Lyrics of
Self Esteem

Self Esteem by The Offspring discusses themes of low self-esteem and toxic relationships. Inspired by lead vocalist Dexter Hollands personal experience, it reflects on a one-sided relationship and its negative impact on self-worth. The lyrics capture the essence of desperation and dependency in dysfunctional relationships.


I wrote her off for the tenth time today
And practice all the things I would say
When she came over I lost my nerve
I took her back and made her dessert
Now 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 got no self esteem


We make plans to go out at night
I wait till 2 then I turn out the light
All this rejection's got me so low
If she keeps it up I just might tell her so


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 yeah yeah


Now I'll relate this little bit
That happens more than I'd like to admit
Late at night she knocks on my door
She's drunk again and looking to score
Now I know I should say no
But that'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


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 yeah yeah