Time Machine Lyrics

I built a time machine, went back to '99
told Kimya Dawson "don't cry.
That writing you wrote where you lost your pet turtle brought surprising tears to my eyes.
And I know that animals and people keep dying
and disloyal friends and addictions are trying.
But one day your ears will be filled with sad kids
singing the songs of the things that you did
and there's a million more reasons why you ought to live.
Oh don't you realize how special you are?
Why don't you realize how special you are?"

Then I went to Omaha, March '97
to tell Conor Oberst that he'd be okay.
I said "don't take those pills, though your songs give me chills
there are far bigger reasons why you need to stay.
And I know you feel as if you don't belong
and I know what its like when the chords sound all wrong.
But one day your ears will be filled with sad kids
singing the songs of the things that you did
and there's a million more reasons why you ought to live.
Oh don't you realize how special you are?
Why don't you realize how special you are?"

I'm just a sad kid composing sad songs
about my favorite singers when their lives went wrong.
The same old three chords played with such unskilled hands
and words that I know the world won't understand.
But just then a strange kid appeared in my bedroom
who smiled and said "I've got something to tell you."
They said "you don't know me, but when I'm hurt you hold me.
You probably think that's silly, or you hear it everyday.
In my anxiety you calm me, we have sat together sobbing
you're everything I wish to be.
Its your voice that saved me, I think of you daily
and someday someone will say this to me.

And one day your ears will be filled with sad kids
singing the songs of the things that you did
and there's a million more reasons why you ought to live.
Oh don't you realize how special you are?
Why don't you realize how special you are?"

Its just C, A minor, C, F
whatever you do try and do it your best.
And strive to console and be good and be honest
and one day the crushed thing might lift from your chest.

And oh don't you realize how special you are?
Why don't you realize how special you are?
How smart and how lovely
how sensitive and comforting
how precious and priceless and special you are.