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Jack Johnson — Better Together
Album: In Between Dreams
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 629









Released: 2005
Length: 3:22
Plays (last 30 days): 0
There's no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart
Our dreams they are made up of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs
of sepia-tone loving
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions of my heart
Like why we're here? 'nd where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy,
No, Sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing it's always better when we're together

Mmm its always better when we're together
Yeah we look at them stars when we're together
Well It's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

And all of these moments
might find their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they'll be gone
When the morning light sings
And brings new things
But tomorrow night you see
That they'll be gone too
Too many things I have to do
But if all of these dreams might find their way
Into my day to day scene
I'll be under the impression
I was somewhere in between
With only two
Just me and you
Not so many things we got to do
Or places we got to be
We'll sit beneath the mango tree now

Yeah, It's always better when we're together
Mmm We're somewhere in between together
Well It's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

Mmmmmm Mmmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm

I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when I wake up
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing
We're better together
Comments (178)add comment
None of Jack's songs seem to stand out, but I find all of them pleasing to listen to.  Lots of comparisons to sunshine and sandy beaches in the comments.  That's where his music always takes me, too.
 TernaryBit wrote:
wow, I would have never expected so much acrimony towards Jack Johnson from Radio Paradise listeners. I'm surprised.
 
It's funny — when I heard a Jack Johnson song come on, I immediately expected massive acrimony from the RP faithful.  I checked out the comments just to see if I was right.

Awesome song!
wow, I would have never expected so much acrimony towards Jack Johnson from Radio Paradise listeners. I'm surprised.


As a verse drags on like a month drags on
It's very short, but it seems very long
Jack Johnson makes me nauseous... {#Puke}
I saw a guy recently, wearing a t-shirt that said, Jack Johnson ruined everything.

I can listen to his music all day.  I may get a bit spacey and forget alot of what I am doing.  But lets cuddle up on a couch, bed or on the beach and listen to his music all day!


papaman wrote:
I'm beginning to think that RP intentionally plays music like Johnson's to reset our auditory palette.

So in essence ... Jack Johnson is the palette cleanser in our music wine cellar.
 
  rumplestiltskin wrote:

I was going to comment that we needed more Michael Penn and less Jack Johnson, but I like this comment much better.  Jack Johnson is a water cracker...gotta love it! 
 
I really like Jack Johnson. But that is funny! {#Lol}
Ahhhh yes. Love Jack...and another day in the 70s in Santa Barbara.{#Sunny}
Mmmmmmmmm - makes me all warm on a snowy day. Aural sunshine.
SuperWeh wrote:
When I was a teenager (80s/90s) surfers listened to punk/surf rock.

 smehan55 wrote:
When I was a teenager (70s) we listened to a lot of Zeppelin, Zappa & Hendrix. We went to bars, not coffee houses. We would have called Jack Johnson a p**** and run him off our beach. And we liked it that way. :-) Now, ah, I dunno, he seems OK, nothing special, just sort of snoozy background music. FWIW.

inindian wrote:
That's pretty well what my father (teenager 60s, 70s) said when he first heard Jack Johnson! I kind of feel much the same!
 


 papaman wrote:
I'm beginning to think that RP intentionally plays music like Johnson's to reset our auditory palette.

So in essence ... Jack Johnson is the palette cleanser in our music wine cellar.
 
I was going to comment that we needed more Michael Penn and less Jack Johnson, but I like this comment much better.  Jack Johnson is a water cracker...gotta love it! 
I'm beginning to think that RP intentionally plays music like Johnson's to reset our auditory palette.

So in essence ... Jack Johnson is the palette cleanser in our music wine cellar.
 Hungerdunger wrote:
I noticed some while back that the chord progression is the same as the chorus of Pictures of Lily by The Who, and since then I can't listen to the song without singing the Who's words while Jack's doing his.
 
That's really freakin' funny.

 
Seeing Jack Johnson on the cover of a certain outdoorsie magazine was the final nail in the coffin for me, and after almost 15 years subscribing to it, I canceled my subscription.
That's a testament to just how bad the magazine had deteriorated, and also how much JJ makes my stomach churn.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........{#Sleep}
Prozac
 SuperWeh wrote:
When I was a teenager (80s/90s) surfers listened to punk/surf rock.
 
