Status

Elliott Smith Song

Written By

Elliott Smith

Recording Sessions

January - February 1995 (Uppinghouse Residence, Portland, OR - Self-Titled session)

Availability of Official Release

Self Titled

Lyrics

Here in line where stupid shit collides
With dying shooting stars
All we got to show what we really are
Is the same kind of scars
And looking at you all I see is
You’re waiting for something.

Single file, you’re a murder mile
You idiot kid, your arm’s got a death in it

If your choking up, take this paper cup
But there’s a price you’ll pay
For trying hard to become whatever they are
And saying whatever they say.
So help yourself to this bitter pill
Or somebody else will.

Single file you’re a murder mile
You idiot kid your arm’s got a death in it.

Single file
Single file
Single file

First known live performance

1995-03-08 (Club Congo, Tempe, AZ, USA)

Notes

Neil Gust contributes electric guitar to the studio version of this song.

Early live versions contained alternate lyrics: “All we got to show what we really are, the scars on our arms.” and  "I put up with your paper cups, two times every day. / Try so hard to become whatever you are and say whatever you say, / Like: “Help yourself to this bitter pill, or somebody else will”.

Audio