Pretty The World
Matt Nathanson Lyrics

They tied off your arms
You feel trapped and restrained by the expectations and pressures put on you by others.

With all their pretty charms
Others try to control you and lure you in with superficial things that are pleasing to the eye, but ultimately don't have much substance.

And the same bad lines
Others try to manipulate and control you using the same predictable tactics every time.

Always get you
Despite your best efforts, you still succumb to their demands and expectations.

And you hate the way they wash you down
You despise the way others try to force you into a mold and make you conform to their expectations, to the point where you feel like you're being stripped of your individuality.

Summer hums heavy now
You feel the weight of the expectations and pressures on you, as if everything in the world is working against you.

So you bolded all your best words
You try to assert your individuality and make yourself stand out by emphasizing your strengths and unique attributes.

So that they'd have something to
You hope that highlighting your strengths and individuality will make others see you as more than just another face in the crowd.

Wrap their mouths around
You hope that others will take notice of your uniqueness and talk about you in a positive light, which will help you stand out from the rest.

Show me how pretty the world is
You're asking someone to help you see the beauty in the world, to counteract the negative feelings and weight you're currently experiencing.

'Cause I envy the way that you move
You admire this person's confidence and ability to navigate the world with ease, and long to feel the same way yourself.

'Cause I want something just a little bit louder
You crave something bolder and more exciting in your life, as you're tired of feeling like you're constantly held back by the expectations of others.

All spun awake
You feel overwhelmed and restless, unable to fully relax or find peace in your current state.

I'm twisted in the heat
You're feeling emotional and erratic, unsure of how to make sense of your feelings or find a way out of your current struggles.

God, you're always burning up so bright
You admire this person's energy and passion, and wish you could feel the same way about your own life.

When there's someone there by your side
You find it easier to cope with the stresses and challenges in your life when you have someone to lean on or someone to support you.

Well just take me home
You long for a sense of safety and security, and seek refuge in familiar surroundings or with familiar people.

'Cause I'm a mess enough clean
You feel like you're barely holding it together, and are in need of someone to help you restore a sense of order and stability to your life.

And I'll lie until I believe
You try to convince yourself that everything is okay, even when you know deep down that it's not and that you're struggling.

'Cause you're brilliant when you try
You have faith in this person's abilities and believe that they have the potential to do great things, if they only apply themselves.

Show me how pretty the whole world is tonight
You're asking this person to help show you the beauty and wonder of the world, to help you forget your troubles for a little while and enjoy the present moment.