When I was a teenager (70s) we listened to a lot of Zeppelin, Zappa & Hendrix. We went to bars, not coffee houses. We would have called Jack Johnson a p**** and run him off our beach. And we liked it that way. :-) Now, ah, I dunno, he seems OK, nothing special, just sort of snoozy background music. FWIW. 
 Mindscrape wrote:
I think this was made for girls.
 
I'm a girl, and this stuff is boring. *yawn*

 K-BILLY wrote:
Seems that Jack Johnson doesn't have a strong following here at RP but I personally enjoy his make you feel good music.
 
Oh yeah!
I always feel GREAT in elevators and supermarkets

Two Jack Johnson songs in one day? Ugh.
Alpine wrote:
Yeah, what you said. I have had enough of this mish mash crap.
Sounds like you and Jimmy need to start your own radio station together.
I like Jack Johnson. It's not the same ol' stuff, yet good.
Jimi_the_Saint wrote:
That's enough Jack Johnson/Ben Harper/Dave Matthews. Now stop it.
Yeah, what you said. I have had enough of this mish mash crap.
Mindscrape wrote:
I think this was made for girls.
Come on!! Since when are girls the only ones to have the privilege to enjoy feel-good music? (hard-boiled metal-eating truckers should stop reading at this point) I think Jack Johnson has the gift to turn everything he touches into soozing gentle breezes of warm good vibes!
That's enough Jack Johnson/Ben Harper/Dave Matthews. Now stop it.
I think this was made for girls.
Kevstar wrote:
Jack Johnson is popular right now, but probbaly because he is a surfer. I wonder how many people would like his music if they did not know he was a surfer. Here in San Diego, it seems most people that like his music know he is a surfer and they surf as well.
When I was a teenager (80s/90s) surfers listened to punk/surf rock.
You need to get out more. . . and listen to RP more for great music!! ekeyte wrote:
Great song from a great album.
I noticed some while back that the chord progression is the same as the chorus of Pictures of Lily by The Who, and since then I can't listen to the song without singing the Who's words while Jack's doing his.
Seems that Jack Johnson doesn't have a strong following here at RP but I personally enjoy his make you feel good music. Thanks for playing a bit of everything RP!
Doggie wrote:
Lightweight
Maybe we should have Eddie Vedder cover some of his tunes.
bubble gum mary-go round lollipop sap, please not here . . .
Great song from a great album.
okobojicat wrote:
Your tone implies there is something wrong with that.
Angus Young (AC/DC for all you rock illiterates) once said "I am sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly alike. We have in fact made 12."
theGOOT wrote:
god, i can't stand this crap, but every time i hear it i think of my girlfriend's face and smile...its her favorite... but seriously, his smarmy voice makes me want to punch a cat.
yep, I agree, that this song is completely boring.
Ahh, back at the beach again.
god, i can't stand this crap, but every time i hear it i think of my girlfriend's face and smile...its her favorite... but seriously, his smarmy voice makes me want to punch a cat.
I don't hate JJ, he has decent lyrics but jeeze can't your find a different rythmn for your songs...talk about every song sounding basically the same
whafrog wrote:
This guy always sounds the same. His first album was refreshing, his second, a repeat.
Your tone implies there is something wrong with that.
Doggie wrote:
Lightweight
No, awesome. Meaningful. Real. All those apply. . . "lightweight" not so much.
Lightweight
there is no hate here, just boredom... slowhand wrote:
Odd that an artist can be popular today with a happy positive outlook reflected in their music. Hate,angst, and negative thought in music rules today. Most listeners today have soo much pessamism and negativity in their personalities they live to skewer artists like Jack. Keep up the good work Jack...some of us understand your purpose!
phreels wrote:
p.s. that tree on the cover is about three blocks from my house. (seriously)
I am deeply envious.
This guy always sounds the same. His first album was refreshing, his second, a repeat.
This is a Great Love Song... Pleasant Melody... I love playing this at Weddings, Lots of people will dance to it!
slowhand wrote:
Odd that an artist can be popular today with a happy positive outlook reflected in their music. Hate,angst, and negative thought in music rules today. Most listeners today have soo much pessamism and negativity in their personalities they live to skewer artists like Jack. Keep up the good work Jack...some of us understand your purpose!
Jack's positive sentiment is good...but his music bores the crap outta me...Hawaii doesn't...
