Selective Memory Lyrics

Lyric discussion by despondent 

Cover art for Selective Memory lyrics by Eels

To me, this can only be about Mark's mother. It can't be about romatic love, because of the line that says "When I was a baby..."

And "selective memory" doesn't mean he wants or tries to forget. The term itself doesn't refer to a conscious mode of behavior, for one thing. Also, there is the part of the chorus that says "I wish I could remember", which pretty much means that he's talking purely about faded childhood memories.

Mark is a genius. Too good for radio, or widespread success. People would rather choke on mainstream crap.