Status

Elliott Smith Song

Alternate Version/Title

From a Poison Well
Ghost Writer

Written By

Elliott Smith

Recording Sessions

Early 1997 (Jackpot! studios, Portland, OR - Jackpot! sessions)

Availability of Official Release

New Moon

Lyrics

I’m a first timer, wishing I was someone else when I see you by yourself
In a corridor where you find yourself now blocked by the doors you lock.

You won’t do what the doctor ordered-you won’t see someone else.
Come on back to me, my bright tomorrow.

And so you feel hollow and you know it’s ‘cause you are-well, at least so far.

I think of you with hesitation-I think of you too hard.
Come on back to me, but don’t make me sorry.

I’m a first timer, wishing I’d been someone else, seeing you by yourself, seeing you by yourself.

Live Version, 2-14-97

You’re a first timer
Blaming everybody else
For the hard time you give yourself

In a corridor
Where you find yourself now blocked
By the doors your lock

But don’t get backed into a corner
Talking to yourself
Come on back to me
My bright tomorrow

You feel hollow
And you know it’s cuz you are
Well at least so far

I think of you with hesitation
I think of you too hard
Come on back to me
But don’t make me sorry

You’re a first timer
Blaming everybody else
For the hard time you give yourself
For the hard time you give yourself

First known live performance

1997-02-14 (Unknown Venue)

Notes

Later became From a Poison Well.

Audio