Surfer, not a surfer . . . who cares? I love his way with words, and I always feel good after hearing his music. That's enough for me.
to me jack johnson is the real deal, he's genuinely laid-back and releasing relaxing vibes that bring a smile to my face or wrench my heart. he's good.
perfect song to lullabye me away tonight. :) Mahalo, RP! p.s. that tree on the cover is about three blocks from my house. (seriously) You can't tell but somebody's spray painted "barefoot and pregnant" on the cement wall. That's Hau'ula's version of graphiti. I love my island.
Odd that an artist can be popular today with a happy positive outlook reflected in their music. Hate,angst, and negative thought in music rules today. Most listeners today have soo much pessamism and negativity in their personalities they live to skewer artists like Jack. Keep up the good work Jack...some of us understand your purpose!
I have to believe that RP only throws in songs like this - by Jack Johnson or Dave Matthews - just to keep us wondering how you make your choices. This is about as boring as it gets.
did I just hear "chopsticks"?
fuace wrote:
Seems like he only knows 1 beat - and that has become really really boring. Too bad, because he could've been much more than that.
He's quite good at that one beat, but I do totally agree with you. Doesn't seem like any of it is much of a stretch for him.
Seems like he only knows 1 beat - and that has become really really boring. Too bad, because he could've been much more than that.
physicsgenius wrote:
That's OK, the unpretentious like it.
I'm quite pretentious, and I still like it!
HOKEY HOKEY HOKEY! I've gotta go barf real fast; brb.
One of the few artists that actually makes me turn off RP. I'll be back later.
ianmack wrote:
jack johnson is misunderstood. he's a victim of overplaying. yes his songs sound very similar, but anyone who's ever listened to his lyrics and seen him live realize he's just a guy who likes playing the guitar. he seems as relaxed on stage as he would be on your couch or hanging around a beach campfire at sunset. even then, a large part of his music is highly political, covering topics like environmentalism, materialism, war, you name it. i say, throw another stick on the fire and let him play until the stars come out.
Couldn't have said it better myself...just listen and enjoy...
jack johnson is misunderstood. he's a victim of overplaying. yes his songs sound very similar, but anyone who's ever listened to his lyrics and seen him live realize he's just a guy who likes playing the guitar. he seems as relaxed on stage as he would be on your couch or hanging around a beach campfire at sunset. even then, a large part of his music is highly political, covering topics like environmentalism, materialism, war, you name it. i say, throw another stick on the fire and let him play until the stars come out.
luin wrote:
all his songs sound the same
I agree they do sound the same, but when the right jack johnson song hits you at the right time.. its like riding a 10,000ft slip-n-slide covered in jello pudding.
snore i think i could possibly stand him better if he were produce more like david gray.
ChicoCyclist wrote:
You're are correct, sir! An ex-girlfriend gave me a copy of his earlier album and each time we listened to it we ended up doing the same thing (three letters, the last of which is worth 8 points in Scrabble). Fond memories, but I still think Jack Johnson's music is soulless dross.
So, you're saying you're the ChicoSexist? (what's that, 10 points?) Gotta admit, this is the first original sounding Jack Johnson song. If it has the desired effects, I'll use it, but I probably won't be happy until I see proof.
Hm. This one was some kind of cool one year ago. But since the major radio stations are raping it up and down the airwaves it lost all of its charme. I'm kind of sick of it. But nice and solid bass playing though.
thewiseking wrote:
i suppose there are certain women i can woo into bed with this sort of crap.
You're are correct, sir! An ex-girlfriend gave me a copy of his earlier album and each time we listened to it we ended up doing the same thing (three letters, the last of which is worth 8 points in Scrabble). Fond memories, but I still think Jack Johnson's music is soulless dross.
JJ, the man women love and men love to hate.
Dull and duller
Boring Oh wait, he's a surfer? Great sound!
luin wrote:
all his songs sound the same
Yeah he'll be on MTV's "where are they now" in 3 years.
Yeah, not revolutionary, but I've liked most of what I've heard from the guy. Wait, did physicsgenius imply that he's not pretentious a few posts back?
all his songs sound the same
Kevstar wrote:
