Compliment? lyrics

Well, I've felt worse and I have felt

better than this.

I've made a pacifier

out of my fist.

But I don't care when bones are bare,

the mind can't interfere

and what I've said outside my head,

anyone could hear.

Maybe I praise you 

'cause I cannot praise myself.

Won't you just take

a compliment from me?

Perhaps they're understated

and a little overmasked.

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 troubles.

Cut me open with your laughter,

I bleed complementary colors.

Tender seedlings trampled

and overwatered boughs.

Won't you just take

a compliment from me?

Perhaps they're overstated

and a little undermasked.

If they were what I really meant,

it'd 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

and each one has its special way

of making everyone contempt me.

It seems rather selfish to wanna be loved,

or to love and expect you to care,

but my batteries don't run on flattery

as 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 take

a compliment from me.

Perhaps it's too late

or too much to expect,

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.

• Artist:The Posies
• Album:Failure (1988)