Better Than I Imagined (Feat. H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello)

Verse 1: H.E.R.
Passive, past it
I've been thinking 'bout mad shit
Happened, action
Baby, we never lasted
Magic madness
Maybe you was just gassin'
But it was better than I imagined
Drastic acting
To you we was just practice
Sadness, mask it
Hated you with a passion
Had it granted
Baby, I didn’t cap it
‘Cause it was better than I imagined

Pre-Chorus: H.E.R.
Thought it’d be worse
‘Cause it hurts me
But still I can’t
See myself with no one else
‘Cause it was better than I imagined

Chorus: H.E.R.
Hey, hey hey, hey
Better than I imagined
Hey, hеy hey, hey

Verse 2: H.E.R.
Trust me, Lovе me
No, I could never make you
Stay true
Hate to say it
But it’s too late
My expectations
Too low you can’t relate to
Baby but I don’t blame you
Baby, you were the one I always escaped to
Day two, replace you
Maybe I’m just afraid to
Call you
Need you to tell me if it’s okay too
Is it okay I...

Pre-Chorus: H.E.R.
Thought it’d be worse
‘Cause it hurts me
But still I can’t
See myself with no one else
‘Cause it was better than I imagined

Chorus: H.E.R.
Hey, hey hey, hey
Better than I imagined
Hey, hey hey, hey
'Cause it was better than I imagined
Hey, hey hey, hey
Better than I imagined
Hey, hey hey, hey

Verse 3: Meshell Ndegéocello
Hum, hey uhh…
In a scramble to get a flight
I lost my phone
I’m calling you from the hotel phone
I couldn’t get a flight back to the States
I realize you’re the only number I know by heart
Last time I was here, we were together, remember?
I tried to tell you how I felt
“I…”
Then you stopped me, you were…
Then you said, “Don’t ruin it
‘Cause this is better than I could have ever imagined.”
I hope you’re okay staying inside
I hope you’re not lonely
Then I’ll call again
Maybe you’ll answer

Outro: Meshell Ndegéocello
'Cause this is better than I could have ever imagined

While at the New York premiere for The Photograph, which Glasper scored (H.E.R.’s single “Comfortable” was also on the soundtrack), H.E.R. turned around to Glasper and suggested they go to the studio. He immediately agreed and asked when, to which she responded “tonight.” A few hours later, they were in the studio and “Better Than I Imagined” is the result of that session.

The song is an ode to the possibility and perils in relationships.