Well I've felt worse and I have felt
Well I don't care when bones are bare
And what I've said outside my head
Maybe I praise you 'cause I cannot praise myself
Perhaps they're understated
If they were hand delivered
It would be more than I could ask
Forwardness ain't my business
But you can fish for compliments
While I beg for forgiveness
I'd like to reap the flatteries I sow
But I really cast seeds of doubt
Looks like you take them from everyone
And everyone hands them out
Self mutilation just ain't my trip
But now this is worth the trouble
Cut me open with your laughter
I bleed complementary colors
Tender seedlings trampled
Perhaps they're overstated
If they were what I really meant
It would be more than I could ask
Forwardness should be my business
But you can fish for compliments
While I beg for forgiveness
Well I have tried every approach
And they always leave me empty
But each one has it's special way
Of making everyone contempt me
It seems rather selfish to want to be loved
Or to love and expect you to care
But my batteries don't run on flattery
And it just gets me nowhere
Oh when was I ever promised
I'd get back all that I gave?
But I wouldn't care if you'd take
But compliments that come no strings attached
Well, they're certainly the best
Thing for me, I adore you
But you can fish for compliments
And I won't be there to bore you