Oddly enough, all three of the singles from CARTOONS -- a critically and commercially unsuccessful venture -- were top-40 hits. This one made it to #17, which is amazing because it's extremely unusual. Nick speak-sings the lyrics while strumming his acoustic guitar randomly -- there is no melodic value whatsoever, and the guitar is from a different take than the vocals so everything is out of sync. For whatever reason, it hit the big time with alternative radio and was #1 on modern rock charts for two months. This may have had something to do with the highly original video, featuring the disintegration of a relationship told backwards.
In more recent live versions, this track has become more straightforward, a well-received change.
A day of regret
Swimming in failure
I'm not where I should be
I was on the A-list
How did I get here?
I couldn't talk to anybody
That's when I met you
So I could play a part
Never spoke a word of truth
Because I thought I loved you
I knew you weren't the one
I thought I loved you
I loved to be what you needed
I thought I loved you
Once upon a time
But I'm in too deep
I didn't want to hurt you all
I didn't want to fall
I just thought I loved you
In my own little way
I thought I loved you
Once upon a time
And now I just gotta say
Goodbye
I'll miss you
I'm starting again
And I don't love you