One week ago today, Troy Gentry lost his life in a helicopter crash while en route to a concert in New Jersey. The tragedy came as Montgomery Gentry was gearing up to release a new album next year. Now, fans can hear the first track off that record, which acts as a fitting and moving tribute to Gentry's incredible talents and determined spirit.
Unlike most of Montgomery Gentry's previous singles, "Better Me" features Troy as the lead vocalist throughout. Although on the surface the song could be taken as just a simple tune about a guy trying to get his life together, anyone who attended or watched Gentry's memorial service can see the parallels between his own life and the narrator's.
Although he was known for his big personality and wild side, he was also fiercely dedicated to his wife and family. In recent years, Gentry's longtime friend and preacher said he had built an even stronger spiritual belief system. Now, as fans try to make sense of this unbelievable loss, "Better Me" feels like the perfect way to honor Troy Gentry's life and career, both of which were cut short far too soon.
Listen to the moving track below.
In a press release, Montgomery Gentry's label revealed that the group had a new album ready to be released in the coming months. It's unclear if or when that record will still be made public.
READ MORE: New Report Provides Details of Troy Gentry's Helicopter Crash
Over the past week, many country musicians have honored Gentry by covering some of his biggest hits. Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion and Jason Aldean all shared emotional musical tributes just hours after news of his passing broke.
"Better Me" Lyrics:
I'm getting older
Finding myself and God getting a little bit closer
And sober
I'm a little less reckless
Little less wildcard
Breaking hearts
Kinda senseless
Yeah I'm coming around
I might cuss and fight
Tell lies
Break a few rules
Making promises I can't keep
But I've turned the page on wilder days
I'm writing all this down
Hoping you'll see
I ain't saying I'm perfect
but I'm working on a better me
They say I'm sorry
Sometimes is the hardest part to tell somebody
Well baby I'm sorry
Yeah I've been praying
Coming from me that might sound a little bit crazy
But I swear I'm changing
I might cuss and fight
Tell lies
Break a few rules
Making promises I can't keep
But I've turned the page on wilder days
I'm writing all this down
Hoping you'll see
I ain't saying I'm perfect
but I'm working on a better me
Didn't want to call you up
Didn't want to just stop by
Wanted to take my time and make sure I got every word right
I still cuss and fight
Tell lies
Break a few rules
Making promises I can't keep
But I've turned the page on wilder days
I'm writing all this down
Hoping you'll see
I ain't saying I'm perfect
but I'm working on a better me
