Status

Elliott Smith Song

Written By

Elliott Smith

Recording Sessions

January - February 1995 (Uppinghouse Residence, Portland, OR - Self-Titled session)

Availability of Official Release

Self Titled

Lyrics

Killing a southern belle is all you know how to do
That and give other people hell
It’s what they expect from you too
But I wouldn’t have you how you want

I don’t wanna walk around
I don’t even want to breathe
I live in a southern town
Where all you can do is grit your teeth
But I wouldn’t have you how you want

How come you’re not ashamed of what you are?
And sorry that you’re the one she got?

Ain’t nobody talking now
Nobody nothing’s said
No one’s about to shout
Nobody’s seen red
But I wouldn’t have you how you want

You’re killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle

First known live performance

1995-03-31 (Ultrasound, Ontario, Ontario, Canada)

Notes

The verse “I don’t even want to breathe” was occasionally changed to “Breathe the air you breathe” when performed live.

Audio