Even though it was only released as a single in Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America, "Better Man" is one of Robbie Williams' most popular songs among his fanbase. The acoustic ballad is about the search for love and the hope of redemption, with Williams singing in the chorus: "As my soul heals the shame, I will grow through this pain. Lord, I'm doing all I can, to be a better man."
Williams wrote it in the South of France while struggling with loneliness and depression. Despite being one of the most famous pop stars in Britain, he was deeply unhappy. He told Q in August 2000: "I was really down. I was f--king heartbroken, nothing to do with relationships, but I was thinking, 'Well, you've got it, son. Well done. You've made it, you're in the South of f--king France, you've made money, you're more famous than anyone would want to be, and it's not doing it, is it?'" The former Take That member said he prayed to a higher songwriting power, asking for a song to help him come to terms with his emotions. "I said to myself, 'I'll just pray to John Lennon and if he's listening then maybe he'll give me something.' Now, that can be taken as raging arrogance or plain loony but I started strumming these chords which became the verse and the whole thing was written in an hour. And I mean that song. It's me being honest. Not ironic or smart-arse, it's just me."
Williams recorded a Spanish version, "Ser Mejor" ("Be Better"), which was included on the Latin American pressings of Sing When You're Winning.
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