What I Have To Offer
Eels; Mark Oliver Everett Lyrics

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What I have to offer
Well, there's a lot
Now I'm a modest man
But look at all I got

For all the wear and tear
I look OK
I got good manners

And I make good good pay

And you know I'm all full of love
For you

What I have to offer
Well, there's so much
I care and nurture and a
Tender touch

I got a pleasin' disposition
And I don't care about
Football or fishin'

And you know that I'm all full of love
For you

What I have to offer
Well, check it out
I've learned some things
And I know what it's about

I'm quite discerning and
I'm pretty smart
It takes an awful lot to
Win my heart

But you know that I'm so full of love
For you

Overall Meaning

In "What I Have To Offer," Eels leader Mark Oliver Everett expresses his abundant affection for someone. He humbly asserts that he has a lot to give, despite the fact that he is a "modest guy," and he lists several traits that he believes make him desirable. He insists that he looks "okay" despite decades of bother, has excellent manners, and earns a respectable wage. Even more important is his ability and inclination to care for and cherish others, and he claims to have a natural talent for nurturing and a disposition that, unlike many men, isn't focused on football or fishing.

Everett emphasizes his intelligence and discernment later in the song, claiming that he has learned a lot and that he knows what he wants in a relationship. He admits that it takes a lot to win his love, but he insists that the person he is singing to has succeeded in doing so.

In summary, "What I Have To Offer" is a tuneful declaration of love and devotion. Everett details various reasons why he is a desirable partner and concludes that he is "So full of love for you."

Line by Line Meaning

What I have to offer
I have many positive attributes

Well, there's a lot
There are many things I have to offer

Now I'm a modest man
I am humble and unassuming

But look at all I got
Despite my modesty, I have many positive traits

For all the wear and tear
Despite any damage or wear I may have endured

I look OK
I still appear presentable and attractive

I got good manners
I am polite and well-behaved

And I make good good pay
I am financially prosperous

And you know I'm all full of love
I have a lot of love and affection to give

For you
I am specifically interested in giving love to you

Well, there's so much
I have an abundance of positive attributes