Miss Misery Lyrics

Lyric discussion by acm 

Cover art for Miss Misery lyrics by Elliott Smith

I believe most of you missed the meaning. To me, this is one of the most beautiful and accurate descriptions of major depression in modern music. Elliott's "Ms. Misery" is within him - it is the darkness from which he attempts to extricate himself. Sadly, this may not be possible and he knows this. "I know you'd rather see me gone than to see me the way that I am," he retorts within himself. There is hope here, as in "but I am in the life anyway," but it is impermanent and he ultimately resigns: "I try to be but you know me, I come back when you want me to."

When it is understood that Elliott's words are directed towards himself, we are immediately gripped by the knowledge that they foreshadow his fate. We can hope that Elliott has found some release from the suffering that resounds in these words - and those of us that found in him a truly empathic soul can be thankful that he gave us a voice of uncompromising honesty.

yes! you got it dead on. RIP Elliott

acm - That was my wife's first reaction to this song as well. Miss Misery is depression. She also felt that Fond Farewell to a Friend also spoke to depression. Great writer - no doubt.

What acm said.