Pretty (Ugly Before)
Elliott Smith
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Sunshine been keeping me up for days There is no nighttime, it's only a passing phase And I feel pretty, pretty enough for you I felt so ugly before I didn't know what to do Sometimes is all I feel up to now But it's not worth it to you, 'cause you gotta get high somehow Is it destruction that you're required to feel? Like somebody wants you, someone that's more for real? Sunshine been keeping me up for days There is no nighttime, only a passing phase And I'll feel pretty another hour or two I felt so ugly before I didn't know what to do I felt so ugly before I didn't know what to do I felt so ugly before I didn't know what to do Ugly before
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Written by: ANTONIO DIXON, KENNETH EDMONDS, ALEXANDER GRANT, PATRICK SMITH
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Song Release"Pretty (Ugly Before)" was released as part of Elliott Smith's sixth and final studio album, "From a Basement on the Hill" in 2004.
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Single ReleasePrior to its inclusion on the album, the song was released as a single in August 2003.
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Posthumous Release"From a Basement on the Hill" was released posthumously, following Elliott Smith's death in October 2003, making it one of the last songs he released.
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Indie Rock GenreThe song falls into the genre of indie rock, a genre Elliott Smith was synonymous with.
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Critics' ReviewsCritics praised "Pretty (Ugly Before)" for its poignant lyrics and Smith's signature juxtaposition of beautifully melodic music with starkly realistic lyrical themes.
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Emotional UndertoneMany fans and critics interpret the song as conveying Smith's struggle with depression and substance abuse, which were ongoing issues throughout his life.
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Recording ProcessSmith recorded "Pretty (Ugly Before)" along with the rest of the "From a Basement on the Hill" album in multiple locations, including Los Angeles and Portland.
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CollaborationsSmith collaborated with many other artists during the creation of "From a Basement on the Hill", although he was the sole performer on "Pretty (Ugly Before)".
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Music VideoThough it does not have an official music video, "Pretty (Ugly Before)" is often paired with visuals during live concert footage from fans.
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LegacyDespite Smith's untimely death, "Pretty (Ugly Before)" continues to be enjoyed by fans worldwide and stands as an integral part of his musical legacy. It is frequently covered by other artists, furthering its impact on the music industry.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by multiple independent artists and bands as a tribute to Elliott Smith's influence on the indie rock scene.
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Public ResponseUpon its release, "Pretty (Ugly Before)" resonated deeply with audiences, garnering emotional reactions from fans for its poignant and touching lyrics.
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Personal SignificanceElliott Smith himself never gave a definitive explanation for the meaning of "Pretty (Ugly Before)", leaving fans to draw their own interpretations from its deeply personal lyrics.
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