your personality shine through as you play. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced guitarist looking to add a new song to your repertoire, "Treat You Better" is a fantastic choice. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and simple chord progression make it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress. So grab your guitar, gather your friends, and start strumming. With a little practice, you'll be able to play "Treat You Better" with confidence and bring joy to everyone who hears you. And who knows, maybe you'll even inspire someone to treat you better in return! So go out there, make some music, and spread the love with your newfound guitar skills. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way. Happy playing!