On their own, Green and Shapiro have long been notable figures among indie-pop fans, cherished for their off-kilter sensibility (him) and elegantly quirky style (her). As part of New York City’s “anti-folk” scene at the end of the nineties, Adam Green first came to prominence as one-half of Moldy Peaches, his duo with Kimya Dawson that enjoyed belated mainstream success via the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the 2007 indie film Juno.
Pity Love
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro Lyrics
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Splitting out like thunder
Everybody
Everybody's cheating on each other
Oh, I was out for what you've never shown
Just 'cause I expect it doesn't make it so
Ain't too proud for kneeling
Almost stronger than the real thing
You said I was too nice
Thinking you could take it
Leaving in a huff
Wishing time was more spacious
Oh, you can try to keep the outside out
But I love you more than you'll allow
I have not, nor will be
I offer pity love
Sometimes so strong, you fear me
My mind was everywhere
And my worry came too
Mistake my pity love
For the kind that needs you
Collecting all the pieces that I found
I oughta take you right back to the pound
I wish you'd not have me
Defective to the point
That always left your boyfriends laughing
The lyrics of Adam Green & Binki Shapiro's "Pity Love" delve into the complex nature of love and how it can sometimes be mistaken for pity. The first stanza paints a picture of a broken heart, with the singer feeling as though their love is exploding in all directions like thunder. The second line, "Everybody's cheating on each other," adds a layer of melancholy to the sentiment - perhaps the heartbreak is caused by infidelity. However, the stanza ends with the singer acknowledging their own role in the situation, admitting that they have been expecting too much.
In the second stanza, the focus shifts to the relationship itself. The singer's partner has told them that they are "too nice," which may have led to the partner taking advantage of the singer's kindness. The line "Leaving in a huff / Wishing time was more spacious" suggests that the partner has left abruptly, wanting to put some distance between them. Despite this, the singer still loves their partner fiercely. They acknowledge that their love may be perceived as "pity," but it is still incredibly strong.
The final stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as the singer reflects on their own struggles with mental health. They describe their own mind as being scattered and filled with worry, and worry that their partner may see their love as being born from a sense of obligation rather than genuine affection. The final line is particularly devastating, as the singer suggests that their previous boyfriends have laughed at them for their perceived "defectiveness."
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is everywhere
My emotions are scattered and unfocused
Splitting out like thunder
They are intense and explosive
Everybody
All people
Everybody's cheating on each other
People are unfaithful to their partners
Oh, I was out for what you've never shown
I was searching for something that you never gave me
Just 'cause I expect it doesn't make it so
My assumptions don't necessarily reflect reality
Ain't too proud for kneeling
I am willing to humble myself
My pity, pity love
I'm offering love because I feel sorry for you
Almost stronger than the real thing
This love feels intense, but it's not genuine
You said I was too nice
You criticized me for being overly kind
Thinking you could take it
Assuming that you could handle my kindness
Leaving in a huff
You got angry and stormed out
Wishing time was more spacious
Regretting how quickly things escalated
Oh, you can try to keep the outside out
You may attempt to keep up emotional barriers
But I love you more than you'll allow
My feelings for you exceed what you're willing to accept
I have not, nor will be
I haven't been and will never be
I offer pity love
I'm giving you love because I feel sorry for you
Sometimes so strong, you fear me
This 'love' may feel so strong that it's overwhelming or frightening
My mind was everywhere
My thoughts were scattered and unfocused
And my worry came too
I was also feeling anxious
Mistake my pity love
Don't confuse this love for genuine affection
For the kind that needs you
It's not the kind of love that is healthy or requires reciprocation
Collecting all the pieces that I found
I'm trying to gather all of the information I have
I oughta take you right back to the pound
I should have removed myself from the situation earlier
I wish you'd not have me
I wish you didn't treat me this way
Defective to the point
I feel flawed and inadequate
That always left your boyfriends laughing
You made fun of me to other people, especially your previous partners
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ADAM GREEN, JORDANA SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind