“I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” is a song by The Byrds, written by the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist Gene Clark. It was released in June 1965 as part of their debut album, Mr. Tambourine Man.
Although it was not a single, the song has become one of the band’s most enduring tracks, admired for its catchy melody and poignant lyrics. Gene Clark wrote “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” in the early 1960s, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and the burgeoning folk-rock scene. The song features a jangly guitar riff played on a 12-string Rickenbacker,
a hallmark of The Byrds’ sound, and a driving beat that reflects the influence of The Beatles and other British Invasion bands. Clark’s lyrics explore themes of romantic disillusionment and emotional resilience, with a chorus that expresses a desire to move on from a failed relationship: “I’ll probably feel a whole lot better when you’re gone.” The song’s structure, characterized by its verse-chorus format and tight harmonies,
became a template for many subsequent Byrds’ compositions. Upon its release, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its melodic quality and lyrical depth. Though it wasn’t released as a single,
it quickly became a favorite among fans and was often highlighted in reviews of Mr. Tambourine Man. The song’s appeal lay in its blend of folk and rock elements, which were relatively novel at the time. Over the years, it has been considered one of The Byrds’ signature songs and a quintessential example of 1960s folk rock.
Byrds’ Personnel
- Gene Clark – lead vocals, tambourine
- Jim McGuinn – 12 string Rickenbacker guitar, backing vocals
- David Crosby – guitar, backing vocals
- Chris Hillman – bass guitar
- Michael Clarke – drums
Covers
“I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, attesting to its broad appeal and influence. One of the most notable cover versions was recorded by Tom Petty for his 1989 album Full Moon Fever. Petty’s rendition stays faithful to the original, featuring similar guitar work and vocal delivery,
and helped introduce the song to a new generation of listeners. The song has also been covered by artists like Johnny Rivers, Dinosaur Jr., and The Flamin’ Groovies, Bobby Bare, Juice Newton, among others. Each version brings a unique flavor to the song while maintaining the core elements that made the original so memorable. The influence of “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” extends beyond its cover versions.
The song has been credited with helping to define the folk-rock genre, combining the lyrical introspection of folk music with the energetic instrumentation of rock. Its use of jangly guitars influenced countless bands in the 1960s and beyond, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to R.E.M. and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Gene Clark’s songwriting on this track and others by The Byrds is often cited as a key factor in the band’s enduring legacy and its influence on American rock music.
Lyrics
"I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better" written by Gene Clark
The reasons why, oh, I can't say
I have to let you go, babe, and right away
After what you did, I can't stay on
And I'll probably feel a whole lot better
When you're gone
Baby, for a long time, you had me believe
That your love was all mine, and that's the way it would be
But I didn't know, that you were putting me on
And I'll probably feel a whole lot better
When you're gone
Oh, when you're gone
Now I've got to say that it's not like before
And I'm not gonna play your games anymore
After what you did, I can't stay on
And I'll probably feel a whole lot better
When you're gone
Oh, when you're gone
Oh, when you're gone
Oh, when you're gone
Further Reading
Sources
- AZ Lyrics “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/byrds/illfeelawholelotbetter.html
- Wikipedia “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I’ll_Feel_a_Whole_Lot_Better
- Discogs “Mr. Tamborine Man” https://www.discogs.com/release/1796302-The-Byrds-Mr-Tambourine-Man
- BeatCrave “The Meaning Behind The Song: I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better by The Byrds” https://beatcrave.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-ill-feel-a-whole-lot-better-by-the-byrds/
- Allmusic “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” https://www.allmusic.com/song/ill-feel-a-whole-lot-better-mt0004989523
