The songwriter already knows the relationship's over. But he wants an explaination for why he is hurting so much. He needs closure.
So he is telling her:
(1st verse)"Now is your chance to get everything out.(Speak your mind).
You were never afraid to criticize before, so why are you afraid to hurt me with the truth now?(You're always telling me I need to open mine).
Give me a chance to talk to you... At least act like you will hear me, even though I know you aren't listening, because you (foolishly) think you know everything about yourself, and life, and love already.
(And wait, wait your turn
Then shut me out cuz' you've got nothing left to learn)
Chorus: You say that your pride is an okay thing to have,(You say there's nothing wrong with being proud) but you don't seem very proud of what you have done or are doing. So tell me why you never gave us a real chance.(So, tell me what you love and say it loud) Tell me what it was that always kept us from being happy. And here is my 2 cents, if you care.(If you're listening this is how much it hurts)
2nd verse: You think that because I'm not you, because I haven't been through the things you have, that I can't understand, that I can't know what to do or how you feel.(I'm wrong again, but not because of where I stand but where I've been).
And it hurts more than you could ever know, it's killing me, but I it's over, and I know it.(And it burns, you know it burns like hell) It hurts to know that we will never work and all I can do for you is hope you find the happiness you are looking for, I hope you are okay. I hope one day you let someone try to love you.(To know there's nothing left to do but wish you well)
Chorus variation: I was big enough to sit here, knowing you never let me in, you lied to me, decieved me with your feelings, and let you try to explain yourself. (I've been good enough to stay and hear you out). But I'm right... this time I am right(about you never giving us a real shot.)(But you're wrong - You're never wrong).
Chorus variation: This whole time I went along with what you told me when you said you loved me, you wanted me.(I've been giving you the benefit of the doubt) And now I am torn up inside because of it.(If you're listening this is how much it hurts)
I see it a little differently.
The songwriter already knows the relationship's over. But he wants an explaination for why he is hurting so much. He needs closure.
So he is telling her: (1st verse)"Now is your chance to get everything out.(Speak your mind). You were never afraid to criticize before, so why are you afraid to hurt me with the truth now?(You're always telling me I need to open mine). Give me a chance to talk to you... At least act like you will hear me, even though I know you aren't listening, because you (foolishly) think you know everything about yourself, and life, and love already. (And wait, wait your turn Then shut me out cuz' you've got nothing left to learn)
Chorus: You say that your pride is an okay thing to have,(You say there's nothing wrong with being proud) but you don't seem very proud of what you have done or are doing. So tell me why you never gave us a real chance.(So, tell me what you love and say it loud) Tell me what it was that always kept us from being happy. And here is my 2 cents, if you care.(If you're listening this is how much it hurts)
2nd verse: You think that because I'm not you, because I haven't been through the things you have, that I can't understand, that I can't know what to do or how you feel.(I'm wrong again, but not because of where I stand but where I've been). And it hurts more than you could ever know, it's killing me, but I it's over, and I know it.(And it burns, you know it burns like hell) It hurts to know that we will never work and all I can do for you is hope you find the happiness you are looking for, I hope you are okay. I hope one day you let someone try to love you.(To know there's nothing left to do but wish you well)
Chorus variation: I was big enough to sit here, knowing you never let me in, you lied to me, decieved me with your feelings, and let you try to explain yourself. (I've been good enough to stay and hear you out). But I'm right... this time I am right(about you never giving us a real shot.)(But you're wrong - You're never wrong).
Chorus variation: This whole time I went along with what you told me when you said you loved me, you wanted me.(I've been giving you the benefit of the doubt) And now I am torn up inside because of it.(If you're listening this is how much it hurts)