Compliment?

Well I've felt worse and I have felt
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