Don Williams’ “Better Than Today”: The Gentle Giant’s Enduring Optimism, Eight Years Later
There are some voices in music that don’t just sing to you; they feel like they’re speaking a quiet, profound truth, like a long-time friend sharing wisdom over a cup of coffee on a porch swing. The late, great Don Williams had one of those voices. It was a smooth, warm baritone—often dubbed “The Gentle Giant”—that seemed to carry the weight of life’s experiences yet never sounded world-weary. It’s with this beautiful reflection that we look back at a very special track, “Better Than Today,” which served as the opening song for his 2012 album, And So It Goes.
This album, and specifically this song, holds a significant place in the timeline of country music history and in the hearts of his devoted listeners. And So It Goes was Don Williams’ first studio album of all-new material in nearly eight years, a remarkable return after a period of quiet semi-retirement. To hear that familiar, comforting voice again, after such a long silence, was like welcoming a cherished family member back home. The choice of “Better Than Today” as the curtain-raiser wasn’t merely a coincidence; it was a quiet, profound statement of renewal.
While it didn’t register a major splash on the prime Billboard Country Singles charts—Williams’ chart dominance was generally rooted in the 70s and 80s—its significance lies far beyond commercial metrics. For fans, it immediately signalled the return of an icon, and its placement as the lead track on an album that featured collaborations with talents like Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill (a testament to the respect he commanded across generations) placed it firmly in the spotlight. The album itself, And So It Goes, debuted at a respectable spot on the Country Albums charts, proving the longevity of the Gentle Giant’s appeal.
The song, penned by Leslie Satcher and Jeff Stevens, encapsulates a simple yet powerful philosophy that resonates deeply with those who have lived long enough to appreciate its sentiment. At its core, “Better Than Today” is a quiet anthem of unshakeable hope and endurance. It speaks to the universal human condition of facing life’s daily struggles, small or large, and choosing to believe, deeply, in the promise of tomorrow. “I got high hopes that tomorrow is gonna be better than today,” the lyrics profess. This isn’t a loud, defiant declaration; it’s a measured, gentle certainty delivered in Williams’ signature laid-back style. It’s the kind of realistic optimism that an older, seasoned generation understands—the knowledge that sometimes all you have is hope, and that is enough.
The underlying story of the track is inextricably linked to Williams’ own return. After an eight-year hiatus from the studio, the decision to step back into the recording booth required not just technical readiness, but a renewed spirit. “Better Than Today” perfectly mirrors that feeling of looking forward, of having “high hopes” for the future, whether it’s the next day, the next chapter of a career, or the next phase of life. It’s a beautifully subtle piece of autobiography wrapped in a universal message.
For listeners, especially those who grew up on classics like “Good Ole Boys Like Me” or “I Believe in You,” this track is an emotional anchor. It brings a rush of nostalgia for a simpler time, carried on a voice that hasn’t changed—still smooth, still reassuring, still utterly trustworthy. When you hear Don Williams sing this, it’s a comforting realization that even after a long absence, the gentle wisdom and steadfast belief in the good things in life remain. It’s a wonderful reminder that no matter the hardships of the past, or the weariness of the present, the most precious and enduring quality we possess is the quiet, daily courage to believe that tomorrow will be “Better Than Today.”
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