Jack Johnson is popular right now, but probbaly because he is a surfer. I wonder how many people would like his music if they did not know he was a surfer. Here in San Diego, it seems most people that like his music know he is a surfer and they surf as well.
Actually, I liked his music way before I knew he was a surfer. I wouldn't say it's anything extraordinary, but it's got a nice summer relaxing on the lake/at the beach feel to it. It will always remind me of summer...especially in the dead of winter when I need a reminder that it's just around the corner.
Jack Johnson is popular right now, but probbaly because he is a surfer. I wonder how many people would like his music if they did not know he was a surfer. Here in San Diego, it seems most people that like his music know he is a surfer and they surf as well.
noelbarnes wrote:
bores me senseless
That's OK, the unpretentious like it.
Not groundbreaking by any means, but pretty likeable anyway.
noelbarnes wrote:
bores me senseless
Ditto! Ditto! Dittoch..chr.. Ditt..zz...zzz.. Dizz..chr..chr
Puts a smile on my face
punkbot wrote:
Here's the thing about Jack...he's a surfer first, a musician second. He doesn't pretend that his songs are the greatest thing since sliced bread. He plays stuff that make him feel good and doesn't necessarily have some deeper meaning. The fact that his music has taken off just means that sometimes that's all people want as well. As a bit of a music snob myself, my hard shell was melted when I went with my girl to see him live and realized there ain't nothing wrong with chilling out for a few hours. There's plenty of room for Jack Jackson in the big picture of it all. Chillax my firends. Chillax...
Jack Johnson - Better Together there's no combination of words i could put on the back of a postcard no song that i could sing but i can try for your heart ... ... our dreams and they are made out of real things like a shoebox of photographs with sepiatone loving love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart like why are we here and where do we go and how come we're so hard it's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving i'll tell you one thing its always better when we're together ... ... its always better when we're together we'll look at them stars when we're together and all of these moments just might find there way into my dreams tonight but i know that they'll be gone when the morning light sings and brings new things but tomorrow night you see that theyll be gone too too many things i have to do but if all of these dreams might find their way into my day to day scene i'll be under the impression i was somewhere in between with only two just me and you not so many things we got to do or places we got to be we'll sit beneath the mango tree i believe in memories they look so so pretty when i sleep ... ... hey now, and when i wake up you look so pretty sleeping next to me but there is not enough time and there is no song i could sing and there is no combination of words i could say but i will still tell you one thing we're better together ... ...
bores me senseless
punkbot wrote:
Here's the thing about Jack...he's a surfer first, a musician second. He doesn't pretend that his songs are the greatest thing since sliced bread. He plays stuff that make him feel good and doesn't necessarily have some deeper meaning. The fact that his music has taken off just means that sometimes that's all people want as well. As a bit of a music snob myself, my hard shell was melted when I went with my girl to see him live and realized there ain't nothing wrong with chilling out for a few hours. There's plenty of room for Jack Jackson in the big picture of it all. Chillax my firends. Chillax...
right on...
ethajn wrote:
Nothing terribly original or musically "interesting" about this song. And it's sunshiney mood is enough to drive one into a rage or a deep psychotic depression, if one were listening to it at the wrong time. But that I usually thrive on far darker fare is my fault, not Jack Johnson's, and there's nothing unpleasant about the song. If it comes on the radio, I wouldn't turn it off, but I certainly wouldn't buy the album.
I would turn it off and forget about the album. Kitschy shit like this makes you want to puke....
Here's the thing about Jack...he's a surfer first, a musician second. He doesn't pretend that his songs are the greatest thing since sliced bread. He plays stuff that make him feel good and doesn't necessarily have some deeper meaning. The fact that his music has taken off just means that sometimes that's all people want as well. As a bit of a music snob myself, my hard shell was melted when I went with my girl to see him live and realized there ain't nothing wrong with chilling out for a few hours. There's plenty of room for Jack Jackson in the big picture of it all. Chillax my firends. Chillax...
