Better than this

I've made a pacifier

Out of my fist



Well i don't care when bones are bare

The mind can't interfere

And what i've said outside my head

Anyone can 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 trouble

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 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

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