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Meaning and Lyrics of Self Esteem by The Offspring

Song Lyrics meaning of Self Esteem by The Offspring

About The Offspring

The Offspring
Formed in 1984 in California, The Offspring became one of the most successful punk rock bands of the 1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, bassist Todd Morse, and drummer Pete Parada. Known for their energetic live performances and catchy melodies, The Offspring released several hit albums including “Smash” and “Americana”. Their influences include punk rock and pop music, resulting in a unique sound that appeals to a wide audience.

One of The Offspring’s most popular songs is “Self Esteem“, released in 1994 as part of their album “Smash”. The song’s introspective lyrics and infectious chorus struck a chord with listeners, becoming a signature hit for the band. “Self Esteem” showcases The Offspring’s ability to blend punk attitude with melodic hooks, a combination that has defined their success in the music industry.

Meaning of Self Esteem by The Offspring

“Self Esteem” by The Offspring is a poignant song that delves into the complexities of relationships, specifically focusing on themes of self-worth, manipulation, and emotional turmoil. The lyrics reveal a narrative of a person who struggles with their self-esteem and is caught in a toxic cycle with a partner who mistreats and disrespects them.

The song’s protagonist expresses frustration at being repeatedly mistreated by their partner, yet despite recognizing the abuse, they find themselves unable to break away. This inability to stand up for oneself is a reflection of low self-esteem, as indicated in the lyrics “That’s okay ’cause I’ve got no self-esteem.” The protagonist’s willingness to endure mistreatment and disregard their own well-being suggests a deep-seated sense of inadequacy and lack of self-worth.

The chorus of the song, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic nature, reinforces the feelings of resignation and internal conflict. The protagonist seems to be grappling with conflicting emotions, torn between the desire for self-respect and the belief that enduring suffering and mistreatment is a way to demonstrate love and care for their partner.

The post-chorus lyrics further highlight the protagonist’s internal struggle, as they question why their partner continues to hurt them while feigning love and commitment. The lines “

Lyrics of Self Esteem by The Offspring

Intro
La, la, la-la-la
La, la, la-la-la

Verse 1
I wrote her off for the tenth time today
And practiced all the things I would say
But she came over, I lost my nerve
I took her back and made her dessert

Pre-Chorus
Oh, I know I'm being used
That's okay, man, 'cause I like the abuse
I know she's playing with me
That's okay 'cause I've got no self-esteem

Chorus
Oh, way, oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah

Verse 2
We make plans to go out at night
I wait 'til two, then I turn out the light
This rejection's got me so low
If she keeps it up, I just might tell her so

Chorus
Oh, way, oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah

Post-Chorus
When she's saying, oh, that she wants only me
Then I wonder why she sleeps with my friends
When she's saying, oh, that I'm like a disease
Then I wonder how much more I can spend
Well, I guess I should stick up for myself
But I really think it's better this way
The more you suffer
The more it shows you really care
Right? Yeah

Verse 3
Now I'll relate this little bit
It happens more than I'd like to admit
Late at night, she knocks on my door
She's drunk again and looking to score

Pre-Chorus
Oh, I know I should say no
But it's kind of hard when she's ready to go
I may be dumb, but I'm not a dweeb
I'm just a sucker with no self-esteem

Chorus
Oh, way, oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, yeah

Post-Chorus
When she's saying, oh, that she wants only me
Then I wonder why she sleeps with my friends
When she's saying, oh, that I'm like a disease
Then I wonder how much more I can spend
Well, I guess I should stick up for myself
But I really think it's better this way
The more you suffer
The more it shows you really care
Right? Yeah

Discography The Offspring

Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace (15th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2023-06-16

Label: Round Hill Music (Offspring)

Popularity: 👏👏

1. Half-Truism
2. Trust In You
3. You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid
4. Hammerhead
5. A Lot Like Me
6. Takes Me Nowhere
7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?
8. Nothingtown
9. Stuff Is Messed Up
10. Fix You
11. Let’s Hear It For Rock Bottom
12. Rise And Fall
13. You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid – Live At Hellfest 2022
14. Hammerhead – Live At Hellfest 2022

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Let The Bad Times Roll (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2021-08-20

Label: Round Hill Music (Offspring)

Popularity: 👏👏👏

1. This Is Not Utopia
2. Let The Bad Times Roll
3. Behind Your Walls
4. Army Of One
5. Breaking These Bones
6. Coming For You
7. We Never Have Sex Anymore
8. In The Hall Of The Mountain King
9. The Opioid Diaries
10. Hassan Chop
11. Gone Away – 2021
12. Lullaby
13. Guerre Sous Couvertures
14. The Opioid Diaries – Live at Megaland / 2018

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Days Go By

Release: 2012-06-26

Label: Round Hill Music (Offspring)

Popularity: 👏👏👏

1. The Future Is Now
2. Secrets From The Underground
3. Days Go By
4. Turning Into You
5. Hurting As One
6. Cruising California (Bumpin’ In My Trunk)
7. All I Have Left Is You
8. OC Guns
9. Dirty Magic
10. I Wanna Secret Family (With You)
11. Dividing By Zero
12. Slim Pickens Does The Right Thing And Rides The Bomb To Hell

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