The first thing I ever wanted was attention
I wanted to be liked and to fit in
And I tried to hide the fact that I was different
So I acted like a shitty little kid
Then the doctor gave me pills for my depression
But I don't really remember how they felt
I took them on and off through adolescence
But they never got me closer to myself

Well I took Marie's affection, never really gave it back
It was selfish desperation and I still feel bad for that
But she's happy now, and married to another guy named Mat
We're getting better if we let ourselves

The second thing I ever wanted was understanding
To know the world and what role I should play
I wrote a couple hundred songs and counting
And met everyone I know along the way
Every person held a small piece of my future
Either something to absorb or to reject
I'm a product of a billion bits of culture
With a crucial little dash of self respect

Well I took my friends' affection, though it mattered less and less
If I went my true direction they would see me at my best
Finally I learned to trust the muscle beating in my chest
We're getting better if we let ourselves

I remember when I realized I loved you
I had never known the meaning of the word
I'm embarrassed to admit that it was tough to
Not just run away for fear of getting hurt
But you helped me break the last pieces of wall down
And I'd like to think I'm helping you out, too
I can say with certainty, once and for all now
The third thing I ever wanted was you

You have all my affection, and I know that I have yours
And that's comfort and protection from the pain that we've endured
While I have my doubts of many things, I've never felt so sure
We're getting better if we let ourselves
We'll be forever if we let ourselves