Compliment?

Well I dont care when bones are bare
The mind cant interfere
And what Ive said outside my head
Anyone can hear

Maybe I praise you cause I cannot praise myself
Wont you just take
A compliment from me?

Perhaps theyre understated
And a little overmasked
If they were hand delivered
It would be more than I could ask

Forwardness aint my business
But you can fish for compliments
While I beg for forgiveness

Id 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 aint 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
Wont you just take
A compliment from me?

Perhaps theyre 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 its 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 dont run on flattery
And it just gets me nowhere

Oh when was I ever promised
Id get back all that I gave?
But I wouldnt care if youd take
A compliment from me

Perhaps its too late
Or too much to expect
But compliments that come no strings attached-aca