Chinese Tattoo

(album: I'm Not Here To Make Friends - 2012)

Just like the Chinese character tattoo
That's healing on his upper arm
"Strength" doesn't mean what you once thought it to
Don't be alarmed, there's nothing wrong

No one's ever going to treat you right
You're attracting the wrong kind
And you're always left with nothing but anger
And lord knows that it hurts
When coming to terms with
The lessons you're learning

You're trying not to show your eyes
When you're addressing a new "Mr. Right"
This isn't love but it still feels nice
With these immaculate and warm insides

Never once stopping like a shark in its sleep
Moving just to breathe
This is what you call "free?"
Harsh as it seems, maybe "love" means being naïve

The pure and eager part of me
Like pledging some sorority
Is losing its virginity
In some bathroom during "hell week"