Ignore Tenderness

I've been trying to

Be turned on by you

Be turned on by myself

Or anything else

Been watching porn

Lights off, headphones on

Right when the pleasure begins

My education creeps in

I've been stripping right down

Staring at my own reflection

Ever since I was 13, I've been

Pulled in every direction

Such a good student

Of all that conflicting advice

Go put ice in your mouth

Let them slap you about

Go on, choke yourself out

But leave no room for doubt

That you are brave

Beneath the sheets, you're just a cave

A plastic bucket, or a grave

Who said you're not what you get

You are what you gave away?

I've been thinking back

To when things went off track

You know that's not what I wanted

Is that why I feel haunted?

By something small

Strong enough to destroy it all

If I don't change soon

Will it forever eclipse the moon

That keeps me stable

Away from all of that advice

That put words in my mouth

All those drinks on the house

Go on, just let it all out

But leave no room for doubt

That you are brave

A little leaf catching a wave

Strong but willing to be saved

Ignore the tenderness you crave

Be naughty but don't misbehave

Who said you're not what you get

You are what you gave away?