Pressed in a Book
The Shins Lyrics

Doted on like seeds planted in rows
Treated with care and attention like planting seeds in a garden.

The untied shoelaces of your life
Small details or imperfections in your life that may seem insignificant but can have consequences.

Nurtured all year, then pressed in a book
Given time and attention, only to be remembered and preserved in a fleeting manner.

Or displayed in bad taste at the table
Shown to others in a way that is unpalatable or distasteful.

Problems arise and you fan the fire
Creating drama and unnecessary conflict when problems emerge.

While there's a wild pack of dogs loose in your house tonight
Amid the chaos and disorder around you, you are adding to the turmoil.

Cut you from bad cloth or soiled like socks
Having negative character traits or tainted by past mistakes.

Add it up and basically people never change
Despite efforts to improve, people are fundamentally the same and their behavior is predictable.

They just talk and make plans in the dark
Making secret plans or discussing ideas that may not be realized.

Or make haste with ideas that can't help
Acting quickly on ideas that ultimately won't be successful.

But creep good people out
Making others feel uneasy or uncomfortable.

As you talk to me too much, you're assuming
Talking too much and presuming that others share the same perspective.

We don't always want what's right
Sometimes we make choices that may not be the best for us.

Did I strike the right set of chords? You're annoyed
Did I convey the right message? You seem irritated.

The goal is to ignite you, then move on
The intention is to provoke or inspire you, but then to leave the situation.

You feel ill at ease, you got no squeeze
You feel uncomfortable or unsettled, and have no one to confide in.

And the wise cracks won't make you more stable
Making sarcastic comments won't improve your emotional state or well-being.

You've learned your lines to scale and to time
You've become proficient at knowing what to say and when to say it in certain situations.

Why must I remind you now I'm only less able
Why do I have to point out that I'm not as capable as you may have thought?

We're ordinary people, we can't help but to change
Despite our flaws, we are human and will inevitably experience change.

As we walk and make plans in the dark
As we discuss or plot things in secret or unspoken ways.

Or make haste with the boy who can't help
Acting quickly on ideas or connections with someone who is unable to provide meaningful assistance.

But creep good people out
Causing unease or discomfort in those who are well-intentioned and kind.

As you talk to me too much, you're assuming
Talking excessively and presuming that others share the same perspective.

We don't always want what's right
Sometimes we make choices that may not be the best for us.

Two fallen saplings in an open field
Two young and vulnerable individuals in a wide and expansive setting.

Snow padding gently on an empty bench
Soft and delicate snowflakes resting on a vacant structure.

An old woman's jewelry lying unadorned
Items of value and significance left unused and forgotten by someone who may not have appreciated them.

Coal nesting robins allied for the first time
Birds finding comfort and protection in each other's presence, perhaps for the first time.

I know when you hear these sappy lines
I'm aware that you may perceive these lines as overly sentimental.

You'll roll your eyes and say, 'nice try'
You'll dismiss or mock these lines, believing they are insincere or not genuine.