Nothing terribly original or musically "interesting" about this song. And it's sunshiney mood is enough to drive one into a rage or a deep psychotic depression, if one were listening to it at the wrong time. But that I usually thrive on far darker fare is my fault, not Jack Johnson's, and there's nothing unpleasant about the song. If it comes on the radio, I wouldn't turn it off, but I certainly wouldn't buy the album.
I think that if he hadn't become popular with the college crowd all you angsty, grumpy people would find the mellow melodies to be pleasantly relaxing!
blah and boring
Please, God. Make it stop. Mute.
This is pointless derivative dross, otherwise OK
I agree with a lot of the commenters: 1. His fans do play him way too much, much like DMB or Ben Harper. 2. Some of his music is way too happy, but then again, there's always "It's all Understood" from Brushfire Fairytales". 3. It is boilerplate, but it's good boilerplate. Yes, even boilerplate can be well done, when done simply and cleanly. Jack Johnson doesn't rock my world, but I do enjoy listening to him more often than not.
His best album, wonderful!
MrGreg wrote:
This is boilerplate frat-rock. I can't explain though, for some reason I want to hate it, but I can't...
hard to hate. hard to love, either. indifference is the worst.
give me waltzing matilda any day...
This is boilerplate frat-rock. I can't explain though, for some reason I want to hate it, but I can't...
oufason wrote:
Whats your point? Hey, I resemble that remark!
That was my point, just filing and categorizing like old fart that I am destined to become and am well on my way to being. :)
Bizzarefall wrote:
Again this falls under the category of music for "old" people to f@*k too, along with Norah Jones and some others.
Whats your point? Hey, I resemble that remark!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango Details on mango trees.
karlaanne wrote:
this guy writes gap commercials. or VW Bug commercials. how is he popular?
Again this falls under the category of music for "old" people to f@*k too, along with Norah Jones and some others.
Get your Maika'i cards out brah cause there is a place for this stuff but if your not there in that place then you're probably in the place to get t-bowl cleaner for the maid...and that's funny!
I don't care what anyone else thinks, this guy just chills me right out.
Too happy. Ick.
Good relaxed, easy sound. There's a place in life for this. Makes me feel mellow without anything else needed. I would like a mango lassi, though.
this guy writes gap commercials. or VW Bug commercials. how is he popular?
Of course, listening to this just now when I'm not with the person it is obviously referring to makes it somehow sweeter in a strange sort of way...
Welcome back, Kotter.
sounds like a chick flick...
mxdcec wrote:
Makes me wanna run out and buy toilet bowel cleaner for the maid.
Personaly, i dig JJ,,but that shit is funny.
i LIKE IT CAUSE IT'S SIMPLE AND RELAXING. OH, I'M OUT OF KAHLUA, BETTER GO GET SOME MORE
poprocker1 wrote:
The problem is that i can walk down to the street corner and hear the same damn thing. i expect something better when i listen to RP.
This falls under the category of "music for old people to f**k to, Norah Jones falls under this category too. With that said, I can't help but like it anyway.
flake was a good song, but jack johnson's gotten a litle annoying because his fans can't stop playing him. he's like the solo dmb.
What? mxdcec wrote:
Makes me wanna run out and buy toilet bowel cleaner for the maid.
i loooove jack johnson and i love this song!
This is lovely. Never before have mango trees seemed so appealing.
Screature wrote:
All the Jack Johnson slammers sould take some Valium, smoke a joint, take a walk along the beach or something; anything, but CHILL! This music is smooth, mellow, and should be appreciated for what it is, not dissed for what it is not. In fact that is true of 90% of the negative commentary that I read here. Open your minds people and your ears will follow!!
The problem is that i can walk down to the street corner and hear the same damn thing. i expect something better when i listen to RP.
All the Jack Johnson slammers sould take some Valium, smoke a joint, take a walk along the beach or something; anything, but CHILL! This music is smooth, mellow, and should be appreciated for what it is, not dissed for what it is not. In fact that is true of 90% of the negative commentary that I read here. Open your minds people and your ears will follow!!